Forever Burning, page 8
Cady knew the answer. “I want him. But I’m afraid I won’t be enough.”
Cassidy glanced at Colton. “By the way he’s looking at you, I don’t think that will be an issue.” Cassidy’s eyes narrowed as she looked outside again. “I have to go. Let me know if you need me to kick someone’s ass.”
“Hey,” Colton said, joining her near the door. “I got us dinner to go. I figured you’d want some place a little quieter now that I’ve apparently become bet-worthy. But, if you want time alone or here with everyone, that’s fine too.”
“Dinner sounds great. Thanks, Colton. For more than dinner. What you said—” Cady took a breath to keep her emotions in check. She didn’t want to cry and she didn’t want to jump him and beg him to take her in front of everyone, either. “It was really nice.”
“It was just the truth, angel.” Colton put his arm around her waist and led her to the door. “Is it okay to go to my place?”
Cady nodded. She’d never been inside Colton’s house before. She’d been to barbecues and such in the backyard but never really inside. Colton lived in a small cottage style house a few blocks off Main Street. It was small, but neatly kept. It was one story, painted navy blue with white shutters, a cute white porch with two chairs, and a white door.
Colton unlocked the door and held it open for her. Inside a single lamp was on, showing a short hall that led into an open floor plan. A comfortable living room expanded into a modern kitchen. She looked beyond the kitchen and saw a bathroom to the left, a bedroom that was converted into an office, and behind the kitchen she assumed was the primary bedroom.
Colton set the bag of food on the bar-like counter separating the living room from the kitchen and began to set out dishes. “Have a seat,” Colton said, pulling out a chair. “I’ll be right back.”
* * *
Colton stepped from the kitchen and into his bedroom. He took a deep breath. What the hell was wrong with him? Having Cady in his house sent all kinds of emotions running through him. Kinds that felt permanent.
Colton ran a hand through his hair and took another deep breath. He had to be cool here. Cady had a horrible night what with getting locked in the closet, facing down that tool Jordan, and now the scene at the café and he wanted to make sure she was okay. Tonight wasn’t about him. It was about her. And he needed to stop thinking about what it would be like to have Cady in his bed, on the counter, on the couch, in the shower . . . Colton exhaled slowly. He had to get it together. He felt as if his heart had been run through by a truck and all he wanted was Cady to fill it. It was shocking to feel so deeply after all these years. He didn’t think he’d always be a bachelor. He was in his 30s after all, but now that he knew these feelings were real and this wasn’t just for fun, he was suddenly nervous that he’d mess it up.
Colton walked out and found Cady in his kitchen after giving himself a pep talk. Her bottom was sticking out from the fridge as she pulled out drinks. She was trying to kill him. Her bottom begged for his touch, but Colton knew it wasn’t the time. Yet.
“Do you want to talk about what you heard at the café?” Colton asked, taking the drink she handed him.
“It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. Well, except for you defending me. That’s never happened before.” Cady reached out and put her hand on his arm. “Thank you for all you said. It means a lot to me. Only Ollie has supported my dreams since my father passed.”
“Ollie?” First Jordan and now Ollie. Was he her boyfriend? No, she wouldn’t have kissed him if she had a boyfriend.
“My dad’s best friend since college. He was Dad’s best man and my godfather. He’s always been like an uncle to me. He’s an attorney in Louisville. He helped me keep the recipes my father and I developed and buy Barrel Creek. He was the only person at my graduation and he was even at the opening of Barrel Creek, but mostly stayed in the background. I see him every couple of months.”
“He sounds like a great guy. I hope I can meet him,” Colton said honestly. He’d known Cady had lost her father, but it really hit him now how alone she’d been before being forced into Keeneston society. She’d spent a lot of time at her distillery before she became a regular at the café and friends with Colton and the rest of his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
“He’s coming to visit next week to hear how the conference went.”
Colton set out the food and they sat down to eat. He liked how it felt to have her next to him. It felt intimate to share dinner together at his house. “What did Joey need to see you about? I hope it wasn’t serious.”
Colton felt Cady shiver. “Mice.”
“Mice? What’s the big deal about that? I would think any place out the country would have some mice here and there.”
Cady shivered again. “Some, yes. But Joey had opened the grain barn and found hundreds of mice. They scattered when he opened the door. Luckily, our grain is double sealed. The mice had chewed on some of the outside layer of the burlap fabric. However, the fabric covered the metal grain storage containers. It makes it look pretty and old timey for the tour. So, nothing was destroyed, but now I have all these mice just running around. We set out cages and traps for now.”
“I didn’t know owning a distillery had so many things going on at once.” Colton frowned, thinking about the last couple of days.
“Normally, it’s not like this at all, but this past week has been one thing after another,” Cady admitted. “I’m sure you have moments like that as a firefighter.”
“Yes, usually it’s around a full moon or during finals week at the high school. Lots of fire alarms then,” Colton said with a laugh. “Too bad all it does is make them stay late to finish their tests.”
