Page 45 of Headed for Home

“What do your heart and gut think?”

“That you’d rather cause yourself pain than hurt me intentionally. You’re the most considerate, dependable man I’ve ever met. Not once, but twice.”

“I’ll accept that answer,” I chuckle.

Cassidy bites her bottom lip as a blush blooms across her freckled cheeks. “I should be counting my lucky stars that you even glance in my direction.”

My lips slant into a smirk. “I’m the lucky one.”

“We don’t have to lie to ourselves,” she laughs.

“Believe in me, beauty. I’ll never give you a reason to doubt me.”

Her throat works with a thick swallow. “I trust you, trouble.”

“There we go.” My mouth brushes against hers. “I look forward to you falling in crazy extreme, unconditional love with me, Cassidy Brooks.”

“My goodness.” She fans her face. “You wear confidence like a favorite outfit.”

“It’s easy to feel invincible when I have the prettiest woman in my arms.” My grasp on her wanders and latches onto her hips. I can’t stop touching her, but she doesn’t seem to mind.

“Such a line.” Cassidy cuddles closer, returning my affection while basking in our chemistry.

“It’s more than fluffy words and I’ll prove it. My friends will too. Let’s go meet them.” I slide her fingers between mine and turn in the direction that leads to Ridge’s house.

She glances at our clasped palms, clutching tighter to me. “This is nice. I can’t remember the last time I held someone’s hand just for the simple pleasure of it.”

“It’s the little things that allow intimacy and companionship to thrive in a relationship. Solid foundation.”

“I think it’s working already. Oh!” Without releasing me, Cassidy whips out a key fob and locks her truck. “Before I forget.”

“Good call.” I admire her Ford pickup that puts mine to shame. “That’s quite the beast you’re driving. What’re you using all that horsepower for?”

“Nothing much,” she quips. “I just really like the vibrations from such a big motor. It really hits the spot.”

I gulp, now imaging the fiery redhead in the throes of passion while swerving along a back country road. “That stick shift handles your needs.”

“Mine is automatic. Push start. Slides into gear smoothly. Gets me there faster. No hassle with a third pedal.”

“There’s still a crank shaft,” I croak.

Her laughter is a pleasant chime in the wind. “I don’t even know what that does.”

My brows wiggle. “Keep me around and find out.”

“Trouble, trouble,” she sighs. “Remind me why we had to park in town?”

“Ridge would know something’s up if he saw a bunch of cars near his place, especially ones he recognizes. That would ruin the surprise.”

Cassidy nods. “Smart. Do you live nearby?”

It could be considered odd that she doesn’t already know, but her responsibilities at Greener Pastures demand that she stays onsite. “Not close enough to walk from there.”

“I’m curious where home is for you,” she muses.

Wherever she is, but it’s too soon for that. “You’ve got a lot happening on your property. There’s nothing to worry about at mine. We’ll swing by someday when it’s convenient.”

“Mr. Granger?” A man I don’t recognize waves, pausing on the sidewalk. “Ah, I thought that was you. I’m Alan, a sales consultant for Sutherland Homes.”

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