Page 78 of Hearts on the Mend

I palm my aching cock, slam my eyes shut, and picture her. How fucking amazing she looked sprawled out across her bed, that soft moan she makes when I’m there between her thighs.

The second door to the Jack and Jill bathroom clicks shut, the one I left unlocked from Cassie’s bedroom.

“Not now, Cassie.”

Fog covers the glass, blurring her outline. Still, I don’t move, just freeze there with my hand on my cock. I hear the tap of heels against the new tiles, and it’s enough for me to swing my attention to the silhouette of her body.

I wipe a path clear on the glass so I can stare her down.

Cassie stands just inside the door, arms crossed loose over her stomach like she’s not sure what to do with them. She’s wearing black lace—a bra and panties—and heels. Her weight is shifted onto one hip as if she’s deciding whether or not to bolt.

Heels.

My cock twitches at the thought of trailing my hand up her knee, pressing her thighs wide open for me.

“Cassie.” My voice comes out rougher than I mean it to. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t know,” she says and laughs. “Showing up, I guess. Talking hasn’t exactly been working for us. Too many thoughts in the way, or things left unsaid.”

“We’re not doing this, Cassie. Not playing games. You told me to stay away, and that’s what I’ll do.”

She hangs her head. “It’s not a game to me. I couldn’t get the words right in the kitchen. I’m here… to apologize.”

“Apologize or fucking tease me? Because I swear to God, Cass, I’m a patient man, but I’m at the end of my rope.”

She steps close and brushes her hand over her hair. “I never wanted you to think I didn’t want you. I mean, I know what I said… it’s that… well, I panicked. That wasn’t about you. I was just scared of how much I do.”

It’s been an icy few days, and the worst of it is that I can’t say I blame her. We’re both under pressure, both trying to find ourselves while life just keeps dealing out shitty hands, and we’re doing our best.

“I believe you.” I do. But my hand’s still wrapped around myself, and she’s still standing there in black lace, close enough that her breath is fogging the glass. And now I just want to touch her.

“I could’ve just told you that.” Cassie swipes her hand against the glass. “But I wanted you to actually believe it. So…” Her hand drifts to the clasp of her bra, then hesitates, our gaze never breaking apart. “I’m here.”

I give a quick stroke to my cock, my attention pinned on her. “Hellcat.”

“I know. I’m shaking.” She huffs a laugh, rolls her eyes, but her hands finally move. “Doesn’t mean I want to stop.”

The bra falls to the tiles, but she doesn’t move to cover herself. Instead, she slowly moves backward until she hits the vanity with the back of her thighs and slides up. My cock twitches at the thought of trailing my hand up her knee, pressing her thighs wide open for me to taste her.

“Don’t stop. I want to watch you, Nolan.”

She doesn’t look away as she brushes her fingers over her panties, then slips them under the waistband to touch herself. “Were you thinking of me?”

Always.

“Hmm. Now what? You’re going to fuck me in the shower to make up for everything?”

“That’s only the start of it.”

“There’s more?”

“For us?” Her eyes are heavy-lidded now, but she doesn’t break eye contact. She works her fingers over her clit, then slips them inside herself, drawing out a hushed moan. “No, there’s more for us still. Everything, if you’re still willing to jump.”

“Tell me.” Tension ripples between my shoulders, and I groan as she tips her head back on a sigh, and I grip my hard cock in slow strokes, determined to wait her out. “Feels good, honey?”

She nods, working her fingers over herself, spread out for me on the vanity.

“I want you to come for me.” My voice is rough, breaking at the request.