“I did, but progress has been much slower than I thought it would be. Actually, I wanted to ask…” She looks away from me, clutching her wine glass so tightly I’m concerned it will crack from the pressure.
“What is it?”
“Did you mean what you said?” she asks.
“About what?”
“About helping me.”
“Of course I meant it. Anything I can do for you, Cherry.”
She downs the rest of her wine and places the glass next to mine on the table. She presses her lips together tightly for a moment, her face scrunched up. It makes her freckles come together, and I wonder if I could find a pattern in the little dots—like constellations in the night sky.
“Do you think, I mean, you seem to have a lot of influence in this town—or at least, your family seems to—so do you think you might be able to help? I don’t even want to ask, but I haven’t gotten anything but doors slammed in my face so far.”
I tense slightly, wondering if she knows more about me and my family than she’s been letting on, but I push the thought aside. She’s not blind and clearly has a knack for finding information. She’s been in Cascade Falls long enough to figure out my family is one with high standing.
Regardless, this is exactly the opportunity I’d hoped for.
“I’d be happy to help,” I tell her. “I can’t make any promises, of course, but I do know some people in the county office, and I have an excellent attorney. I’ll gladly help in whatever way I can.”
“Oh, thank you!” She suddenly throws her arms around my neck and hugs me. “Thank you, Nate! You have no idea how much that means to me!”
“I’m getting an idea!” I chuckle as I hug her back, trying not to focus on her breasts pushed up against my chest. I run my hand over her back and slide it to her waist as she pulls away from me but doesn’t release her grip on my neck.
I watch her closely as she looks from my eyes to my lips and then back again. My heart beats faster, and I lean in a smidge closer, waiting to see if she’ll back away, but she doesn’t. I can smell her hair—that same amazing scent from the club the other night. Her eyes are bright and clear, and I notice a tiny speck of brown at the side of her green irises. It reminds me of her adorable freckles.
Very, very slowly, I close the distance between us and press my lips to hers. I keep it gentle and warm, making sure I don’t press too hard or make it last too long. Despite the brevity of the kiss, my skin is warm when I break away, and Cherry’s breathing a little faster.
“I hope that was okay,” I say softly. “I…I should have asked first, but…”
“It was okay,” Cherry says quickly. “It was more than okay.”
“It was?” I blink, hoping the innocent act is coming across the way I want it to. “Can I…?”
When Cherry nods, I lean forward again, pressing my lips against hers just a little harder. I feel her lips part, and I take the invitation. I run my tongue over hers, slowly and gently. I cup the side of her face with one hand, and she tugs at the back of my head until I deepen the kiss, adding more pressure. I lace my fingers through her hair, groaning into her mouth.
Surprisingly, I feel her hands on my chest, deftly unbuttoning my shirt. She pushes it open, running her fingers over my skin, and it sends a shiver down my spine. I lean forward, pushing her onto her back. I trail kisses over her neck, feeling her pulse beneath my lips. She reaches back to take my hand and move it to her breast, encouraging me take this further. I press my hard cock up against her, and I feel her lift her hips to meet me.
It would be so, so easy. I can already see it happening. I can see myself plunging into her, holding her head back, running my tongue over her neck and breasts…
Stop it! Stop it, Nataniele, or you’re going to screw this up!
I pull back, breathless and throbbing. Cherry lies beneath me, also panting, and her pupils are dilated. I keep my eyes locked on hers, letting her see how much I want to do this. I swallow hard, lick my lips, and then press a gentle kiss on her mouth.
“Cherry,” I whisper. “I should really go.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I don’t want to,” I tell her. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I open them again. “I should though. I should leave before this goes too far, too fast. I…I like you, Cherry. I don’t want to screw this up.”
“All right.” She’s clearly disappointed, and I consider that a win.
I push myself off of her and then help her up. She straightens her clothing, and I glance away from her as I quickly rebutton my shirt.
“Would you let me take you out again?” I ask. “I’m really happy with how tonight turned out, but I need to make up for how it started.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“I chose the restaurant.” I shrug. “Please, let me make up for it.”
“You don’t have anything to make up for,” Cherry insists. “However, I will agree to going out with you again. Does that work for you, Mr. Orso?”
“Yes, Miss Bay. It does.”
I manage to drive just a couple of blocks away before I have to pull over. My cock is about to break through the zipper, and as soon as I have the car
