Page 49 of Worthy

″Rick keeps a bunch here, it’s over by the bar,” I nod toward the wet bar between the kitchen and living room.

″I should’ve thought of that.” He rubs his head, eyes cast downward.

″It’s no big deal.”

″It is, though? I’m already screwing up.” The knife angrily hits the cutting board.

″Why would you think that?”

″Because you’re cooking our dinner instead of me taking you somewhere nice, and on top of that I forgot the wine. It’s only the first date and I’m already fucking up.” He looks at me with a sad smile.

“It’sourfirst date, yeah. But isn’t it your first date ever?” I arch a knowing brow in his direction while I stir.

“You know it is.”

“Well, it’s not mine and I didn’t think of wine either, so stop beating yourself up about it.” I point the spatula at him in mock anger.

″I can’t help it. As more of a hookup guy I’m totally out of my element.” He wipes his brow with his forearm. “Serious question, why is casual sex not your thing? I mean, you’re so hot I sometimes forget how to breathe when I look at you, so you must’ve had tons of offers, right? What made you decide it’s not for you?”

I keep my back to him as I shrug. “None of those offers were aboutme, they were about my body. My image.”

“Is that not flattering? That’s the way women seem to take it.”

“For some people it is. For me it’s kind of insulting how people assume I’m only interested in a quick screw because I fit some visual ideal.”

“Well, fuck,” Cade mutters. “No wonder you didn’t like me at first. And here I thought it’d be easy to pick up a guy since I am one.”

“Taking notes for next time?” I glance at him over my shoulder.

“What?” His eyes get so big the white drowns out the blue. “No. I just…don’t want to keep screwing up.”

It hits me then, Cade isn’t just dipping his toe into dating, he’s jumping in with both feet, trying to do what hethinksis expected. And he’s nervous.

It’s sweet. And kind of hot.

Setting the spatula down, I step into him and wrap my arms around his waist, bringing us face to face. His is tan and smooth and perfect, except for the tiny little crease between his brows. Whether that’s because he’s beating himself up or confused about what I’m doing I’m not sure, and at this moment, it doesn’t matter.

Leaning forward, I brush my lips against his, hoping to put him at ease. He stands absolutely still, only moving his mouth in response to mine. Though he’s letting me control the pace, I feel the restraint behind the stillness, like he’s just barely holding on. It’s thoughtful. And endearing. And not enough.

I trace his bottom lip with the tip of my tongue and am rewarded with a strangled growl as he finally caves and reaches around my waist to haul me against him, crushing his lips to mine.

What started as a slow burn, turns to an inferno as he devours me, teeth and tongues clashing desperately as we try to get our fill. Apparently, I’m just as desperate for him as he is me because my body is reacting before my mind can catch up.

He grips my ass firmly, tugging me to him in a way that slots our cocks next to each other. The pressure of his body flush with mine takes me from half-mast to full almost instantaneously, the friction so heavenly I can’t stop my hips from rockingback and forth.

″Jesus, Madd,” he heaves. “I’m trying to be good here. I can’t hold back if you do that.”

“Don’t hold back.” I nip at his bottom lip.

″I thought you’d want to go slow. What about dates? What about dinner?” he says through gritted teeth.

″Turn off the stove. Food can wait.”

A wave of lust washes over his face, and I know in that moment he’s done fighting. “What are you suggesting?” He reaches around me to turn off the burner.

″Mmm,” I groan as my hard cock brushes against his. “What do you want?”

″Damn, that feels good.” His head falls back as he groans. “I think you could make me come just like this.”

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