Page 53 of Fractured Rhythm

Chapter 13

Jamie:You know I’m kind of a big dill. That’s from Jax. He said congrats on finishing culinary school. We’ll be back in New York soon. Can’t wait to celebrate.

Cassie:Can’t wait to see you guys.

Jamie:Miss you, Cas.

Cassie:Miss you, too.

CASSIE

I would notfan myself as I made my way into the kitchen. I’d woken up sore and sated in Bash’s bed to the sounds of him playing on his guitar. The music rolled over me. It was something new. And I already loved it.

I’d stood out of sight for a while watching him play. Bash in just boxer briefs, with a guitar pressed to his chest, was hot as fuck, and I’d almost stripped down immediately and tried to climb in his lap. His voice was raspy as he sang the new lyrics, and it reminded me of every husky word that came out of his mouth while we were having sex. It was truly unfair to my willpower. Not that I wanted to resist him anymore. We were past that. At least, I hoped we were past that. Everything seemed to be on the table, but I was still afraid I was rushing this. What would happen if we took it too far and it blew up in my face? I’d never fully recovered from the last time.

I shook my head and focused on breakfast, opening the fridge and nearby cabinets to see what my options were. Bachelors living alone who couldn’t cook worth a damn left me thinking the pickings would be bleak, but he surprised me.

“Umm. You have everything to make your mom’s banana crunch French toast,” I said after I took stock of the fridge.

“Yeah. It’s my favorite,” he said, still lightly strumming his guitar as he watched me.

“You can’t cook for shit. Did you somehow learn how to not burn water in the last few years?” I asked.

“Nope. Mostly takeout for me still. I have managed sandwiches on my own. Maybe I was hoping you’d come over one day and make me breakfast,” he said nonchalantly.

I barked out a laugh. “Seriously? You lured me over here with sex so I could make you breakfast?” I tried to sound indignant but failed, if his smirk was anything to go by. A little thrill rocked through me at the thought of him planning ahead for us.

“I did not lure you over here,” he said, setting the guitar aside and walking toward me. “You came willingly.” He paused. “Multiple times.”

Heat pooled low in my belly at his lascivious smile and his piercing blue eyes that spoke of whispered demands and breath-stealing kisses. I wanted him again. Screw breakfast.

“Stop right there and turn around,” I said, pointing at him with the spatula I’d just grabbed.

“You don’t want me to do that,” he said, taking the spatula from my hand and tossing it on the counter before he pulled me into his body.

My nipples brushed against his chest, the friction of my shirt between us sent bolts of desire through my body. I tingled with my need for him, and if his hard cock against my thighs was anything to go by, he was in the same boat.

“I thought you were hungry,” I said, but it ended on a moan when his lips met mine. My hands landed on his chest, curling into the sparse hair that scratched against my palms. His tongue pushed between my parted lips and I sank into him. Into the kiss.

He tilted his head to get a better angle as he deepened the kiss, wiping away all thoughts of breakfast. I could only focus on him. On his mouth. On how good it felt in his arms. I never wanted to leave, and I was tired of that scaring me. We’d been through so much, and where did it end? When was it safe to hope for the best and let whatever happen, happen?

We wanted each other, and at that moment, it was enough.

Eventually, he pulled back, resting his head on mine, his breathing stilted and matching my own.

“That was to say good morning. We need to carbo load before this goes any further, so make me breakfast. I have plans for us later,” he said with a goofy grin that I hadn’t seen in years.

I shook my head. “Maybe I have plans today and don’t want to make you breakfast,” I shot back, teasing him.

“You sure about that?” he asked with a quirked brow.

I grabbed a dish towel and swatted his scrumptious ass. “Go serenade me while I cook and maybe we’ll discuss those plans.”

He laughed and headed back into the living room, grabbing his guitar as he sat down. He played the song he’d been working on this morning. It was about love and finding your way back. I wondered if it was about us. He looked over his shoulder and sang the chorus directly to me.

Good god.

I tried not to melt into a puddle as his words wrapped around me, pulling me in and making me want forever. His voice was raspy with need.

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