by Nicole Vidal
“No, I’m fine.”
“Kate?” Apparently, she’s still lost in Keyton’s mouth on hers.
“Huh?”
“Do you want a refill?” Cash asks again.
“No, thanks,” Kate replies, her eyes locked on Keyton talking to the blonde again. He’s just talking to her, but she is flirting like he’s the last man on earth.
“He’s just doing his job, K.”
“I know.”
I glance over at Cash waiting patiently for his drink. Wearing jeans and a dress shirt, I realize he must have changed after his flight here. If he didn’t sleep well either, he must be exhausted. After he returns, we chat a bit with Kate and leave as soon as he finishes his drink. Kate moves over to the corner of the bar to wait for Keyton’s shift to end.
As soon as my front door clicks closed, Cash pulls me into his arms. His mouth claims mine like we’ve been apart for a year, not a few days. He strokes my tongue with his. The intent feels more like staking a claim. Kissing Cash is always intense, but this is different. Travelling over to my ear, his lips send bolts of need between my legs. Lifting my chin, Cash exposes my neck to his tongue. As he kisses downward, I fumble with the buttons on his shirt. After successfully dropping his shirt to the floor, Cash tugs my shirt over my head, adding it to the growing pile on the floor. His dark eyes widen. My workday lingerie is generally boring, and this isn’t one of my sexier sets, but apparently, it’s fine for Cash. It’s just a simple unlined, black lace bra and matching thong.
“You’re gorgeous.”
We move further into my condo, tongues tangling, surging back and forth against the wall in the hallway. The muscles of his back are taut under my fingers. Cash drops to his knees, removing my shoes. I drag my fingers into his dark hair. Inch by inch, he kisses his way up my legs to the hem of my pencil skirt. Sliding his hands beneath the hem, he pushes it up to my hips. Gripping my ass, he continues kissing upward along my inner thigh. My core clenches as his breath ghosts over me. Teasing the edge of my thong with his tongue, Cash inhales sharply in response to my tightening grip on his locks.
Looking up, I can see the questions in his eyes. Are you okay? Do you want me to stop? After receiving a slight nod, he continues to rise, pressing his mouth up my rib cage to the swell of my breasts. Once he stands, he cages me against the wall. He’s pressed against me, and it feels delicious and luxurious at the same time. Dropping my hands, I unbutton his jeans and push them to the floor. My heart is pounding in my chest, my breathing is shallow, and I want so much more. Momentarily, fear grips me. There is no going back once we do this. I feel like I’m standing at a point where my whole life is about to change.
“Tesoro.”
I lift my eyes to meet his. His hands grip my hips while mine rest on his chest. His heart rate is fast against my palms. The feel of his fingers digging into my flesh is intoxicating. “What are you afraid of?”
“Making us real. Believing how I feel is real.”
“We are real. Real. Scary. Amazing.”
“How do you know?” I whisper.
“You make me feel things I’ve only dreamed possible. You make me think about my life and how I want to live it with you.”
I slide my hands up around his strong jaw, tugging his mouth to mine. Wrapping his arm around my waist, Cash turns toward my bedroom. A few long steps later, my calves come up against the dressing bench at the foot of my bed. I’m dizzy from our kisses. His large hands coast over my curves before he unzips my skirt, pushing it to the floor. I step out of the pooled fabric while Cash licks a path over my breasts, teasing my nipple through my bra before unclasping it. He guides me down to the dressing bench at the foot of my bed. Pushing my thighs apart, he settles between them on his knees. Latching onto my nipple, Cash nips and licks it into a tight pink peak. He draws his hand down my side, over the flare of my hip, to my toes. Everywhere he touches makes my skin tingle, making me wetter than I have ever been before. Sweet mercy! He makes me feel sexy and desired.
Moving outward, he licks down my rib cage and in toward my navel. When he drags his tongue up over my core through the satin, it sends a small shudder through me. It’s been so long. Taking control of my thoughts, I focus on now, not worrying about past experiences or what happens next. I lift my hips so he can shimmy my thong over my hips.
