“Miracles don’t always happen,” he adds.
We say nothing for a long time. Again, I’m confronted with how I’m not really sure I can do this. I can’t imagine how he can think so, either. I’m not that same person I was.
“I should get home. I have…” I wave a hand around as I sit up and disentangle myself from him. “Laundry and grocery shopping to do.” I push at bed hair while he yawns. “And you should get some rest. I really can take a cab.”
“Absolutely not. If I have to let you go, at least give me a little more time with you.”
“Andy—”
“Cate, please. I can see it in your eyes you’re ready to run.”
“I’m not.” It’s a lie.
“Give it some time. Look, I have a benefit to attend next week. I was going alone but I have a plus one.”
He doesn’t have to say that the benefit most likely has something to do with cancer. It’s all too much, too heavy, too hard. Yet I find myself wanting to give in to the hope on his handsome face. I know how good I feel when I’m with him and how I want to feel that again.
I turn a reluctant smile his way. “Okay, I’ll be your plus one.”
The benefit, however, turns out to be more than I ever planned on.
JAYSUS, WHAT A WEEK. SEVEN papers. Not to mention two quizzes and one exam. When Friday hits, adrenaline-laced excitement fuels me. I’m heading to Drew’s and can’t wait to see him. Jenna has helped me pack. Brand new sexy bras and thongs that Jenna helped me buy. Check. Sexy nightie that Jenna strong armed me into. Check. Several cool outfits. Check.
The drive to his apartment only takes about an hour and ten minutes. I texted him right before I left so he’s waiting for me when I pull up. The man is one hot god. He opens my door, reaches in my car, unhooks my seat belt, and lifts me out. “I’ve missed you, lovely Cate.” Then he kisses me. Not a sweet whisper of a kiss either. This is an all out, panty dropping, toe curling, body melting kiss. My arms coil around his neck as he deepens it further. He hitches my body against his and when he does, I wrap my legs around his hips. This is a first for me. I’ve never done anything like this before, nor have I been so passionate in public. Well, I take that back. We were pretty damn steamy on our first date, but it was late and alcohol-laced, so I’m giving that a pass.
“Mmmm, you taste incredible,” he says. “I’ve been waiting for you all week.”
“Same here.” I knit my fingers in his hair. He reminds me of the beach in the middle of the summer, the way is hair is streaked with gold. Bright blue eyes catch mine and he flashes me a sexy grin.
“How much luggage do you have?”
“Just one bag is all and some hanging stuff.”
“I’ll carry you and the bag and you get the hanging stuff.”
“Deal,” I say.
He opens the back door and leans in to grab the hanging clothes. Then he hands them to me as he walks to the trunk. I pop the lid and he reaches for the bag back there.
“What’cha got in here? It weighs a ton!”
I laugh. “Everything but the kitchen sink. But my backpack with my books and computer is in there.”
“Damn. I was wondering.” He kicks his cracked door wide open and we enter his apartment. It’s nice and tidy, and decorated in manly brown tones. We walk straight to his bedroom, where he deposits my bag on the bed and hangs my clothes in his closet. Then he carries me back to the kitchen and asks if I’d like a glass of wine. “I thought we’d eat here tonight, if that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect. Are you going to cook?”
“Me?” His face is a mixture of mock horror and distaste. I can’t help but laugh. He sets me on the counter, spreads my legs, and wedges his large body in between them.
“Who else is in this room?” I look around, messing with him. “Do you have a secret chef hidden in one of your cabinets?”
“No, but I do have a secret chef. He works at the local pizza parlor.” His tongue pokes the inside of his cheek as he tries not to laugh.
“Hmmm. Pizza. I see you’re trying really hard to impress me. It is one of my favorites.”
He drops his head so his mouth is right next to my ear. Warm air blows across my neck, causing me to break out in goosebumps. “Huh uh. Not quite yet. That trying really hard is going to come after we eat.”