Chapter 13
Pins and needles prick my left foot, but I’ll be damned if I’m moving.
Cassie is curled against me, head tucked under my chin.
Her new bangs tickle my jaw every time she breathes, carrying the faintest trace of her shampoo, something clean and sweet, like honeysuckle after the rain.
Closing my eyes, I breathe her in before I can stop myself.
A tear-damp splotch darkens my shirt, and I couldn’t care less. I’ll sit like this until my foot turns purple if it means she has this sliver of peace.
My own past pain reminds me sometimes the best thing I can do is hold her and let her feel all of her emotions.
I know how lucky I am to have two parents who love each other.
Who showed my siblings and me what a healthy relationship looks like.
I only wish Cassie had that foundation as a child.
I have no clue what her aunt and uncle are like, but I hope somewhere in her past, someone taught her she was worth protecting.
The light in the room has shifted from afternoon sunlight to the amber glow of evening, painting the walls in shadows. The pins and needles sensation has turned to full numbness, but still, I don’t budge.
Eventually, Cassie begins to stir, one hand going to wipe her eyes, then drifts to settle on my chest. I go still, afraid if I move a muscle she might pull away. Her fingers bunch in the fabric of my shirt and hazel eyes lift to meet mine.
“My little sleeping beauty,” I say, but she scoffs and looks away, pulling her hand to her lap.
“Not sure that title fits today.”
I catch her chin with my knuckle, bringing her attention back to me. “Hey, don’t do that. It fits today more than ever.”
Cassie shifts on my lap, so I rest my hands on her waist to help her, my thumb brushing against the inch of exposed skin between her top and shorts. Awareness of how warm her skin feels beneath my touch settles low and dangerous in my body and I have to pull my hand away the second she’s steady.
She clambers to a standing position, stretches and walks to the window, while I circle my foot at the ankle, bringing it back to life.
“How long did I sleep?”
“A while. Figured you needed the rest.”
When sensation returns to my foot, I stand and stretch my arms up, my spine cracking at the motion.
“Cassie, do you want to stay at my house tonight? Company might be good for you.”
I can think of a million reasons, stacking up one by one, for why Cassie sleeping at my house is a bad fucking idea. I don’t do this. Women don’t come home with me. Any other day I’d bite back the words. But that’s not what this is. Especially not today.
My question hangs between us, no pressure or expectations. Just an offer. Her eyes soften and I know she hears my intent. This isn’t a come to my house to sleep with me. It’s more of a you don’t have to be alone tonight. Let me carry some of the weight for you.
She gives a quick nod and the tiniest smile curls the corner of her lip. The sight of that smile on her sleep creased face is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in…well, since the last time one of her smiles was directed at me.
While Cassie packs an overnight bag, I duck into the bathroom to clean up.
I don’t want her returning tomorrow with this mess as a reminder of her unraveling.
She’ll have enough to grapple with. It’s a quick job, and by the time I return, she’s zipping her bag closed.
I move in and take it, slinging it over one shoulder.
Cassie grabs her phone and charger, slides on some shoes and I guide her out, my palm splayed against the small of her back.
The air is cooler this evening; a sure sign autumn is coming. That’s how the weather is in Alabama. One day you’re still in the heat of summer, and overnight you feel the breeze of autumn as the leaves slowly start to turn.
We reach the gravel drive that leads home, and I veer onto it, slowing to a stop in front of Mom and Dad’s.
“Gotta grab Mutt. I’ll be quick.”
Cassie waves a dismissive hand. “Don’t hurry on my account. I’ll be right here.”
I jog up the front walk and let myself in. Mutt and my parents’ dog, Lucy, both greet me, so I kneel to distribute pets and love.
“Mutt, buddy! Our favorite girl is waiting in the truck!”
Mutt’s ears perk up, like he knows exactly who I mean.
Footsteps sound as my mom approaches, looking past me to where my truck sits idling outside.
“Oh, shoot. I packed you some leftovers from dinner. Let me add in enough for Cassie. It’ll only be a second,” Mom says, heading to the kitchen.
I don’t know what it says about me that she knew exactly who I meant when I said our favorite girl. With that thought bouncing in my head, I follow her and take a seat at the kitchen table while she spoons out pot roast, potatoes, and carrots into a to-go container.
She’s humming happily, in a way I know all too well means she’s working up to something and my stomach twists uncomfortably.
“What’s up, Mom?”
She looks up, one hand going to poise dramatically against her heart. “I have no idea what you mean.” That’s all she says as she goes back to packing up vegetables for a side salad. When she’s finished, she looks at me, one brow raised.
