Page 49 of Simply Yours

"Things will change," his voice was rough, almost unsteady, like he was holding something back with sheer force of will.

"Aren't they changing already?" she whispered, her words barely more than a breath, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile moment between them. "That’s not a bad thing, is it?"

"Not at all," he admitted, his jaw tightening. "But the thoughts in my head right now—we aren’t ready for just yet." His voice dipped lower, more gravel than words. "So please, go inside and let me finish up back here. I could use the distraction to burn off some energy."

A distraction. As if she weren’t standing there in front of him, soaked through from the water they’d just played in together, her T-shirt clinging to every curve, her pulse hammering in her throat. As if he weren’t doing the same—his muscles taut beneath his damp shirt, his hands flexing like he was fighting the need to reach for her.

Neither of them moved.

Caitlin studied him, the tight line of his profile, the way his hands fisted at his sides. He was unraveling, barely holding himself together, and part of her wanted to push just a little—to test the limits of his restraint. To see if she'd finally, found the crack in his armor where she could slip inside and stay.

But then he whispered, "Please, Catnip."

The name, spoken in that raw, quiet voice, nearly broke her. It wasn’t just a request—it was a plea. And something inside her, some deeply rooted instinct, told her that if she stayed, if she challenged him now, she might push him too far. She might ruin this before it had even begun.

She glanced down, suddenly hyperaware of how the wet fabric of her shirt outlined the lace of her pink bra. She swallowed hard, knowing exactly what Jason was seeing, knowing what it was doing to him.

A small, reckless part of her wanted to stay anyway. Wanted to test him. But the larger part—the part that had waited for him for so long—knew better.

With a slow, reluctant nod, she stepped back. The exhale he let out was almost painful to hear, his shoulders sagging in relief as if looking at her for another second might destroy whatever fragile control he had left.

She forced herself to move, one step, then another, heading toward the house. Each footfall felt heavier than the last, her heartbeat thudding in her ears.

Her hand touched the doorknob, fingers curling around the cool metal?—

"Thank you," Jason said, his voice rough but quiet. "Because I want to do this right between us."

She closed her eyes for a beat, willing herself not to turn around. "Me too, Jason," she murmured. "I want this to be right between us also because I’ve waited a long time for you."

A pause. A deep, weighted silence.

"I know you have," he said finally, the promise in his voice unmistakable. "And I’m not gonna mess this up."

Caitlin let out a slow breath, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.

When she finished changing and drying off, she walked out back to invite Jason in and offered to make dinner for them here – only to see that he wasn’t out back. She hurried to the front and sighed.

Sure enough – his truck was gone.

Looking at her phone, she hesitated and saw his text message.

I finished planting the honeysuckle and roses – but I think I need to take a pass on dinner tonight. I’m sorry. I keep seeing you in my head, and it’s too much right now.

Good - you need a hobby.

You aren’t mad I left?

Nah. Work off that energy, buddy.

I could toss a bulldozer cheerfully right now.

Same here.

I liked the way you looked, too.

Annnd now I’m gonna go dig like a frantic man in the yard until my hands bleed. I’m glad I cannot see your eyes right now. That look… oh man, I love the way you look at me.

It’s the same for me, Jason – SO STAY HOME AND DIG.

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