I’m about to relax and let my exhaustion lull me to sleep when I’m suddenly pulled across the bed into his chest. I’m pressed against his body with my arm tossed across his abdomen and my leg dropping in between his, and he finally relaxes—a deep breath leaving his lungs.
“Go to sleep, Princess. You’re going to need your rest.”
I fall into a deep and restful sleep with his words and actions of today playing in my head, and his hand squeezing one of my ass cheeks.
Chapter Sixteen
I wake up to a freezing cold room and an empty bed. I only wonder for a second if Kade snuck out in the early hours of the morning without me noticing, but I dismiss the thought as soon as it enters my mind, knowing he wouldn’t do that to me after yesterday and last night.
He woke me up twice during the night. Once to bring me to orgasm with his mouth and fingers, and the second time to fuck me slowly while staring into my eyes. The second time felt different, more intense and tender.
My body shudders at the reminder and the pleasure he gave me.
I climb out of bed with a smile and get dressed in sweats, fuzzy socks, and a warm sweater. The storm might have passed outside, and the sun is shining through the windows, but the house is still cold, which means the power is still not back on. I hope someone fixes the power line soon, or we somehow figure out how to fix the generator. Though, I know it won’t be me, as my talents lie with horses, not mechanics.
I walk downstairs and move toward the kitchen where I can hear clattering and someone cursing. I stop when I see him standing at the counter shirtless, wearing only his jeans and looking at the view. I admire his back, still unable to believe our relationship has changed this drastically overnight.
I could get used to this view every morning for the rest of my life. The thought hits me by surprise, and I freeze for a moment. I never imagine myself with anyone long term. I’ve never been the one to dream about having a family and being happy with someone else, always convinced that’s not in the cards for me.
“Good morning, Princess.” His rough voice startles me out of my shocking thoughts.
I force myself to forget what my traitorous mind just envisioned and move toward him. I hug him from behind and lay my cheek against his back, relishing the warmth of his body.
“How are you not cold?” Even though the kitchen is warmer than it was upstairs due to what I assume is the fire going in the living room, it’s still not warm enough to go shirtless if you ask me.
Not that I’m complaining.
I could stare at his naked chest all day.
I can feel his muscles move as he shrugs. “I’m used to this. You’ve lived in the city too long.”
“I guess that makes sense. I hope they fix the power soon. I’m freezing still.”
He places one hand on top of mine and squeezes it, his warmth slowly seeping into me. “I got a text from Lauren this morning. She had a couple of the power company workers stop by early this morning. They told her there’s only one power pole down. Unfortunately for us, it was one for this area. But they assured her the power should be back on by tonight.”
“Thank god,” I mutter and close my eyes. I breathe him in, the scent that’s uniquely his. As images of last night and how he made me feel filter through my mind, a smile is spreading across my face.
I have never experienced anything like this. Being this comfortable with someone on an intimate level. I’m not second-guessing myself. I don’t feel like I need to be someone I’m not. I don’t need to be the society princess who’s always prefect.
I can be my flawed self. The one who’s stubborn and combative.
And it seems as if Kade doesn’t like me despite these flaws, but because of them. I’ve never met a man who liked me for me, let alone liked my flaws.
“You hungry?” he asks, his hand never leaving mine.
“Starved,” I agree, and I am. I don’t think I’ve ever been this famished, probably all the sex we were having last night. And we never did finish those sandwiches he made for us.
He turns around, my arms still around him, and cups my cheek with his hand. “I’ve spoken to Jerry after Lauren called—he’s the one plowing the roads around here—and he promised to clear the one up to here first thing this morning.” I can feel my brow crease as I wonder how long he has been awake. “I’ve been awake a while.” His smile is infectious, even if he is reading my mind.
“Get out of my head,” I huff. I’m not sure how I like his ability to read me this easily.
“I’d tell you to stop making it so easy for me to read you, but I like that you don’t hide your emotions from me.” He stops for a moment, and I realize I’ve never done that from the first day we met. I’ve always been transparent. “I like that you’re comfortable being yourself with me, Princess. Even if I didn’t make it easy for you in the beginning.”
I roll my eyes heavenward. He sure made it challenging from day one, but maybe that’s why I’ve been able to be myself around him. Yes, he was an asshole up until yesterday, and I have no doubt he’ll be one