“To my knowledge, you haven’t had a woman at your house since…” She lets the sentence trail off, but we both know how it would have ended. Since Julie.
Mom’s eyes meet mine, laced with sadness, her lips turned down.
It’s not like my mom to pry or bring up things better left unsaid. She’s a lot like me in that. We mind our business, and live our lives.
I match her raised brow with one of my own. “Well, come on out with it. What are you asking?”
“Just curious if anything is going on. It’s not my business, but your mama can’t help but wonder.” She points her spoon to Mutt, who is sitting at my feet. “You called her your favorite girl when you got here.”
Standing, I move to the front window and lift the blinds to look out. I can see Cassie, head resting on the bench seat, eyes closed. I may have snapped at Ryan last night, but no way in hell would I talk to my mom like that. And I trust her more than anyone.
“Mom, she’s my friend. I told Ryan this last night, and now I’m telling you. Cassie has a lot going on in her life. What she needs is a friend, a support system, and that’s what she’s getting from me. And I’m not looking for anything, either.”
My mom steps up beside me and loops an arm around my waist.
“I hope you know what a good man you are, Liam. Love you, son.”
“Love you, Mom.”
I drop a kiss to the top of her head and take the dishes from her hand, stepping outside with Mutt at my heels.
With my free hand, I open the driver’s door to my truck and boost Mutt up and into the cabin.
He launches himself at Cassie and her whole face splits into a brilliant smile.
Seeing her face light up at the sight of my dog makes my heart kick into double time.
I think I could live on that sight alone for life, and be a happy man.
My face must betray my thoughts, because when Mutt finally settles down, Cassie eyes me, one eyebrow arched.
She doesn’t call me out though, and I shift the truck into drive and head home.
When we reach my house, I help her out, grab her bag, and we head up the front walk with Mutt trotting along beside Cassie. Little shit is gonna steal all her attention.
“I’m capable of carrying my bag, Liam,” Cassie says to my back.
“Doesn’t mean you should have to,” I call over my shoulder.
Unlocking the door, we step inside. I head to the kitchen to set the to-go containers on the counter, take Cassie’s bag to my bedroom, and return to her quickly. She’s curled up on one corner of my couch, eyes closed, but I can tell she’s not sleeping. Just resting her mind.
“Hungry?” I ask, grabbing both containers from the counter. Cassie shakes her head, which makes me frown. “Have you eaten today?”
She shakes her head again and my frown deepens. “Angel, you need to eat. It’ll help.”
Cassie groans and it’s the cutest damn sound I’ve heard from her so far. “Fine. I’ll eat.”
I grab two forks and head to sit beside her on the couch, placing both containers on my coffee table.
She lets me feed her the first few bites, rolling her eyes at how overbearing I’m being.
But then she takes the fork from me and we eat in companionable silence punctuated with the occasional hum from a good bite.
I glance at Cassie’s plate, surprised to see she’s devoured it.
“That was so good I could lick the plate clean.”
I almost choke on my water. A mental image of Cassie licking anything is the last thing I need right now. Once we’ve both finished, I clean the dishes and return to sit next to her.
Cassie angles her body toward me, knees tucked against her chest. My hand finds the space between us, palm up, an offering, and without hesitation she hooks her pinky with mine. My eyes flicker up to meet hers and I’m rewarded with a small smile.
“Austin plans on being back tomorrow. He tasked me with getting Penny to the bar,” Cassie says, breaking through the silence.
“Oh yeah? What’s his plan?”
“No clue. He said he’d tell me everything in the morning. I’ve invited Josie. I was hoping maybe you’d stop by.” She says this like she’s bracing for disappointment, like she doesn’t already know I’d show up anywhere if it meant just being near her.
Then an idea clicks into place, and I roll with it.
“I’ll come on one condition.” I glance her way, one brow raised.
“Which is?”
“In case you’ve forgotten, we still have a list to complete.” I go to scratch my jaw, like I’m really thinking. “If you recall, number three on that list could be accomplished at the bar. Two birds with one stone. Austin can sweep Penny off her size nothing little feet and you can sing in public.”
Cassie’s eyes go wide, and immediately I regret voicing my idea. She’s already carrying too much today and the last thing I want is to be another weight pressing down. This isn’t about pushing her to do something she’s not ready for, it’s about giving her somewhere else to look, somewhere brighter.
I’m already preparing to backpedal, lips parting to tell her never mind, we’ll do it another night, but then her eyes light up.
“Okay.”
“Okay? Just like that? I figured you’d at least try to get out of it.”
Then Cassie’s mouth stretches into the smallest of smiles. “My mom’s favorite movie is Grease and I think you’d make a perfect Danny Zuko.”