Broken(65)

No. He didn’t know what was going through her mind, or how a person was supposed to act who’d gone through what she had, but Cade didn’t want her to feel pressured to do something she might not be ready for. Draping his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her against him until her head rested against his chest. Cade dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

“You know I know love you, don’t you?”

Jocelyn stiffened within the circle of his arms for the slightest of moments. “I love you too, Cade, so why do I feel a but coming?”

He stroked her dark silky locks. “Because there is. There’s nothing I want more right now than to make love to you, but I’m not sure you’re ready. I’ve already told you, I can wait until you are, even if it takes years. You’re worth it.”

Jocelyn lifted her head to meet his gaze. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m touched at your gesture, Cade, really I am, but I want to do this. You may think it’s too soon, and who knows, maybe it is. But I know how I feel right here.” She took his hand and placed it over her heart. “Do you see what you do to me? I can’t think of a more fitting way to end this evening than to make love with you. Please, Cade. I need this, and I think you do, too.”

Wanting to give in to her passionate plea, Cade knew he’d have to try at least one more time to make sure this was what she wanted before proceeding. “Why don’t we go back to the living room, drink a little wine and listen to some music? We can talk. I promise you, we don’t have to do this.”

She pulled out of the crook of his arm with narrowed eyes. “Why are you trying to talk me out of this? Don’t you want me?”

Cade bent his head to brush his lips against hers. “Do you have to ask? Hell, I’m already rock hard just thinking about having you in my bed again. I want this so badly I can taste it.”

“Then why are we talking about it, instead of doing it?”

“Why indeed? I guess I imagined if we ever got to this point again, it wouldn’t be quite this soon, not that I’m complaining.” Leaning over, he kissed the corner of her mouth. The sweetness of her lips sent his pulse racing and his cock stiffened. What he really wanted was to take her in his arms and unleash all the pent-up passion within him, which simmered just below the surface. But he knew he’d have to take things easy. No matter what she said, he’d need to take things slow.

Pulling away from Jocelyn, he stood. A smile tugging the corners of his lips, Cade held his hand out to her. A becoming flush of red swept her cheeks and in this moment, she’d never looked more beautiful.

She placed her small hand in his, allowing him to pull her against him. Wrapping his arms around her, Cade buried his face against her neck. “Just let me hold you like this a little longer. I need to make sure this is real.”

Her body shook as laughter tumbled from her mouth. “If this is a dream, I don’t know if it’s yours or mine, so let’s make the most of it, shall we?”

Cade couldn’t think of anything he wanted more.



Jocelyn gulped. This was the moment she’d been anticipating and dreading all night long. Sure, she’d practically begged him to make love to her. She wanted him; needed to feel his arms around her, kissing, caressing and making her feel that passion within her only he could conjure up. But the part that terrified her was the part in the back of her mind that made her wonder if she was capable of ever feeling that way again. More than anything, she wanted him to enjoy this experience. The last thing she wanted was for Cade to feel cheated.