calling me.”
“What’s going on between the two of you?” Trudy asked when Cade was out of earshot. “Cade’s looking at you like you’re a chocolate chip cookie he wants to eat.”
Star’s cheeks heated. “He is not.”
“Yes, he is. I haven’t seen him look at anyone that way for a very long time.” Trudy raised her eyebrows. “Are you interested?”
“No,” Star said. “We have nothing in common. Besides, I’m leaving soon.”
“So?” Trudy laughed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but have a fling. You don’t need to marry Cade or raise his kids. Cade’s a good guy. It’s summer. There’s magic in the air.”
“Magic?” Star gave a dry laugh. “I think you’re reading too many romance novels, Trudy.”
“Whatever.” Trudy shrugged. “I know sexual tension when I see it, and you and Cade have enough between you to set this place on fire.”
Ron came toward them, a plate of fried fish in his hands. “Come eat, Star,” he called, halting their conversation. Then, “I’ll bring you a plate in a second, Trudy.”
“Thank you, sweetie,” Trudy said with a smile. “Go eat, Star. I’m good right here.”
By the time Star got to the table, the only open seat was between Cade and Brad. Star stepped over the bench to squeeze in between the two O’Briens. Trudy’s words still rang in her ears. Summer fling. Magic. Cade’s thigh brushed hers. Her body came alive in response. Wanting to put some space between them, she inched closer to Brad but then bumped against his thigh. Not good. In the end, she leaned a little more in Cade’s direction.
Big mistake. His hard, muscled thigh pressed along the length of hers. Heat infused her leg.
He leaned in and whispered, “You can sit as close to me as you want. I won’t bite.”
His breath tickled her neck, sent a tingle to her toes. Was he trying to seduce her? Did she want him to?
Somehow, Star made it through dinner with Cade’s leg pressed to hers. Never in her life had she experienced this level of sexual awareness of another person. Desire tied her stomach in knots. No matter their past, she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. She wanted him but at what cost to her pride? She wasn’t tramp material and she never would be. How did one have a fling without feeling cheap?
Cade unfolded himself from the bench, holding his hand out to her. “Come on. I could use some help getting the coffee.”
“All right.”
Star glanced around. No one at the table was paying any attention to them. She took Cade’s hand, and let him lead her from the table.
* * *
Cade loved the feel of Star’s hand in his. Her smooth skin only added to his need for her, made him wonder what she’d feel like all over.
She looked up at him, her green eyes bright with arousal, an arousal he’d put there. She could deny her attraction to him all she wanted, but he knew better. He could read her easily. She wore her emotions on her face. Despite their past, she wanted him.
And he wanted her. On any terms. Truth be told, a fling suited him just fine. Star didn’t want kids, and she sure didn’t belong in Seward. She was a city girl, like Marissa had been. He’d already tried to keep a city girl here, with disastrous results. He had no intention of going down that road again.
He walked Star to the house, up the steps, inside.
Reluctantly, he let go of her to add water to the carafe and switch the pot on. Star stood near the sink, watching him.
“What’re we doing, O’Brien?” Her tongue came out to wet her lips.
He advanced on her. “What do you want to do, Star? Whatever you want, I’m all for it.”
Her eyes darkened and did a slow rove down his body. “I don’t want anything,” she said, the words hollow and false.
“Liar.” Cade’s body snapped to attention. “Something’s happening between us and you can’t deny it. I can’t deny it. I don’t want to deny it. You’re the most beautiful, exciting woman I’ve ever known. Even when you hate me, I want you.”
“I still hate you,” she said, but the words didn’t match the fire in her eyes.
“Baby, if that’s hate I’m feeling, bring it on.” He closed the gap between them.
She backed up, her butt hitting the edge of the counter.
Cade leaned in. This close, he caught her scent. Desire crashed through him.
“Back up.” Her palms landed square on his chest. “You’ve got