And then, we can get more comfortable.
“How’s your side?” Her scrutiny made him hot, but her velvety voice fueled his yearning.
“It’ll do.” He managed to keep his hands to himself and finish the rest of his food. He settled back in the chair and rubbed his stomach, loving the way her eyes were fixed on his chest. “Is now the comfortable part?”
“What?”
He held in a chuckle at her surprised, yet innocent, expression. She’d forgotten.
“You said earlier we could get more comfortable.”
The vein in her neck pulsed and her throat worked as she swallowed. “I’d say you are pretty darn comfortable in nothing but a towel.”
A thrill of satisfaction settled in his chest. Cassie was antsy. Fidgety. He liked that.
“Since you brought that up, maybe you have something a little larger.” With both hands, he angled his thumbs toward the lower part of his body.
“Oh …” She quickly pushed out of her chair. “Of, of course.”
When she disappeared, he chuckled. Clasping his temporary garment, he stepped to the living room and flopped on the couch. Carefully, he arranged the towel so his family jewels wouldn’t hang out.
He took the time to study Cassie’s living room. Cozy. Just what he would imagine her place to be. Soft colors on the walls, with a matching sofa and chair in blue. Noticing the pillows scattered about, he wondered if she often fell asleep on the couch at night while watching TV. An assortment of shelves lined one wall holding little figurines and whatnots. He guessed women liked collecting those sorts of things. It had been just him and his dad, growing up. They hadn’t had much use for knickknacks.
A row of pictures lined the top shelf. He supposed they were of her family. One of an older couple, most likely her parents. One of her, evidently her graduation photo. One of her and Tammy. And one of her and another girl, making him wonder if she had a sister.
Cassie sprinted through the living room and didn’t see him. She came to a sudden stop, then retreated two steps back, jerking her head in his direction. She tossed a blanket at him.
“Thanks.” He patted the space beside him.
“I should get you a new bandage since you’ve gotten that one wet.” Her arms stiff at her sides, less poised, as if she wasn’t sure what to do.
“Okay.” It wasn’t that bad, but if she wanted to tend to it that suited him fine.
Blinking, she lowered her gaze and then it darted back, as if she needed to take another look before she could move. “Oh,” she said distractedly, then dashed down the hall.
He smiled at her reaction. All nerves and jittery. The woman wanted him. He’d have to be dead not to notice.
She came back with supplies and sat down on the low table directly in front of the couch. He stared at her flushed cheeks as she cut a square of gauze. When she leaned forward, her knees slid between his. He silently thanked the blanket for hiding his immediate reaction.
His chest squeezed from the touch of her fingers smoothing over his skin. He watched her in silence, admiring her slanted eyes, her slightly curved nose, her full, plush lips, wanting to devour them. A fragrance between sweet and sinful drifted, acute enough to draw him, entice him.
“There. Butterfly strips. It’s better than nothing if you don’t want to go get stitches.”
She gathered the items and padded back down the hall, he appreciated her tight buns in her washed-out jeans. When she came back, she stood in the middle of the room as if she was afraid to come near him.
“Well, uh, it’s late.” She bit her bottom lip, sending another surge to his groin.
“Come here,” he said in a coaxing voice, barely above a whisper. He held out a hand, palm up. She slowly closed the distance and placed her fingers in his. He didn’t want to rush her, so he gave a slight tug and waited. After a moment’s hesitation, she slumped on the couch next to him. He placed his arm around her, and pulled her close. Holding her felt so right.
He didn’t make another move. Giving her time to adjust, he wanted to assure her he was not going to pounce, even though she smelled good enough to eat.
After a few moments, she gingerly placed her hand on his chest, above the bandage. Her fingers soft against his skin, electrifying the desire in his body. Her sweet scent enveloped him. He rested his head on top of hers and savored the feeling as she snuggled into him.
Now this was comfortable.
Except her hand was damn hot.
It felt like a branding iron pressed into his skin. A slight sigh fell from her lips as she curled into his side. He inhaled a deep breath and felt his shoulders unwind. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so peaceful.