Page 18 of Up in Flames

Cain scrubs at his face, groaning like he’s fighting an epic battle in his mind. He exhales and glares at me. “You don’t know me. Like I said… I am no good for you. I don’t want to bring you into my world and corrupt you. I donotwant to be the one who changes you.”

I snort. “You’ve already changed me.” I feel nervous that he’s going to leave and never speak to me again, so I need to plead my case.

“Come to my apartment, and we can talk. You can tell me what you want to… or not. Whatever you choose. Just don’t say this is the last time we’ll be together.”Shit! Instantly, I feel like some clingy girlfriend begging her boyfriend not to leave her.“I didn’t mean that how it sounded. Of course, we’re not together, but… oh fuck!” I murmur as I peer down to the floor, embarrassed by my awkwardness around him yet again.

He chuckles as the elevator doors open on my floor. I shake my head, admitting defeat, and go to step out as he grabs my hand. Turning back, I look at him and swallow hard.

“Well, maybe we can have one coffee to make up for the hundred-dollar ones we left behind,” Cain offers with a smirk, then steps out of the elevator with me.

Smiling, I walk down the hall to my apartment.

The silence between us isn’t deafening or awkward. It’s comfortable, and I pull out my keys and open the door. We walk inside and head straight toward the kitchen. The apartment still smells of bacon, and I chuckle.

Cain looks around, taking in the extremely feminine apartment, while I move to the kitchen to put on the coffee pot.

I wonder briefly where Joey is when I look down on the kitchen counter to see a note. Picking it up, I read it quickly.

Hey whore,

Mom rang and said that Deacon and she were fighting again. So I’ve gone home to help sort shit out.

I saw you at Hayden’s with some guy.

I’m so jealous right now!

We will be having words when I get home.

Love you,

Joey xo

Smiling, I let out a small giggle and place the note back on the counter. I notice Cain walk up behind me as I put the filter into the coffee pot.

He grunts, letting out a low growl. “What the fuck is this?” he snaps loudly, making me jump. I turn to look at him as he stands holding Joey’s note in his hand, the paper crinkling with the force of his tight fist. “You have a boyfriend?” His frown deepens, and his shoulders sag, but above all, he appears incredibly hurt.

I shake my head and smile weakly, which only makes matters worse. “Relax! That’s just my roommate, Joey.”

“Why on earth would you allow your roommate to call you a whore?” he asks, his voice deep and gravelly.

“It’s a term of endearment. I’m not a whore. In fact, I haven’t been with anyone for areallylong time.” My eyes bulge out of my head when I realize what I’ve just admitted to.

Shit! I need a damn filter on my mouth.

He puts the note down. “Well, you shouldn’t allow that kind of talk. It’s degrading,” he grumbles.

“It’s fine! It’s what we do,” I reply.

Cain huffs and walks in behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling my back to his chest. Instantly, I relax in his arms as he rests his head on my shoulder, and I continue with the coffee pot.

I can’t help but think of how natural this feels.

I mean, I don’t know anything about Cain.

But the one thing I do know is that his arms around me feel so… right!

“So creamer with two, right?” I ask as I pull out two mugs from the cupboard. He doesn’t let go of me but follows behind every step I take.

“Right,” he confirms as he gently kisses my neck.

---