When they entered the cafe, everyone stopped talking and stared at them as they made their way to the counter. Lucy wasn’t sure where to look, so she focused on the goal, appreciating the display of pastries next to the cash register and wondering where the baristas were.
“Morning.” Cade’s voice was different, his tone brusque as he dipped his chin to no one in particular.
When the eyes in the room stayed on her, Lucy moved closer to Cade, thankful he was with her. She knew she was the fresh meat in town. She’d seen those kinds of gazes before, whenever she’d gone to the gym in San Diego, and found herself wishing she’d worn pants today instead of shorts.
As though he could sense her unease, Cade pulled her closer, trading which hand held hers so he could wrap his arm around her. While they’d just met and the move was totally proprietary, Lucy found she didn’t mind in the slightest.
In fact, she liked the way Cade’s palm slid along her lower back to her hip, pulling her to his side as they kept walking. There was something protective about it, especially as people stared at them. She liked the way she fit against Cade. It was familiar somehow, as though they’d been walking together like that for years. She would have fit better if she’d wrapped her own arm around his waist and snuggled up under his shoulder, but having him hold her hand was nice, too.
“Don’t mind them.” He said quietly as they reached the counter. “They just haven’t seen such a beauty in these parts before.” His jaw clenched as he glanced over her head and Lucy could just imagine someone was checking out her ass.
Something told her Cade’s gentleman routine wasn’t an act. Though she’d just met him, there was something about Cade that felt so utterly familiar, and simultaneously extraordinary. Something that called to her and had her wanting him to carry her out of the cafe and drive them to her house, where they could spend the day getting to know each other.
With or without clothes.
A chair scraped along the wood floor behind them, but Lucy didn’t turn around. Instead, she pulled her hand from Cade’s grasp and slid her arm around his waist, settling against him as she gazed up at him. He looked down at her, his nostrils flaring on an inhale, a slow smile creeping across his chiseled face.
Damn, he was handsome.
Without thinking, Lucy leaned back, reaching up and resting her palm on Cade’s handsome jaw, stroking her thumb along that dark stubble, appreciating the texture.
“I’m so sorry.” She whispered after a moment, keenly aware she was touching a relative stranger rather intimately.
In a public place.
God, what was wrong with her?
“Don’t be.” He smiled, wrapping his other arm around her and repositioning them so his body was between hers and the room. The whole world shifted as he leaned in and brushed a kiss along her temple.
Suddenly, Lucy didn’t care in the slightest about lattes and pastries. She didn’t care that she’d literally just met this guy. It felt like she’d known him for ages and as she got lost in that gorgeous gaze, she wanted him to lift her onto the counter, spread her legs with those strong hands of his and—
“Lucy.” Cade brought her hand to his face, giving it a little kiss before lowering it to her side. “Honey, I need you to—”
She never learned what he needed her to do. A woman’s voice asking for their order cut through the fog of lust she was rocking. As Lucy shook her head, trying to collect her thoughts, Cade placed an order. She didn’t quite catch it though. She was too busy watching his mouth move and wondering what those lips would feel like on more of her skin.
And then they were walking again. Lucy loved the way Cade’s palm felt against her lower back as he ushered her outside. The cafe’s back patio was lovely with its artfully arranged groupings of tables and wooden end stage.
“Oh, this is adorable.” Lucy grinned, taking in the colorful potted plants and all the lawn art.
Cade guided them to a bistro table near a planter full of wildflowers peppered with bronze hummingbird lawn ornaments and pulled out a chair for her, making sure she was settled before taking his own seat.
Lucy beamed at him as he sat down. The way he looked at her was next level, though, and as he gazed at her across the little table, Lucy felt her core heat all over again.
There was something about Cade that called to her. The magnitude of that pull should probably have scared the crap out of her, but it didn’t. In fact, as liquid heat unspooled in her belly, Lucy found herself wanting to be alone with Cade.
Wanting more of him.
Chapter Nine
Cade scrubbed a hand down his face as he settled into his seat, realizing he needed to shave. And shit, he was still in the fucking scrubs he’d worn to bed last night. What a fine picture he must be making for Lucy. And yet, the way she was gazing at him had him feeling like he was in a fucking tux. And damn, when she’d caressed his jaw like that at the counter, he’d wanted to kiss her breathless.
He still did, if he was honest.
“Here you go.” Lenora singsonged her way over with a tray and Cade rose to help her. “Oh, no you don’t.” She smacked his hand away. “This is my turf, remember?”
Lucy giggled, and Lenora winked at her.
“Lucy Vasquez, Lenora Albers.” Cade waved between them in introduction before sitting back down. “Lenora owns the cafe.” He explained to Lucy as the barista set a saucer with a bowl-like mug on it in front of her.
