Page 80 of Casita Casanova
With benefits.
Deliciousbenefits that make me throb with desire anytime I think about them.
And since I’m pretty much always thinking abouthim, it’s a losing battle.
We worked the day shift from ten to four, part time behind the bar and partly back in the stock room getting everything ready for the big event tomorrow. He couldn’t keep his eyes off me. I know this because I had the same struggle. I didn’t miss the look of pride on his face when Greg complimented my pours today. Practicedoesmake perfect, and Cas is responsible for that.
Smiling, I dance over to the fridge and grab a bottle of hot sauce, then open it and sprinkle some drops into the chili. I can’t believe he went out and bought all the supplies he needed to build the kegerator, then built it for me when I was down at the beach with Danielle. There’s more to him than I realized, more than just that beautiful face and debilitating charm.
He’s sweet. Thoughtful, even.
And he’s a giver.
Is he ever.
I giggle as the memories from last night, his head between my thighs, assault me, leaving me breathless in the middle of my kitchen even though he’s not even in my house right now, but over in the casita showering before dinner.
Ari’s ring tone fills the kitchen and I smile at the sound, giggling again because, oh God, if she even knew what I was thinking and doing this week. I’ve been behaving so differently from the mother she knows and loves.
And I’m enjoying the hell out of it.
Slipping the ladle back into the pot, I dry my hands on the towel draped over my shoulder as I reach for my cell phone on the far counter.
She’s been at her dad’s all week, and as much as I understand that I can’t keep her to myself, I miss her something fierce. The beach house isn’t the same without her, even though there have been other things to keep me occupied.
Tall, blonde, handsome things.
“Hel-lo, baby,” I sing-song like I’m the Big Bopper about to break into a “Chantilly Lace” rendition.
“Mom!” she sobs.
My heart stops beating. I hurry over to the stereo and turn it off. “What? What’s wrong?”
Holy shit.Did Eddietellher?
He wouldn’t.
My stomach sinks into the floorboards.
He would. He absolutely would, that malicious son of a bitch.
“I have to tell you something.” Her words are garbled by her crying.
“Okay, baby, you can tell me anything.”
God, please don’t let her be in trouble.
Or pregnant.
My stomach twists. We’d be okay, but… I want so much more for her than what I—
She sobs loudly into the phone.
“Ari, you’re scaring me.” I brace myself on the counter. “What is it?”
She sniffles. “I can’t believe it, Mom, I can’t! I won’t! I hate him!”
My stomach sinks. Is she talking about Cas? “Breathe, baby. Everything is okay.”
