She nodded against his chest. “I don’t like flying either.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Holy shit.
He held her close, murmuring soothing words and stroking his palm along her back, wishing he could do more to comfort her.
After a while, Lucy relaxed into him and Cade took a full breath for the first time since he’d scented her fear.
“There you go,” he soothed, “just relax, Lucy. You’re safe.”
She nestled closer, pressing a palm to his chest on an inhale.
“Thank you for coming.” He could hear her smile. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Cade smiled back before kissing her head again.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
And that was the fucking truth.
Chapter Twelve
Lucy snuggled closer to Cade.
While she was embarrassed that he’d found her cowering in her bathtub, shewasglad he’d come. Glad he’d wrapped her in his strong arms and held her in his lap. Glad he’d stroked her back and her hair and peppered her temples and cheeks with kisses while saying the sweetest things to her.
“You make me feel so safe.” She admitted.
So loved.
She kept that part to herself and just gazed up into that handsome face, thinking about how much she enjoyed Cade’s company.
“I’m glad.” He smiled softly, brushing her hair from her temple with his fingers. “I admit, I had no idea you were so frightened. I just wanted to check in with you when you hadn’t replied to my messages.”
Lucy frowned. “You called?”
“And texted.” He trailed his finger down her jawline, keeping up that tender tone and that sweet smile. “You were a little busy, though.”
Yeah, she was busy freaking out and hiding in her bathtub. God, what he must think of her.
“Hey,” he soothed, cupping her cheek in his palm. “None of that.”
“None of what?” She frowned.
“Whatever you’re thinking. I can tell it isn’t good. I don’t judge you, Lucy. We all have things that frighten us.”
“Really.” She smirked. “I can’t imagine what would frighten you.” She shifted in his lap, sitting up taller and slipping an arm over Cade’s shoulders, grateful for his solid strength. “I’ll bet you wouldn’t hide in your bathtub, though.”
“I don’t have a bathtub.” He chuckled.
Lucy shook her head. “Now that is a travesty,” she said playfully. “However do you relax?”
“Showers can be relaxing.”
The thought of Cade in a shower did something to Lucy, and while it was a great distraction, it was completely inappropriate to go there, considering he’d come over to be a gentleman.
“Have you eaten?” He asked after a moment.