They talked about their jobs, told funny stories about work and their co-workers, and Cady talked about her distillery. “Right now, bottling is slow going. But I have an old building that would be perfect to refurbish into my own bottling line. It would be more money upfront, but then I could employ more locals and get my bourbon from barrels into bottles and onto shelves faster.” He saw Cady pause and then she set down her fork and pushed her plate away. She suddenly looked nervous and very serious. “Colton, can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything.”
“What’s going on here?” Cady asked him.
Colton could pretend he didn’t know what she meant, but that wasn’t him. He was straight to the point, even if he were a little mischievous at times. This wasn’t one of those times. “You’ve always been a good friend, Cady. I don’t want to ruin our friendship that has formed a great base for us, but I want more.”
Cady was bouncing her knee, and he doubted she realized she was doing it, but she was bouncing it so hard her whole body was vibrating. “I don’t do one-night stands, Colton. I don’t care how hot you are or how crazy your kiss made me. It’s not my style and I know it’s been yours.”
“One night could never be enough with you, angel.” Colton tried to stay relaxed and calm, but this was scary. Talking about feelings, taking a chance that she might not feel the same, risking their friendship . . . he’d rather run into a burning building. “I wouldn’t risk our friendship for a one-night stand. I have feelings for you and I want to see where they go. If you want the same, that is.”
Colton didn’t think he took a breath as he saw all the emotions play out over Cady’s face. “What about Jasmine?”
“I don’t feel that way about Jasmine. I won’t lie and tell you we didn’t have a very short thing a year or so ago, but I’ve never wanted a relationship with her. You’re the only woman I want an actual serious relationship with.”
“Could you see yourself marrying me and having children?” Cady asked.
Colton laughed. “You’re trying to scare me with those words to test me, aren’t you? Or are you asking? Because the answer is yes and yes. Should I call Father Ben?” Cady gasped in surprise and Colton laughed again. “Angel, love, marriage, and children don’t scare me. You’ve seen my family, right? It was the timing that scared me. Two years ago, I would have run from those words. Not now. I think you’d be adorable walking around the distillery with our children following you as you show them what you do.”
Cady inhaled sharply, and he could see her pulse fluttering along her delicate throat. He wanted to lean forward to place his lips there, but he needed Cady to see that he was serious. He wanted a real relationship.
“We are already friends, so we know we get along well,” Cady finally said. “And I might have had a little crush on you, but I thought you never noticed me.”
“I always thought of you as a good friend, so while I noticed you, it wasn’t with romance in mind. I wasn’t looking for serious and you have serious written all over you. That didn’t mean I didn’t think you were smart and beautiful. It was the timing though. I wasn’t ready for serious then. However, now, that’s all I want. I knew the second I saw you at the reception that you were all I wanted. You were dancing and it was like someone shocked my heart awake and showed me what we could have. Maybe it was the angels sharing the love? Whatever it was, it felt so right. It’s hard going from friends to lovers. It places the friendship on the line. But when it works, there’s no better foundation for love than friendship.”
Cady cocked her head, and then a slow smile turned her lips up. “Friends to lovers, huh?”
Colton groaned because Cady placed her hands on his knees and slid them upward before giving his thighs a squeeze. “Tell me more about that.”
“I think it would be better if I showed you.”
Colton was done talking. The way Cady’s eyes had darkened with desire, the way her breathing was shallow and quick, and the damn way she licked her bottom lip had him ready to explode. First though, he needed to show Cady he was much more than a friend. Friends didn’t give other friends orgasms. Boyfriends did. And damned if that title didn’t turn him on even more.
Chapter 10
Cady was going to do this. She’d put her hands on his legs and was a goner. Even if this was a one-night thing and her heart was broken, it would be worth it. The way he had defended her and the things he said about her were so much sexier than saying she was pretty. Although, knowing he found her sexy was also really nice.
Cady stood up and she smiled at the confused look on Colton’s face. She turned her back to him, looking down the small hallway toward his room.
“Let’s see what you have to show me, Mr. December.”
Cady peeled her shirt off as she walked toward his room. She didn’t look back and hoped he’d follow. She didn’t need to worry. The second she was in his room, his hands were on her. She thought he’d move fast, but he didn’t.
Colton’s hands rubbed down her arms as his lips fluttered against her neck. Cady moved her head, giving him access to her neck as his hands ran back up her arms, stopping on her shoulders. His finger slid slowly under her bra as he slid one strap down. Colton followed its path with his lips before doing the same for her other strap.
Cady didn’t realize she was pushing her bottom against him until she felt his hardness against her. It turned her on even more and gave her sexual confidence she didn’t know she had. It had been six years since she’d been with Jordan. She’d been an adventurous twenty-two year old then. Now she was older and wiser but somehow more self-conscious. Yet, feeling Colton’s erection and hearing the soft words he whispered to her about how beautiful she was made her feel like a goddess.
Cady reached behind her head, spearing her fingers through his hair as he continued to kiss her neck while he unclasped her bra. It fell to the floor where they were standing at the foot of the bed. Colton reached around her and cupped her breasts, teasing her nipples and causing her to groan.
Slowly, Colton ran his hands down her sides until he reached her pants. He slipped his fingers under the waist and pushed them down as he continued his feather-light kisses.
