Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,37
the prettiest girl in Seward.” His fingers trailed over her jaw, to her neck. “I always hoped you’d come back. I wanted the chance to set things right with you.”
His words made her tingle—all over, and heaven help her, she liked the sensation.
Cade’s fingers moved through her hair, lifting the strands then letting them fall. On their sides, they faced each other now. Star could barely think with him so close. She loved his mouth, the sensuous curve of his upper lip. He had great lips. Strong lips. She wanted him to kiss her. She didn’t care if they were in the middle of a public park. What did it matter? She wasn’t staying on. She had nothing to lose except her pride, and who would know once she was back in Seattle?
Cade’s lips parted slightly.
Unable to resist, she kissed him.
He moaned, low, the sound better than any words would have been. She may have started the kiss, but Cade took over, taking Star onto her back. His mouth worked magic on hers. She forgot everything but him. If this was a dream she never wanted to wake up.
The kiss went on and on, sending Star deeper and deeper into a state of arousal she’d never experienced before. Her body grew weightless and heavy at the same time. His hands slipped inside her sweatshirt jacket, under her T–shirt, to her back. His rough palms stroked her sensitive skin.
“We need to get out of here,” Cade whispered in her ear. “Now, or I’m going to make love to you here. In public.”
The words hit her like ice water. Star’s eyes snapped open. Good grief, she was just like her mother—wanton to the core! Quickly, she scanned the area. Only one other couple remained, and they were involved in their own necking.
Embarrassed, Star sat up and pulled her T–shirt back down into place.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know what happened.”
Cade sat up, then gave her a cocky smile. “You don’t know what happened?”
Star pursed her lips. “I know what happened; I just don’t know why I let it.”
“Some things you just can’t control.” Cade touched her face, gently, sweetly.
On the verge of kissing him again, Star pushed to her knees. “We should go.”
He reached for her again, the predatory glow back in his eyes.
“No, I mean it.” She stood. She might be prone to sex thanks to her mother, but she didn’t need to perform in public.
Cade sighed, obviously disappointed. Without looking at her, he packed up the bag, stuffing the blanket inside.
Star moved away. She’d never suspected she could lose control like that and the knowledge unsettled her. She loved control, fed on it. She needed time to think, to sort out these new, strong feelings.
“I don’t suppose you want to take this back to your place?” Cade asked, sounding hopeful.
“I’m sure my mom’s there,” she hedged, more afraid to confront her own sexuality than she wanted to admit.
“Then let’s go somewhere else.”
She couldn’t look at him. “I can’t.”
“Why?”
She knew he didn’t understand, but she had no intention of telling him she was a frightened virgin. And she wasn’t just scared of the sex, or of her own powerful reaction to him. She was afraid Cade would break her heart.
“Don’t run away, Star,” Cade said. “Take a chance.”
“I can’t. Not yet.” Regret heavy in her chest, Star walked away. When she reached his truck, she got inside. Cade didn’t speak on the ride back to Patsy’s. Relief filled her when she saw Brandi’s car in the driveway. Her mother was home.
Star opened the door of the truck. “Thanks for tonight.”
“Star.”
Star jumped from the truck. She didn’t want to hear what he had to say, couldn’t take any more pressure from him.
Cade had given her a taste of sex tonight.
Heaven help her, she wanted more.
At the door, Star twisted the knob. At the same time her mother yanked the door open from the inside.
“Star,” Destiny cried. “Come quick. I think I’ve killed John.”
Chapter Eleven
“What?” Star took in her mother’s disheveled appearance: the bed–head, the short black robe. “John’s here? Again?”
“In the bedroom.” Destiny grabbed Star’s arm. “He needs help.”
“Wait,” Star said, remembering Cade. She turned, relieved to find him still sitting in the driveway. Star waved Cade in before following her mother to the bedroom.
“I think John’s having a heart attack,” Destiny said in a rush. “We were, well, you know, and he suddenly stopped. He’s clutching his chest.”
Star found John in the bedroom, flat on his back, the sheet twisted