The first stroke of his velvet tongue hits me like a lightning bolt. I grip his shoulders as he licks my folds. As he surges in and out, my core tightens with his rhythm. Circling the nub with his tongue, Cash slides his fingers from top to bottom, teasing my rear entrance before plunging his fingers into my heat. Twisting, turning, forward, and back, I arch off the bench to absorb all the sensations spiraling through me from his fingers and tongue. His mouth was dangerous and should come with a warning. Cassius himself needs a warning label. My stomach tightens as my orgasm moves closer and closer. My thighs quake as my orgasm rushes through me. Releasing my hands from his shoulders, I slowly relax.
Rising to his feet, Cash guides me up onto my bed, kissing his way upward before turning us onto our sides. I slide my hand to palm him through his boxer briefs.
“We can wait, tesoro.”
I hear the sincerity and genuine concern for me in his voice.
“I want you now.”
Leaning forward, he kisses me. The tender kiss makes me consider waiting. I want him, and it isn’t going to lessen if we wait. Slipping beneath the waistband, I surround him with my hand and stroke him over and over. Feeling him against me, seeing a glimpse of him naked, and touching him are hugely different things. Not only is his chest sculpted and his abs carved, but he’s well-endowed. He growls deeply.
“I need you to stop if you don’t want me to come from your hand like an overeager teenager. Condom?”
“In the bathroom. Middle drawer in the back.”
Cash jumps off my bed. When he comes out of the bathroom, he’s naked. He drops an extra packet or two on the bench before climbing back onto my bed. Crawling up from the bench, he settles between my thighs. After sheathing himself, Cash leans forward, kissing me softly. The tip lightly grazes my heat at the same time. The anticipation of how we will feel makes my pulse race. Slowly, he pushes forward. I turn my head to the side to process how full I feel.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I just need you to go slow.”
Nodding, Cash moves slowly forward until he’s fully seated. The discomfort gives way to the pleasure of him deep inside me. As if he knows, he starts to move, thrusting forward and pulling almost fully out. The fervor of this moment isn’t lost on me. I have never felt this connected to a man ever before. Each thrust sends spikes of sinful pleasure through me. As I get closer to my release, Cash moves faster.
“Baby.”
The tightness that comes just before an explosive orgasm is rapidly taking hold of me. I shudder as my walls tighten around him. The muscles of his arms are taut as he throbs inside me. Rippling sensations move through me as he empties in a few deep thrusts.
“Holy hell!”
Cash lowers himself on top of me. My mouth near the hollow of his collarbone, his lips curved into a smile against my temple. “Does that qualify as a curse?”
“Yes, hell yes.”
“Hearing you curse is hot!”
I laugh softly, taking in his weight on top of me and the depth of my feelings for this insanely perfect man. I’m falling for Cassius Morgan, and everything surrounding him is terrifying.
19
Cassius
“Don’t go. Stay with me,” I plead as she wiggles out from under my arm. Making love to Noelle last night was life altering. We put one more packet to appropriate use before falling asleep naked and sated. It felt different than ever before. More passionate and raw. She’s the only woman I have ever shared a bed with overnight. The distinction is telling.
“I can’t. We have a big day today. I need to get to work.”
Watching her move around naked first thing in the
morning is sublime. “Can you tell me the schedule while you shower?”
“Sure, but you’ll have to get up.”
“Slave driver, sexy though you may be.”
Grabbing her robe, she disappears into her bathroom. Pulling myself up, I follow her to the bathroom, leaning against the sink. I would give anything to have enough time to step under the hot spray with her right now. Pushing away my sensual thoughts, I focus on her words instead of her shape through the glass. Noelle fills me in on the schedule. I’ll take an Uber to the center, and we’ll come home together. Watching her towel off, I resist every urge to take her against this counter. Once she ties her silky robe, I kiss her softly and pad to the kitchen to make coffee.
“Do you eat breakfast before work?” I ask from the kitchen.
“Normally, yes, but I’m running late today and you’re to blame.”
