Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
I wasn’t surprised by his thoughts. He was always about what was best for the station and the town.
I grinned at him. “You could still do that. Smuggle me, I mean.”
“Nope. We’re going to do some more socializing, then I’ll finish up my shift. You can take Miller with you when you go if you want.”
“Barney has missed him terribly.”
He nodded. “Miller wasn’t overly happy about being here. I think he’s spoiled.”
“He’s easy to spoil.”
He pulled me close and pressed a kiss to my head. “So are you.”
I lifted my head, and he bent, pressing a kiss to my mouth. A soft, sweet brush of his lips on mine. I felt the shock from everyone around us. A quiet ripple went through people, and I knew I was blushing. Jesse simply looked around and shrugged as if it was no big deal. Like he brought women here all the time and kissed them in front of his peers and the community.
But I knew that he didn’t, which made this moment monumental.
At least for me.
I had a feeling for him as well.
JESSE
I walked Casey out to her SUV, Miller following us, his tail wagging hard. He knew he was heading home. I was looking forward to following soon, but it was all hands on deck to clean up after people left. Especially in case another call came in. I was glad I had asked for some of my banked time off so I could have an extra day.
Casey was spectacular this afternoon. Not only because of the dress she wore. It was everything. Her easy forgiveness. Her poise. Her beauty—not only physical. It shone from her eyes, the way she spoke with people. Listened. She really listened. She was gracious and warm. Engaging. In many ways, she reminded me of Lou. She had always made me feel seen. Casey had that gift as well.
She slid into the seat, and I leaned in the window, staring at her.
“What?”
“Don’t take off that dress. I want to do it.”
“Okay.”
“Be waiting on my bed.”
“With the dress on?” she frowned. “It’ll get all wrinkly.”
“I’ll iron it for you.”
She looked surprised. “Really?”
I kissed her long and hard. “No. I’ll take it to the dry cleaners.”
She snickered. “Okay, Hulk.”
“Go. Before I lose control and give the old biddies a show they hadn’t counted on.”
“I bet they’d enjoy it,” she countered.
“Not as much as you, Pixie. I guarantee that.” I stepped back. “Go,” I repeated.
“See you at home.”
She waved as she drove off, her words echoing in my head.
See you at home.
I liked that.
Probably more than I should.
I walked into the house, stopping at the smell. Casey was cooking.
In my kitchen.
My house had never smelled so appetizing.
I set down my bag, shaking my head in amusement at the sight of Miller on the couch, Barney asleep between his big paws. His head rested beside the cat’s, and Miller opened his eyes as I went over and rubbed his head. “Protecting your friend, boy?”
His tail thumped against the sofa, and he shut his eyes.
I headed upstairs, taking them two at a time, yanking my shirt over my head.
As requested, Casey was on my bed, waiting, the dress spread out on the comforter and posed in what I was certain she meant to be a sexy way.
But she’d fallen asleep, one leg bent, the other tucked under the blanket I kept on the end of the mattress. She’d rolled slightly, her face buried in the pillow, her hand tucked under her cheek.
She was adorable. Still sexy, but in a sweet, awkward way. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of her. I watched her for a while, matching my breathing to hers. Slow, deep, and even. I felt myself relax, and I knew she was sleeping because she hadn’t rested much while I was gone. Neither had I, but until now, I hadn’t felt my exhaustion. I pulled my shirt back on and crawled onto the mattress behind her, pulling her close. She startled, and I pressed a kiss to her bare neck.
“It’s me, Pixie.”
“I waited,” she mumbled. “Got sleepy.”
“I know. We’ll sleep for a while. Is the oven okay?”
“On low.”
“Okay, baby. Go back to sleep.”
She patted my hand. “Glad you’re home.”
“Me too.”
She was out almost instantly, her little snoring sound starting up.
I pulled her tighter and let myself fall asleep.
It was great to be home.
I woke up alone, sitting up when I realized Casey was gone. I hurried downstairs, finding her in the kitchen. She was standing at the stove, stirring something in a pot. She glanced over her shoulder with a smile.
“The dress is gone.” I frowned.
“I didn’t want to risk it cooking.”
I walked over, looping my arms around her waist and resting my chin on her shoulder. “Good plan.”
I kissed the side of her neck. “I want you to wear it for me when I take you on that date this week.”