Page 33 of Finding Forgiveness
My eyes drink Cassie in as she crosses the main room. I’m trying not to stare, but I can’t help it. She’s dressed in a pair of black tights and a tight, long-sleeved white T-shirt. Her hair is still wet from her shower, and there’s not a stitch of make-up on her beautiful face. She appears so much younger than her actual age when she’s in her natural state, and I’ve got to say, it’s my favourite look on her.
“Here,” she says, slapping two fifty-dollar bills on the table.
“What’s that for?”
“Dinner,” she says. “And we need to discuss what my share of the rent will be.”
My lips instantly thin in displeasure. “You’re not paying for dinner, Cass, it’s my treat. And I’m not charging you rent either.”
“I’m paying rent, Connor Maloney,” she growls, which I find adorable.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Princess, but you’re not. My dad bought this place, so I don’t pay anything either … all I cover is the utilities.”
She crosses her arms over her chest, making her perky tits rise, and fuck me if it doesn’t give me a semi. She lifts her chin defiantly and I know the sass is coming. “Well then, I’m paying half of those and if you try to tell me I can’t, I’m going to kick you in the balls.”
Her eyes flicker down to my crotch as she speaks, and just like that, my semi deflates and my nuts retreat into my stomach. “That’s a little harsh don’t you think?”
“Con,” she says, coming to take the seat beside me. “How am I ever going to learn to stand on my own two feet if you refuse to let me pay my way?”
Shit, she has a point. “Fine. You can pay half of the utilities, but I’m paying for dinner tonight.”
I push the money she put on the table towards her, and the huge smile that breaks out on her face hits me right in the chest. I have to swallow my groan when she folds the notes in half and stuffs them into her bra. Everything in me wants to dive right in after them.
My eyes flick from her chest to her face and I find her watching me. The world seems to stand still and the air crackles around us as we sit there staring at each other. My body involuntarily starts to lean towards her … like a magnet being drawn in. But the moment is suddenly broken by a knock on the door.
It’s perfect timing because if this living arrangement is going to work, we can’t go there again. Clearing my throat, I stand. “That must be the food.”
I carry the bags to the table and start unpacking everything I ordered. I know this isn’t the kind of food that Cassie usually eats, so I got a bit of everything. I hope there’s something here she’ll like.
“I’ll grab some plates.”
She jumps up from her seat and heads into the kitchen. She reappears a minute later carrying two plates and two beers.
My eyebrows raise. “Is that other beer for you?”
“Uh huh.”
“Since when do you drink beer?”
She lifts one shoulder. “Don’t judge me, Maloney, I’m embracing the new me, and expanding my palate.”
I shake my head and chuckle. “No one is judging you, Princess. And I kind of like the new adventurous you.”
“Hmm,” she purrs, placing a plate in front of me and taking a seat.
Once all the food is laid out, I sit down beside her. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her struggling to get the bottle top off the beer. “Let me do that for you,” I offer.
“You make it look so easy.”
It’s not rocket science, but I don’t say that out loud. “I’ve had plenty of practice.”
“Thank you,” she says when I pass it back. My eyes remain on her as she brings the bottle to her mouth. She’s used to sweet frou-frou drinks and the occasional wine, so I’m curious to see what her reaction will be to the bitter taste of beer.
As soon as she takes a swig, her face screws up like she just sucked on a lemon. I roll my lips together to hide my amusement. She swallows thickly and when she notices me watching, she hums, “Mmm.” I can’t help but bark out a laugh.
“You hate it, don’t you?”
“It’s not the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.”
