Page 25 of Fragile Touch (Fragile 1)
Clearly the cats didn’t care what she did. Some nights they were clingy and wouldn’t leave her side, but right now all they cared about was their food.
Lillian wondered if she humanized them too much.
Probably. Another issue for another time. She buried her nose in the quilt. It had been in the family for a long time, since her mother was a baby. There had never been a time she couldn’t remember the musty, earthy smell giving her comfort. Maybe it would still her heart now.
It didn’t, and for the first time she took a deep breath and fully admitted to herself that she was excited. What felt like a little weight lifted, and she felt herself smile.
“Going to get ready now, then.” She bent and stroked the cats all the way from their heads to their tails, and their backs arched in delight even though they didn’t look up from their bowls.
Stop procrastinating—he’s waiting! Half-running to her room, she threw a sweater on over her tank top and slipped soft boots onto her feet.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she sighed, checking her hair in the mirror before dropping the quilt. Taking a last look at the cats, she stepped outside and cantered over to Cayden’s house.
Before she could knock on the door, it swung open and Cayden grabbed her, his strong hands wrapping around her shoulders like they were twigs. She let out a squeak as she felt her weight be thrown off her feet, but he kept her steady as he closed the door with his foot.
“Don’t want to let the cold air out,” he said in a low voice, a mischievous smile on his face. He let go of her shoulders and she fought to regain her breath.
All she managed was a little giggle. Her heart pounded in her ears and she felt a tad bit giddy.
“I’d ask if you want some wine,” he bent at the waist in a bow, “but, given your party last night, would you like some water?”
Shit, last night. She didn’t want to think about how terrible she looked or anything she said to him that she didn’t remember. Did I say I wanted to sleep with him? Is that why he’s being so friendly?
He quickly noted her expression changing. “You okay, Lil?”
“Yeah!” She did her bes
t to perk up and sound energetic, but it came out flat. “It’s all good. I...” Should I say this? “To be honest, I’m a little embarrassed about last night.”
Cayden pursed his lips and began to fill a glass with chilled water from a filter. His eyes held a curious glimmer. “Hey, don’t worry about it. It happens to everyone. I’m glad I was able to help.”
“Me, too,” she said quietly.
“Lemon and mint?”
Really? “Sure, that sounds amazing.” She stifled a smile. “I’ve never met a guy who infuses his water.”
“Tastes better and adds nutrients,” he stated bluntly, focusing on picking some green leaves off a small potted mint plant on the windowsill. Lillian’s eyes wandered along his arm and down his back; this shirt gave a subtle outline of his defined muscles. “Lots of antioxidants, too.”
“I believe you, Mr. Personal Trainer.” Cayden stuck his tongue out at her, and she noticed his eyes glancing at her lips before he offered her the glass. She took a sip, enjoying the fresh flavors dancing on her tongue. “I’m impressed.”
“You should be,” he replied. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”
What does that mean? She felt so out of place suddenly, and took another sip to distract herself. Cayden didn’t seem to notice that his comment implied multiple meanings. His back was turned to her as he dropped some raspberries and mint in his glass.
“I thought you were going to text me this morning, but I figured you were probably resting.”
“Sleeping, mostly. I took two baths today.” She had no clue why she told him that. It wasn’t meant to be flirtatious, but he turned and winked at her.
“Hangovers aren’t as fun as they used to be, huh?”
“Not at all.” She chuckled, looking at the floor. “How do you manage it every week?”
“Who says I get wasted every week?”
“Uh...” Dammit! “No one, I just thought...”
He leaned forward and lightly nudged her shoulder. “I’m just messing with you. Loosen up.”
