Page 47 of Matchmaking the Rival

"You look fantastic and well rested," I told Meredith as soon as we stepped into the kitchen.

She turned around, sucking in her breath. "No flirting while we're here."

"I wasn't flirting."

"Tell that to my lady bits."

I swallowed hard. "Well, fuck me, Meredith."

She covered her mouth with one hand. "I'm so sorry. I don't even know why I said that. You have a very strange effect on me."

I was relieved to know I wasn't the only one who was acting out of sorts lately.

"On one condition," I said. She bit her lower lip, running a hand through her hair. I looked at her mouth, and she licked her lips. I took a step closer and felt her suck in a breath as if she was bracing herself for me. "I want to kiss you."

"Cade," she murmured.

"I've been fantasizing about you the whole weekend, Meredith. I barely talked myself out of getting in the car and just showing up at your hotel."

"Oh God, I wanted that so much. When I saw the package from you, I'd hoped you’d stop by too.”

That was all I needed. I leaned in, kissing her the next moment. I’d been starved for this woman. She tasted like apples and mint, and I couldn’t get enough of her. I first pulled her upper lip into my mouth, then the lower one before exploring her deeply, holding her close to me.

Her soft body melted against me, and she put her hands on my shoulders, sighing against my mouth. She was fierce, but one kiss was all it took for her to turn soft in my arms and open up for me.

She made a small sound in her throat, a moan. I couldn't stop at one kiss. I needed to find out what other sounds I could get out of her and all the ways in which I could bring her pleasure.

"Oh, I couldn't believe it when Jeannie told me."

Shit.

***

Meredith

––––––––

The sound of Mom'svoice sliced through the air. I took a step back, and so did Cade. We both turned to face Mom, who was smiling from ear to ear. She put her hands together, clasping her fingers.

"You know, at the last book club meeting, she said you kids might be into something, and I honestly thought it was just wishful thinking on her part. I can't believe it's true. My baby girl and Cade."

I was so stunned, I didn't know what to say.This is karma coming for you, Meredith. I made fun of Cade for indulging Jeannie, but now I could see what he meant. Looking at Mom's expression, I didn't want to wipe away that smile. Besides, what exactly could I tell her?"No, Cade and I aren't in a relationship. We're just shamelessly kissing in your kitchen."That wouldn’t go over well, and it wasn’t a good look on either of us.

I was sure she saw the flush on my face.

"Mom," I said calmly.Oh Lord, how to approach this?

"No, no, you two carry on. I didn't want to disturb. I just wanted to say that the boxes in the corner belong in the living room."

"I'll move them right now," Cade said, looking every bit as uncomfortable as I felt.

Mom stared at him with a dreamy expression. "In high school, I really wanted to shake you a couple times for not noticing my baby girl."

Oh God. Ground, please swallow me.The last thing I needed was for him to know I had a crush on him.

"She was waiting for you to ask her to prom, and it didn’t even cross your mind," she continued.

Yep, that's it. I need to get her out of here.My heart was beating out of my chest.

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