Page 121 of Finding Forever

“Because, I’ve got to tell you, Cade,” she said, ignoring his dire warning with a light giggle. “I don’t think we’re compatible in that way.”

“Christ in heaven,” he muttered beneath his breath and she hooted with laughter. He cast her a jaundice glare.

“You enjoyed thatwaytoo fucking much,” he accused and she nodded, her eyes shining with mirth.

“I did, Isodid,” she chuckled. She sucked her lip into her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

She wiped at her eyes, before shaking her head.

“Sex is going to complicate matters,” she said, and he nodded.

“It is.”

She tugged her teeth at her lower lip, driving him fucking insane in the process, then nodded thoughtfully, as if coming to some kind of decision. His breath stalled as he waited.

“I like sex,” she confessed and he stifled a groan.

“Aye, I’ve noticed,” he told her in a strained voice, and she grinned again.

“And I don’t want to be celibate for the next year or so. To that end… I’d prefer if we were not celibate with each other.”

“Thank fuck for that.” Cade’s response was unashamedly relieved.

“Friends with benefits? Right?”

He was immediately revolted by the very thought of that, but he nodded nonetheless.

“Fuck buddies, aye,” he agreed.

“Okay.”

“Erm,” he said, striving to get the day back on track. “We should probably get back to our shopping so that we can make damned sure this year’s Christmas is better than last year’s… for both of us.”

“Why are you being so weird?”Fern asked, as Cade blocked her every attempt to pass him at the front door.

“Why don’tyoustop being so sneaky?” he retorted on a chuckle. “And let me do my thing…”

“What thing? What’s the big mystery?”

He swung open the door and stood in the doorway, massive frame blocking her way. He turned on his heel until he was facing her and placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her a determined glare.

“I’m going to need you to close your eyes,” he commanded sternly and she rolled her eyes.

“Wait, seriously? Wh?—?”

“Christ,” Cade muttered, before plastering one hand over Fern’s mouth, applying no pressure just holding it there to be sure she got the point. She stared at him wide-eyed, amusement on her face. “You gonna close your eyes?”

She nodded obediently, eyes glinting with mischief.

“Uh uh,” he decided after a moment. “I don’t trust you at all.”

Her eyes widened in mock outrage and he lifted his hand from her mouth to cover her eyes instead. Cade stepped around her, until he was standing behind her with his palm still firmly curled over her eyes, and steered her through the door.

He got her into position and crowded closer to her back, placing his mouth right by her ear to ask, “You ready?”

Her giggling had stopped and she nodded now, so still and trusting in his hold.

Cade inhaled deeply—relishing the delicious honey and almond scent of her—and dropped his hand. He stepped to the side so that he could see her reaction.

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