Page 83 of Growing Into Love

“To Cass,” Gran says, turning to me and raising her glass again. “Our girl who can do anything she sets her mind to. I know your mum and dad were watching you out there, dearie. I could feel them, I could. They loved you so much and they’d be right proud to see what you’ve accomplished. We’re all proud to bits of you. I hope you see that.”

“I do Gran,” I say, my throat swelling up. “I’m sorry for snapping before I left.”

“It’s no less than what your mum would’ve done,” Gran says, smiling.

“Besides, what’s a little snapping among family,” Gramps teases. “To Cass!”

“To Cass!” everyone says, and we clink glasses. From across the table, Jaz is looking at me with a molten gaze. Tonight, I get to be with him at last. No more competition to worry about. No more Nigella to be bothered with. No more fraternization rules.

Only him and me.

Dinner is a pleasant affair—Scott and Rosa and a couple other riders come over to congratulate me. I probably have more champagne than I should but I’ve won the Windy Acres Grand Prix, I’m starting a horse sanctuary, and I’m about to make out with the man of my dreams. I’ll have as much champagne as I please, thank you very much.

We finish dinner and I find myself yawning.

“Get some rest,” Gran says, patting my hand. “It’s been a long day.”

“Where are you guys staying?” I ask.

“I booked an Airbnb in Hudson,” Autumn says. “We’ve got a car waiting.”

We hug everyone goodnight, congratulating Autumn and Dec once again, and then Jaz and I head upstairs. I’m bubbly from the champagne and the win, but also tired from all the excitement and the food.

That is, until the door closes behind us. Jaz sweeps me up in his arms and nuzzles his face into my neck. I sink my hands into his hair.

Jaz raises his head to look at me, pride shining from his eyes. “You did it, Cass,” he says. “Did you tell Delilah?”

“Oh shit!” I cry. How could I have forgotten that? He laughs and kisses me tenderly, sending zings of anticipation right to my lady parts. “You know,” I say, “no more competition means…” I raise an eyebrow and grin. “Fraternization is on the table.”

“Yes, I know you sly devil,” Jaz says laughing. “Call your trainer first. Or text her—it’s late.”

He turns away and my face falls.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“I’m going to make use of that jacuzzi tub,” Jaz says, stripping off his shirt and leaving me with a tempting view of his back, smooth tan skin over rippling muscle. My mouth starts to water. Jaz disappears behind the alcove, and I hear the taps turn on. I take out my phone and text Del in all capsI WON I WON I WON!!!Then I send the same text to Zara.

“I’m raiding the minibar,” Jaz calls. “Wait scratch that, this is fucking expensive.”

“Excuse me, you are talking to the winner of the Grand Prix,” I say. “I can swing it.”

His head pokes around the corner. “That’s a good point.” There’s a pop and I shriek. He grins and holds up a bottle of champagne, taking a swig right from the neck then handing it to me. I drink, letting the bubbles fill my nose, the tartness of the wine sliding down my throat.

“Do they have Skittles?” I ask eagerly. Jaz hands me a bag and I rip it open and chomp down on the sweet candies. Jaz steps toward me, his chest bare, and I can’t stop reaching out and running my fingers over the hard curves of his pecs. My heart pounds hard against my ribs, my body alight with need. I can’t believe I get to touch him like this.

“Cass,” he murmurs. We crash into each other, champagne and Skittles forgotten, our mouths colliding hungrily. His pine-and-leaf scent envelops me as his hands travel down my back to grip my ass. I feel his cock harden and I grind against it, knotting my fingers in his hair, needing him closer. He groans against my lips and it sends a shudder ripping through me. I tug at his belt as he yanks the hem of my dress up. Suddenly, I’m in only my pants and bra, Jaz’s jeans partly undone. We stare at each other, both breathing heavily. I feel a sudden shyness.

Jaz drinks me in like he’s never seen me before.

“Christ, Cass,” he says quietly. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

He sweeps his arm around my waist and pulls me against him. In one swift movement, he’s undone the clasp on my bra, and it falls to the floor. I gasp as my nipples brush his chest and he sinks his mouth onto mine, cupping one breast in his hand, kneading and plumping it as sparks flare in my vision. I don’t realize we’ve backed up until I hit the bed and fall backward. I let out a wild laugh, my body bouncing as I hit the mattress, and then Jaz sinks to his knees, pulling me toward him. The laugh dies on my lips as he gazes up at me hungrily from between my thighs.

Jaz’s mouth presses against the mound of my sex, over the fabric of my panties, creating delicious points of friction that leave me lightheaded.

“Oh,” I gasp as he kisses me harder. I writhe against his mouth, my fingers tangling in his hair, my head spinning. Jaz sucks on me until I’m so wet he must be able to taste me through the cotton.

My clit is a hot pulsing bud of need and he teases it with his fingers, rubbing it gently, taking his time. I’ve never been with someone so patient—I’ve never felt such visceral want. My fantasies didn’t do him justice. He rests his cheek against my thigh as he strokes me, his gaze flitting up to watch my reactions and it only drives me crazier.

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