“I know. You were on the news.”
“Yeah. So I hear.”
“You didn’t see.” She turned her head. “They’ll show it again at eleven.”
“I know what I look like.”
Studying his face, she found something endearing. “You’re embarrassed.”
“No, I’m not.” He shifted. “Maybe. Some.”
Not just endearing, she realized. Adorable. “I’m awfully proud of you,” she murmured, and brushed her lips over his. “Actually, we taped the broadcast. Connor was so excited. We can watch it, if you want.”
“I’ll pass. I don’t—”
She interrupted him with her lips again, and experienced an odd, sweet power when she felt his heart jump. “I’ve watched it three times. I thought you looked like a movie star.”
“You don’t get out enough.” His palms were damp, so he eased off the swing. A little distance, MacKade, he warned himself, before you explode. “I’ve been thinking about that, too. I haven’t ever taken you out. To dinner, or anywhere.”
“You took us down to the zoo in the spring, and to the fair last summer.”
Why was she looking at him like that? he wondered. She’d never looked at him like that before. With… Was that amusement, or lust, or— God.
“I meant you and me. I love having the kids, but—”
“I don’t have to go out on dates, Devin. I’m happy with the way things are.”
“Still and all.” He couldn’t seem to think very clearly, not when she was just sitting here, smiling at him, a bouquet of flowers in her arms. “I, ah, brought all this food. Pies and cookies and cakes. People have been bringing them by the office all afternoon.”
“They’re grateful.” With her heart tripping lightly, she rose. “They want to show it.”
“Yeah, well, I’d never be able to eat it all. I gave some to Donnie, but I figured the kids might…” He backed up when she stepped forward. “They might want some. I didn’t see them when I came up. It’s a little early for them to be in bed on a Saturday night, isn’t it?”
“They’re not here.” She blessed Savannah and Jared, and fate. “They’re spending the night at the cabin.”
“They’re not here.”
“No. We’re alone.”
He’d been prepared to leave, to spend a little time with her, then go. He wouldn’t have asked to stay with her through the night, with the children in the next room. None of them were ready for that.
Now they were alone, and the night had just begun. A slap of desire whipped through him, painfully. He braced against it, and managed an easy smile.
“Then I’ll take you out.”
“I don’t want you to take me out,” she murmured. “I want you to take me to bed.”
It closed his throat. “Cassie.” His hand was very gentle on her cheek. “I don’t expect that every time I come here. That’s not the only reason I want to be with you.”
“I know.” She turned her lips into his palm. “It’s what I’d like tonight. I’m going to put these in water.”
She left him, churning and speechless, on the dark porch. More than a little dazed, he followed her inside.
“I bought this at Regan’s shop.” Briskly Cassie filled a green Depression glass pitcher with water. “I’m still getting used to having a little extra money to buy pretty things. I don’t even feel guilty about it anymore.”
“You shouldn’t feel guilty about anything.”
“Oh, a few things.” With hands as gentle as they were efficient, she arranged the roses in the pitcher. “But not this. And not you.” Her eyes lifted. “Do you know what I feel about you, Devin? About us?”