I walk to her room with coffee in hand. In the time it takes me to brew two cups, she’s almost ready to leave. Dressed in a navy shirt and a sweater with white capris. Her damp hair falls down her back as she sprays her perfume and puts on a watch.
“That’s impressive. You smell amazing. Where is the lavender from?” I ask, handing her a cup of coffee.
She takes a soothing first sip. “Thanks. The lavender is in my bodywash.” She loops her arm through her tote and walks to the kitchen. After pouring her coffee into a travel mug, she turns toward me. “I’m so happy you’re here. There’s a key in the far right-hand drawer if you want to go out. I’ll see you later at the center.”
“Tesoro, I’m happy to be here.” I pull her against me, pressing my lips to hers softly. “I want to talk more about our call from the other night after career day and a few other things.”
She nods before kissing me more deeply and grabbing the doorknob and walking away.
After finishing another cup of coffee, I change into workout clothes and head out for a run. Noelle is highly organized. The key is exactly where she said it was. I push myself through a long run on the sand before checking my work inbox. I have the day off, but I have some time before I need to leave.
The ride to the center is shorter than I anticipated. I’m about forty minutes early. I consider going in but decide against it. Taking a seat on the grassy area, I watch the kids play on the playground, hoping to catch of glimpse of Noelle. She’s probably obsessing about the details for this event. A streak of red hair dances in my line of sight. She’s helping a little girl down from the slide. Later when a woman dressed in scrubs and one dressed from a coffee shop enter the center, I decide to go in as well.
Noelle greets the women and directs them to a small room to wait. The presentations will be outside because it’s a warm, sunny day and the kids will have more space. She extends her hand to me as I approach her. I take her hand and pull her closer to me so only she can hear me.
“I would prefer to kiss you.” I refuse to let go of her hand.
“As would I, but it isn’t appropriate.”
As I walk away to join the other presenters, my client Mrs. Waller breezes through the front door of the center. Her grandson must attend this childcare center. I wonder which one he is.
Noelle escorts Mrs. Waller into the waiting room with the career day presenters. Early guests and the presenters are waiting for the set up to finish. Before leaving, Noelle looks directly at me. I can read her fairly well already. She’s grateful I’m here but is thinking about not being able to kiss me hello.
“Cash, what a pleasant surprise.” Mrs. Waller shakes my hand.
“You as well. I assume your grandson attends this center.”
“Yes. Mason is a wonderful boy. What brings you here?”
Mason can’t be M, could he? That is a crazy coincidence. Noelle has issues with his mom, not his grandmother.
“I offered to help when Noelle indicated that two presenters backed out.”
“Are you a couple?”
I hesitate to answer her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
“It’s fine. We met recently. I don’t know how to label our relationship right yet.”
“Understood. She’s wonderful with the children and beautiful as well,” Mrs. Waller replies.
“She is.” I watch her through the window as she sets up a table and a few chairs along the edge of the blacktop area. Just before two, the teachers at the center escort the students outside in an orderly procession. A dark-haired woman, who is likely Sheila, Noelle’s boss, guides the presenters and guests outside. There are six presenters, and I’m slated to speak fifth. The first speaker starts her presentation, but Noelle is nowhere to be found. She hasn’t come outside yet. Sheila instructs one of the teachers to handle the questions while she moves to speak to Mrs. Waller, standing near the back of the room.
“Mrs. Waller, would you come with me?” Sheila asks before leading her inside. The assistant teachers are handling the students and assisting them with sitting in their seats and listening to the accountant who is speaking now. Just two more presenters before I speak. My concerns increase the longer Noelle and Mrs. Waller are inside.
After introducing myself, I explain my job to the students. Their questions are cute and interesting. Is it hard to fly a plane? Do you have to go to college first? Do you have flight attendants? Is the plane heavy?
As I answer their questions, I see Noelle near the door leading into the center. She looks distraught. Seeing her upset concerns me. Her job is already unstable as it is. I glance her way again and catch her eye this time. She smiles softly before looking away. Whatever happened with Mason, it wasn’t good.