“Is this a boyfriend audition or do I have the position?” Colton asked as his hand dipped between her legs, causing all kinds of fire to race through her body.
“What are your qualifications for the position?” Cady was struggling to keep her attention on the conversation.
“I’m incredibly loyal. I can cook and I clean. I like to think I have a good sense of humor. I’m not intimidated by strong, intelligent women like yourself. In fact, I find it incredibly sexy. I love to support people I care about. Oh, and I’m very talented with my hands.”
Cady stopped talking as Colton demonstrated his talent. She couldn’t form words as one hand went to her breast and the other went to work between her legs. When his audition was done, she slumped against him. His arm wrapped around his waist, holding her up, and he guided her to sit down on the bed.
“So, do I have the position of boyfriend?”
Cady could only smile at the smirk on his face. She loved it. “I’m enjoying the audition process. But you had me at cooking.”
Colton’s head tossed back and he laughed. “So, are we going to do this?” he asked when he looked down at her.
“Well, I’m sitting on your bed naked. I think that’s a good sign.”
Colton looked at her hungrily but didn’t strip yet. “I like seeing you in my bed, angel. But since this is a new relationship, we don’t have to rush anything. I want to go at your pace.”
Cady glanced around the room, scooted back on the bed, and leaned onto her elbows. “Are you getting naked and making love to your girlfriend or what?”
Colton was on the early shift at the fire station and Cady needed to get home, shower, and get ready for another day of the conference. However, lying naked in bed with Colton’s arms wrapped around her after making love twice last night was a damn good reason to be late.
“I wish I could stay in bed all day with you, angel, but I have to get going.” Colton kissed her, his hand lingering over her breast as he did so before he reluctantly climbed from bed. “Feel free to stay as long as you want. You’re welcome in my house anytime you want. I can give you the code for the front door lock. I’d love to come home to the surprise of you in my bed.”
“I need to get going too, but thank you. You’re welcome at my home too. Anytime. I think I’m going to like this relationship.”
“I already do.” Colton bent down and kissed her one more time before she stood up and swatted his perfect ass as he walked toward his shower.
Spending the night with Colton was a perfect way to make her forget about the mice.
“Why did you groan?” Colton asked over the sound of running water.
“I forgot about the mice.”
“I have an idea for that,” Colton called out. “I’ll stop by after your conference wraps up for the day and my shift ends.”
“Thanks! Crap, I have to go. I’ll see you tonight.”
Cady didn’t bother brushing her hair. She barely got her shoes on as she rushed out the door and straight into a hard chest.
“Shoot, I’m sorry,” Cady blurted before looking up into a very familiar set of eyes. Hazel, just like his son’s. “Mr. Davies!”
“If you’re running out of my son’s house with your shirt on inside out and only one shoe on, I think you can call me Cade.”
“Oh, it’s . . .um . . . Yeah, I gotta go. Please don’t tell Mrs. Davies.”
Cade grinned, his smile so much like Colton’s. “Don’t worry, Cady. I won’t say a word.”
Colton heard the front door open and close as he got out of his rushed shower. He hadn’t stopped smiling since he and Cady had made it official last night. Colton grabbed the towel and walked out of the bathroom as he dried his hair. His angel must want a quickie before work.
“Miss me already?”
Colton froze for just a split second before moving the towel to cover himself. “Dad! What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to stop by and see if you were going to be able to make it to family dinner this weekend. Plus, your mother wanted me to drop this off. She thinks you don’t eat enough.”
Colton cringed. He loved his mother. Bless her heart, she just wasn’t the best cook.
“Should I put it in the usual place?” his father asked.
“Yeah, thanks.” Colton watched as his father tossed the Ziplock bag of . . . something into the trash. “Tell her thank you and that I can’t wait to eat it.”
“Go get dressed. We have to talk.”
Dread filled him. His father had been in the military then he’d been a high school teacher and football coach. He was currently using that voice—the one that said Colton was about to be lectured.
Colton dressed and when he came out of his bedroom, he found his father cleaning up the dinner for two that had been left out. “Is everything okay?” Colton asked, trying to play it cool.
“I ran into Cady on my way in.” Most people would make an excuse, but Colton knew better. He kept his mouth shut and his face carefully blank, giving his father no indication of how he was feeling about this. Internally, he was freaking out. “I thought I told you to stay away from her.”
“No, you said she was too good for me. I agree. She is. But for some reason, she likes me and I like her.”
His father groaned. “You stubborn man. Do you have any idea what I’ll have to put up with if this gets out? Your mother and all your aunts . . . oh God, your grandmother! They’ll have you booked with Father Ben within the hour.”
“And what would be wrong with that?” Colton was used to his playboy persona and being teased about it but enough was enough. He wasn’t a bad guy. He was certainly worthy of love and marriage.
“We both know you’re not going to propose. Let it run its course and then be done with it without getting your mother all worked up about wedding bells and more grandchildren.”
Colton frowned. Who said he wasn’t going to propose? Sure, they just started dating, but they’d been friends for years and the chemistry between them last night was equivalent to the heat of a five-alarm fire.
