Page 70 of Unsure in Love

Scratching my head, I grunted. “Maybe you just haven’t found the thing you’re good at cooking yet.”

She pulled in a deep breath and sobered. “Look at you, trying to make me feel better. You’re so sweet.”

I shrugged.

“It’s okay, Damian. I ruined dinner, but,” she held up a finger, “I can fix it. What do you say I order takeout? I’m good at that.”

I smiled. “That sounds perfect.”

* * *

Two hours and an empty box of pizza later, we sat on one of the living room couches, watching Dear John. I’d tuned out of the movie only because my mind was stuck on the picture Cass and I made. She positioned herself between my legs and her back rested against my chest. My arms circled her, and every now and then she snuggled closer, making me smile each time.

I liked this. Us. Having her this close made it hard for me to focus on much else except how much I wanted us to do things like this often. Of course, that would only be possible if we at least lived in the same state.

Stifling a sigh, I returned my attention to the TV. The credits were rolling up. Cass’s little sniff had my gaze swinging to her. “Are you okay?” I asked.

She sniffed again. “Yeah. Fine.”

Amusement made one corner of my lip curl up. “Wait, are you crying over the movie?”

“Pfts. No… I…” She turned to glare at me. “Yes. My hormones are all over the place, okay? I cry at the drop of a hat now.”

I pursed my lips. “Okay.”

“Plus, it’s a sweet movie. Kind of sad but still sweet.” She sighed. “No one writes letters to each other anymore.”

Unable to hold back my amusement, I chuckled. “I didn’t take you for a chick-flick kind of girl.”

“Not many do. I don’t usually allow most to see me like this.” Our gazes locked. “I’ve had a lot of firsts with you, Damian. For instance, this is my first time cuddling with a guy on his couch, watching a romance drama flick, after pigging out on pizza because I botched the romantic dinner I tried to make for him.”

“I hope you haven’t been deterred from trying to cook for me again. It was a sweet gesture. I appreciated it.” I held her gaze, letting my words and what they implied hover between us. I wanted her to know that I liked the idea of us together like this.

I thought I saw pleasure flicker in her eyes, but her lashes lowered, hiding them from me. “I don’t know how we’ll work things out with the distance.”

Finally, she addressed the elephant in the room. The subject had lingered between us for days.

“I’m leaving in a few days,” she added.

The reminder kicked me in the gut. She watched me with wide eyes as if anticipating my response. I certainly didn’t want to say the wrong thing like, “Please, leave everything and everyone you know back in Nebraska and live with me in New York so we can raise our child together.” I felt like such an asshole even entertaining the thought. Of course, I shoved down my ridiculously selfish desire. I buried it deep and smiled reassuringly.

“I guess I’ll be traveling very often.”

Her gaze moved over my face. “Yeah, me too.”

Something in her expression told me she was thinking the same thing I was. How long could we keep that up? And for eighteen fucking years?

Cass’s lips twisted ruefully. “This evening was supposed to be about cheering you up and now I feel like the relaxed mood has been ruined.”

Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, I cupped her nape and pulled her closer. “No, it hasn’t.” My lips grazed hers. “This isn’t the end of it. You promised to take care of me in other ways.”

“Of course, you would remember that.” She shuffled until she straddled me. Her dress rode up, giving me access to her smooth thighs. My palms moved over them. “I should make good on my word,” she whispered.

“You should,” I said, eyes on her mouth.

She wore a sly smile as she covered the inches between us. Our mouths touched, and as always, warmth flooded me. The heat moved from my chest to my groin. Cass moved her hips, grinding her heat against my erection. Even through the material of my jeans, I felt how hot she was. Hot and ready for me.

I groaned into her mouth. “You know how to tempt me, woman. Keep that up and I’ll take you right here on the couch.”

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