Cade cut the engine and leaned over the steering wheel, his forehead pressed against its smooth leather cover. Their hands, still entwined, rested on the seat beside his felt cowboy hat. Addie sensed his hesitation and studied him, wondering if second thoughts now plagued him. They had certainly done a number on her too many times to count since Cade arrived in her life. Considering what he’d been through, she couldn’t blame him for any qualms he might have.
His eyes were downcast and he seemed to be fighting an internal battle. The anxiety knotting her belly tightened a little more, waiting for him to speak.
The bright light on the barn went out just as he pushed back and turned toward her. She couldn’t read his expression now that the illumination had disappeared, but she could see the hard planes of his handsome face. His azure eyes seemed to twinkle and a muscle flexed in his jaw.
“I’ve got to feed the other animals,” he said, his voice low and raspy as if dying of thirst.
She nodded, knowing he was right—the animals must come first—but she wondered if this was his way of backing out. Or making it easy for her to do so. Frowning at their clasped hands, confusion and doubt assailing her, she found her voice. “I’ll help you.”
His hand tightened on hers and she looked up. A crooked smile stretched his splendid mouth and his expression softened.
Releasing her hand, he snagged his cowboy hat from where it rested between them and scooted across the seat. The hat disappeared behind him and then he was so close, she could feel the heat of his body through the layers of their clothes.
His hand skimmed up her arm, over her shoulder, and into her braided hair, holding her head steady as he leaned into her. Expectantly, she licked her lips. His eyes caught the small motion and he smiled, stopping inches from her face.
“You don’t have to help,” he murmured. “It won’t take long.” Hot breath caressed her waiting mouth and something hotter shot through her belly.
“I don’t mind,” she whispered, still confused about his intentions and so turned on, she would do almost anything to convince him to kiss her right now.
“I know you don’t,” he said, his eyes gliding over her face as if memorizing every line. “So sweet…” He brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead.
This close, she could see the blue of his eyes, but the color seemed darker, dangerous even, and she swallowed her nervous giggle. Cade would never hurt her.
But he’ll break your heart when he leaves.
Addie pushed that thought away. All that mattered was right now. She’d deal with anything else later. After he was gone.
“You seem…nervous,” he said quietly, staring into her eyes.
She peered at him through her lashes and lifted a shoulder. “I guess I am, a little.”
His brows drew together. “Why?”
She turned her head, but he wouldn’t let her look away.
“Hey, sweetie, talk to me.”
A sigh slipped from her and she met his concerned gaze. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. How could she tell him she was afraid he would leave her wanting, burning so badly she’d never be able to sleep? That, if they did this, she would never get over his leaving.
God, I’ve never been this excited over a man before. And he hasn’t even kissed me yet. She wasn’t sure how to handle the abundance of emotion churning inside her.
“We don’t have to do this,” he said, his voice gentle, his eyes tender and caring. Concerned. For her.
A stuttered laugh escaped her and the uncertain grin that brightened his face squeezed her heart. Did he think she would reject him? “I was afraid you were…having second thoughts…about us.”
A full, brilliant smile transformed his handsome face into a thing of unadulterated masculine beauty. Just looking at him made her chest tighten and her lady parts clench. Heat engulfed her and she found it hard to breathe.
“No chance of that, sweetheart,” he said in a low, gravelly voice as he cupped her face in both hands. “I won’t have you thinking I don’t want you tonight. Right now. In this truck. So, let me ease your mind and give you proof of my intentions.”
With that, he closed the meager distance between them.
Warm, firm lips brushed against hers, slowly at first, testing, teasing, promising her heaven. His tongue slowly swiped over her lower lip asking for entry, and she immediately opened for him. He delved inside like an invading army, plundering, conquering. And she loved it. She melted into him, offering everything—right there in her truck. With his mouth on hers and the hard heat of him so close, she didn’t care where they were. All she wanted was this man holding her, touching her, kissing her. Everywhere.
He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. Both of them breathing hard, each drawing in the other’s breath and trembling with their mutual desire. Addie felt lightheaded, spinning out of control as if she would fall into empty blackness forever if he hadn’t been there to hold onto.
“Does that leave any doubt in your mind as to what I want?”
She smiled. “It was…nice.”
He sat back abruptly, a dark frown marring his brow. “Nice?”
She giggled. “Yeah. You know, in a hot, bone-melting sort of way.”
His face softened with a slow, sexy grin. She’d clearly stroked his ego in just the right way. “That’s better.”
“I’m glad you approve, but you know if you have any doubts…” She raised her eyebrows and ran her hand down his thigh. “You could try again…”
A growl rumbled in his throat. “If you keep that up, we’ll never get out of this truck.”
She laughed and shifted to open her door. “Come on. The sooner we get the animals fed, the sooner we can get back to…” She gave him a flirty wink and he groaned again.
“You’re going to kill me.”
“Not tonight,” she said, hopping out of the truck. “At least not yet.” She giggled at
