"Good morning," she mumbles in her sleepy voice, and it's so damn sexy.
"Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?" I ask as I lazily run a hand up and down her back.
"Better than I have in a long time."
"Me too. Why don't you pack a bag and stay at my place tonight?" I ask because there's nothing I’d love more than to have her in my bed.
"Okay."
"Why don't you get ready? I'll head home to shower and change, and then I'll come back and pick you up so we can go and hang out with your dad."
Candy nods, and we get moving, even though we're both reluctant to get out of bed.
Chapter 9
Candy
Ihaveafantastictime with North, my dad, and my sister. He fits right in like the missing puzzle piece in our family. When we sit down for brunch, he’s constantly touching me, whether it’s his arm across the back of my chair while he rubs my shoulder or placing his warm hand on my thigh.
It’s enough to drive me crazy. Thankfully my dad has mercy on us and kicks us out the door to enjoy some time together before the bachelor and bachelorette parties.
We decide to drive the hour into Amarillo and play tourist. We visit the Cadillac ranch in the RV museum before having dinner and heading back to North’s place. It was nice to get out of town and not have to answer endless questions about our relationship.
But walking into North’s house this time, my nerves hit full force. It's not like the last time I was here, and we were under the whole fake relationship guise. This time it's just us.
"You know a chaise lounge seems wildly out of place for a cowboy ranch," I comment on the piece of furniture in his living room.
"That's what happens when you ask your mom to help you decorate. She loves that thing. She’d never forgive me if she came over and it wasn't here because she always sits there, so I'm stuck with it."
I slowly walk over to it and sit down, draping myself over it before looking at him. "I guess I can see the appeal. It's pretty comfortable and relaxing."
Pure heat sparks in his eyes as he slowly walks over and sits beside me. He trails a finger along my neck, between my breasts, and down my stomach to the top of my jeans. I almost stop breathing because every tiny touch is like a million small sparks igniting my body.
"You look so sexy lying there like that. It makes me want to fuck you in this chair."
"So do it," I challenge him, which is completely not me. It's like someone else has taken over my body.
He doesn't hesitate. Reaching for his shirt, he removes it in one smooth, quick motion.
I may have awoken the beast.
North
We pull up to the club where the bachelorette party is happening. My mom asked that Candy join them, and I tried to get her out of it, but Candy said she should participate. She also insisted I go to Jake’s bachelor party.
So here we are several towns over at a club that doesn't look like the safest place for someone as sweet as innocent as my girl.
"I'm only down the road, so call me if you need me," I remind her for the tenth time.
"I promise I will, and if you decide you want to leave the bachelor party early, give me a call. I'll meet you out here, and we can both leave."
I give Candy a quick kiss and watch her head inside. When she gets to the door, she turns around and smiles at me, and all I want to do is jump out of the car and drag her back.
But I don't. I head to the bar, where I'm meeting Jake and his friends. I spot them off to the side, and my brother looks like he's having a good time. He’s relaxed and smiling until his eyes lock with mine.
His smile drops, and he tenses. Guilt hits me because this is supposed to be his night, and I want him to have a good time. Is he feeling awkward about me being here? Maybe he feels forced into inviting me to his wedding.
I realize I don't care about the past anymore. I want Jake to be happy. I want him to be as happy as I am with Candy.