After the final presenter, there’s a reception with cookies and punch. A few of the parents compliment me on my answers to their children. One of the moms asks a few questions that border on too personal before her daughter pulls her away for cookies. I was polite with my nonanswers.
“Mr. Cash,” a quiet little voice calls from behind me.
“Hi, Annaliese. Nice to see you again.” I crouch down to her level. Today she’s wearing a floral dress and white shoes with huge bows on them. She’s adorable.
“Is Miss Noelle your girlfriend yet?”
“No, but I would like her to be my girlfriend.”
“You should ask her.”
I nod as her mother approaches.
“Annaliese, leave him alone.”
“Mom, I wanted to see how it was going with Miss Noelle.”
“I’m so sorry,” her mother replies.
“It’s no problem.”
“Mr. Cash, Miss Noelle is happier. You should talk to her.”
“I will soon.”
Annaliese throws her arms around my neck, squeezing tightly. I hug her back before her mom ushers her away. As the crowd thins, Noelle is no longer outside. Stepping inside, I hear talking from an office. I recognize Noelle and Mrs. Waller’s voice, but not the third one. There’s a young boy curled up in the fetal position on the floor with a woman who I assume is his mother. I continue walking out the door to wait for Noelle. I was hoping this would go well for her, but it appears that wasn’t in the cards. Well, the career day part was delightful.
Thirty minutes later, Mrs. Waller, a woman who I assume is her daughter or daughter-in-law, and a young boy leave the center. The boy is frustrated and not leaving willingly. The mother needs to wrestle the boy into his car seat. Mrs. Waller gives me a polite nod before sitting in the car. Soon thereafter, Noelle leaves the center. Despite what I know was a horrible day, she takes my breath away. Her hair is in a pile on top of her head with a few strands falling around her face.
“I’m sorry you had to wait for me. This afternoon didn’t go as planned.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. All your planning helped the staff pull off a great event. You should be proud of that. As far as your student, I’m sure you did everything you could. Watching you with them is mesmerizing.”
“Let’s get out of here. Do you mind if we stay in tonight?”
/>
“No. Do you have food I can cook, or do we need to order in?”
“I don’t have enough food for you. I planned to go shopping with you after work, but I just want to go home.”
“Tesoro, relax. I just want to spend time with you. I don’t care where we are or what we eat.”
She rounds her car to the passenger door. As I open the door, she hands me her keys before sitting. I resist the urge to kiss her—just barely.
20
Noelle
Our first order of business is Chinese takeout for dinner. In the time it takes for us to change, our food arrives. Cash pours two glasses of white wine while I grab the plates and utensils. We dine al fresco. Apparently, I’m starving. I haven’t said a word since we came out here. I eat most of my dinner and start picking at Cash’s too. I love that he doesn’t mind sharing his food.
“You really don’t mind me eating off your plate?”
“No, why would I? I kiss you thoroughly as often as I can; why would I care about your fork in my food?”
After that answer, I lean forward, brushing my lips across his. He tastes sweet like honey and wine.
“Are you ready to talk?”
“Work or our call?”
“Either, both, or neither.”
“I fully expect to lose my job next week. Honestly, I’m surprised she didn’t fire me today. I owe that to Mrs. Waller, but I think she only pushed off the inevitable.”
“Remember I told you my client flies here to see her grandson every two weeks.”
“Yes.” I take a heavy gulp of my wine.
“Mrs. Waller is my client and apparently M’s grandmother.”
“Wow, that must have been surprising for both of you today.”
“It was. Do you want to talk about Mason? What happened that you missed the event you so painstakingly planned?”
My heart squeezes a bit. I appreciate that he knows this event was a big deal for me.
I sigh deeply. “When Mrs. Sanfilippo arrived, Mason was engaged in an activity. Rather than wait for him to come to her, she interrupted, throwing him off. When she tried to get him to hurry, he had a meltdown. When I approached Mason, his mom had a tantrum herself, claiming I had no business taking care of her son. Mason started rocking in his seat. When his mother touched him, he started shouting. I attempted to suggest a way to diffuse the situation, but the insults got worse. Sheila left at this point.”