“No. You?”
“Not yet.”
“Oh, let me make you something, then.”
She smiled, grateful for something to do, some way to thank him.
“Let me help. I want to take care of you, Lucy.”
Now wasn’t that the sweetest thing to say? Especially on the tail end of such a lovely rescue and cuddle session. The storm was still going, but with Cade there, she didn’t feel as anxious.
“How can I help?” he asked.
The earnestness in his voice and tenderness in his gaze threatened to undo her and Lucy shifted the blanket, climbing out of Cade’s lap. He was hot, and sweet, and protective and caring and… awesome. But this yearning to be with him every day was just—
“Lucy.” He reached for her hand. “Let me help you, honey. It’s the whole reason I came over - to see you. To spend time together.”
Lucy nodded. She did enjoy his company, after all.
“Sorry, I just get in my head sometimes.” She admitted. “I’m not used to…” Wanting someone you’d just met this badly? Feeling completely attached to a relative stranger? God, how lame. “To a handsome man wanting to spend time with me without an ulterior motive.”
And how sucky was that?
“You think I’m handsome?” He grinned, sitting up taller while running his thumb along the back of her hand.
“Really?” She shook her head, fighting back a laugh. “It’s not obvious?”
“Well, I think you’re beautiful.” He stood and Lucy let her gaze lift with him. “But I think we established that earlier, hm?” He smoothed her hair back with his free hand. “Our attraction to one another.”
Lucy nodded, staring up into those gorgeous eyes. Attraction didn’t even begin to cover it.
“I don’t even know your last name.”
“Hansen.”
“Officer Hansen, huh?” She grinned, taking in his navy shirt and golden star.
“Deputy, actually.” He smiled.
“Well,” Lucy leaned back a little, gazing up at him, “Will you join me for dinner, Deputy? It’s the least I can do considering you saved me from a night of solitude and fear.”
He grew somber, his smile giving way to a frown. “I never want you to feel that way, Lucy. Will you promise to tell me next time you feel like climbing into your tub like that?”
Lucy resisted the urge to put her hand over her heart, but it was beating faster than usual with him looking at her like that. Such intensity, such—
“You okay, honey?”
She nodded slowly. “I am. Now that you’re here, I’m much better.” And was it weird that she didn’t want him to leave?
Cade gave her a little smile, his free hand sliding to her shoulder. Lucy fought back a fresh round of fantasy-worthy thoughts involving him slipping those fingers under the strap of her camisole and sliding it off her shoulder altogether.
Gazing up at him, she wondered what his lips would feel like along her bare skin, along her neck. Cade inhaled deeply, his smile spreading, and Lucy knew she needed to say something, do… something.
“Um,” Damn, he was attractive. “Would you mind stoking the fire?”
Lucy fought the urge to shake her head. Double entendre much?
“Happy to.” He grinned.
