I stop in my tracks when I see Cade walk through the front door. He’s in his signature jeans and flannel top with a hat on his head. My heart flutters every time I see him, not to mention when I hear his voice on the phone. I blush, because last night we did something I never thought I would with him. I was instantly screaming out his name as we both came together over the phone.
His voice sets my world on fire and the looks he gives me when no one else is watching, it turns my world upside down.
“Hey you,” Cade says as he comes up to me.
“Trish, I’m taking a five-minute break,” I tell her as Cade’s hand finds mine and I guide him to my back office. It’s not much, but each tech has a small office to do paperwork in.
Once we’re inside, he tells me, “I can’t stay long either. We’re heading out to a new property. Wanted to stop by and give you the key. You remember how to get there?” he questions.
“I do. Be safe, please,” I tell him. I know there’s a lot of danger driving the narrow roads with all of the logging semi trucks coming and going along these parts.
“Promise, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow night, but I’ll call you tonight, too.” With that, he kisses me. No, he doesn’t kiss me. He devours me. When we break apart, both of us are breathing heavy.
“See you soon, Cade,” I call out to his retreating back. I watch until he’s gone and then I go and see where Dr. Smith is.
Chapter 15
Cade
Thank god, it’s finally Wednesday. If I had it my way, I’d move Aubrey into my house tonight. Some may think it’s too soon, but when you know, you fucking know. I talked to my dad about Aubrey and he had a sparkle in his eye that I haven’t seen since before Mom passed.
Aubrey texted when she got to my place, letting me know she was in and she was cooking dinner and feeding Axe.
I smiled and told Dad I was leaving early. His only response was, “I’m getting old, I’m ready for some grand babies.”
Walking away, I was laughing at what he said, but I can’t help but think what Aubrey would look like round with our child. Coming home to her every night with little ones running around in the yard, or hearing their laughter as she watches them while cooking dinner…
Fuck, I want that now more than ever.
When I pull up in the driveway and park next to Aubrey’s SUV, that’s parked in the second stall, it puts another cheesy ass grin on my face. One that I hope never leaves.
Axe greets me as I get out of the truck. I’m sure he’s getting a lot more use out of the doggy door, now that Aubs is in the house.
“Let’s go see where Aubrey is, huh boy?” I talk to him. He doesn’t answer, but he barks his response.
I walk in and take off my shoes, so I don’t track shit all through the house. Thankful, I was only scouting areas again today and didn’t get filthy. I’m sure Aubrey isn’t ready to see me walk through the house naked, quite yet.
What I do see stops me in my tracks, as I make my way upstairs. She’s sitting on the couch, curled up, with a throw blanket on, and has the flames roaring in the open fireplace.
She looks up at me, smiles, and then all but runs up to me. I pick her up as soon as her arms are wrapped around my neck and I kiss her. It’s a kiss with so much need, it’s not even funny. I’m not sure I’ll ever have enough of Aubrey. Her hair is in some kind of bun contraption thing. I want it down and falling around us, allowing us to be isolated in just our own little world. I bring us to the couch and have her straddle my lap as I take her hair down.
“I missed you so much,” she moans into my mouth, our lips never leaving each other’s.
“I’m not going anywhere. I promise you that, right here, and now. I want you with me forever,” I grunt out as I take her lips again.
We stay on the couch, making out until the buzzer goes off on the stove. I pull away from her as she gets up.
“Dinner’s ready,” she says as she reaches for my hand. I’d follow her to the ends of this earth to see a smile on her face.
Chapter 16
Aubrey
I made my mom’s recipe of winter oven beef stew. When I called and asked for her recipe, she knew something was up. I told her the whole story, and she laughed the whole freaking time. It brought a smile to my face. Dad cut in asking when he could meet Cade and I said next time he’s in Washington. I think they’ll be looking for airplane tickets from Atlanta anytime now.