Page 75 of Thaw My Heart

I replace her tongue with mine, claiming every inch of her mouth, pushing her harder against the door. Desperate to feel her body against mine. To close as much space between us as possible.

“Kit,” she moans against my mouth, and fuck, that’s my favorite sound.

My lips are swollen as I pull back. “I should go.”

She steps back into me, grabbing the collar of my Carhartt to pull me closer, chest heaving. “Stay.”

Pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, I admire the tiny freckles on her face, feeling her warm breath pulsate on my lips. “Tell me you won’t wake up with regrets?” Stripping off her clothes and running my hands and mouth all over her perfect body sounds like my favorite dream. But she’d have mixed feelings when we woke up tomorrow.

As good as it felt in the moment, we both would.

She smirks. “That depends on whether or not you can rock my world, Cowboy.”

I’d make damn sure I would, but that isn’t the point.

“Sadie,” a deep sigh escapes my lips as I wait for her to come to the same realization.

Which takes longer than I anticipated, like she’s trying to find the will to let go of my coat and see reason.

“Sadie,” I say again.

“Fine,” she sighs heavily, releasing me from her hold. “I’m starting to believe you’re the gentleman you claim to be. How am I ever going to crack you?”

Little does she know, she already has.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I softly smile.

She opens her door.

“Just keep it down in there,” I add before she closes it, with a cocky smile on my face.

She taps her fingernails on the door. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” she smirks before closing it.

I chuckle under my breath, heading home. Filled with warmth and the lightest feeling in my chest. I don’t know what tomorrow looks like, but for the first time in a while, I’m looking forward to it.

My date with Kit, surprisingly, was the best I’ve ever had. Who knew my grumpy neighbor would have such a soft side? That he could be sweet. He planned a picnic just to watch the sunset, to show me the “best view” in Aspen Hollow, or so he claimed. But I’d argue it’s the second best, next to him.

Besides Blake, I’m not sure if I’ve ever had a first date that didn’t end with the sick feeling of regret, and my clothes scattered all over the floor. It’s an entirely new experience.

Steady and soft.

For so long, I’ve been craving experiences to make me feel wanted… desired.

Over the past year, I’ve had many hot moments of weakness in hotel rooms that left me feeling empty. But at least it was a better feeling than being reminded of how starved I am for touch. For affection. Perhaps steady is exactly what I need. Although sometimes I doubt he’s truly attracted to me. A confusing thought that has to be my trauma talking, because the way he kissed me spoke volumes about his feelings for me.

But damn… I would love to tap into that soft side and see what else is there.

His soft lips and scruff against my sensitive skin are all I can think about the next morning. The way his hands went under my sweatshirt, greedy and filled with intention. It’s nearly impossible to think about anything else.

I’ve been looking for him all morning. To catch a glimpse of my hot neighbor, but so far, I haven’t been able to find him. My entire shift is almost over, and there’s still no sign of him. Normally, he’s in the Mess at lunchtime. Taking up the back corner with a “fuck off” expression on his forehead. Sexy as hell, but he wasn’t there today.

I’m starting to wonder if he’s avoiding me.

“Hey,” Blake taps my shoulder, and I flinch, unaware of his presence. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s all good,” I brush it off. “What’s up?”

“There’s a meeting at the main barn.”