Mom.” Star geared up for her usual pep talk. “You’re right to step back. Absolutely right.”
Destiny smiled. “Really, baby?”
“Really. Now go to sleep. Everything will be better tomorrow.”
“Promise?”
“I do.” Star crossed her heart. “Now, sleep.”
Destiny snuggled under the covers. Star sat with her mom until soft snores came, slow and steady.
Some things never changed. She was still the mother and Destiny was still her child. The thought saddened her and brought on a melancholy she wished she could shake off.
A soft knock sounded on their door. Star left the bed and opened the door.
“Everything okay?” Cade asked, but his eyes said, come with me. I want you.
Star glanced at her mother. “I should stay with Mom. She’s a mess.”
“Live your own life, Star.” He touched her cheek, his touch tender. “Destiny will land on her feet. She always does. Come with me.”
A painful longing squeezed her chest. “I don’t know.”
Cade took her hand, giving it a tug. “Come on, Star. Come out and play.” He smiled.
Star caved. “Okay.”
Cade pulled her into the hall and closed the door.
“Are the twins asleep?” Star asked.
“You just can’t help being responsible, can you?” Cade asked with wonder. “The kids are fine. Ron will keep an ear open for them and for Brad.”
Cade was right. She was responsible to a fault. For once, she wanted to be the irresponsible one. What did irresponsibility feel like? Was it liberating?
Cade tugged her down the stairs and out the front door. They ran all the way to the truck. Star giggled, feeling like a teenager, like being with Cade was forbidden.
Once in the truck, Cade did a U–turn, and then headed down the driveway. He flashed her a sexy grin, a grin filled with the promise of forbidden sexual delights. Desire rushed Star, flooded her, and she couldn’t stand not knowing another second. She wanted an end to her virginity now.
“Pull over.”
“What?” He glanced at her, and he must have seen the desire on her face because he practically skidded off the road. He threw the truck into park, cut the engine, and reached for Star, dragging her across his lap.
And Star knew. The wait was finally over.
Chapter Thirteen
Star couldn’t get her clothes off fast enough.
Cade helped, lifting the hem of her T–shirt up and over her head.
“Beautiful,” he murmured when he caught sight of her lacy white bra, his hands bracketing her waist.
Star sat on his lap, facing him, the steering wheel at her back, yet she wasn’t uncomfortable; she was way past that. It were as if a fever had overtaken her body; hot all over, she burned from the inside out.
Cade separated from her slightly and shucked his own shirt. The minute he was free, he drew her to him, kissing her, scattering what was left of her inhibitions.
Her bra disappeared. Her shorts were magically unzipped.
She unbuttoned Cade’s jeans and he lifted his butt to free his sex.
Star couldn’t look away. She’d seen men naked in pictures, but never like this, nothing like this. Unable to help herself, she touched him.
He jerked as if she’d scorched his skin.
“Sorry,” he rasped. “Feels too good.”
Star had no idea why he’d be sorry about that. She smiled. Cade helped her get her shorts off, and for a second she caught the mental image of how funny they must look, twisted together as they fought the shorts and her panties.
Before she could right herself, Cade lifted her, setting her back on his lap so she straddled him, facing him. He kissed her lips, her neck, her breasts, the sensations exquisite.
And Star kissed him back. Devoured him. Let him touch her any way he wanted to.
“You brought protection, right?” Star asked.
“Of course.” He shifted her again and removed a condom from the front pocket of his jeans. Star watched, fascinated, as he rolled the protection on. Suited up, he settled Star back in his lap.
She expected pain the first time, but prayed she wouldn’t have any. Surely the barrier of her virginity was long gone. Briefly, she wondered if he’d be able to tell she was a virgin, but as quickly as she had the thought, she discarded it. She didn’t care.
Star braced her hands on Cade’s shoulders. Waited as he tried to enter her, and when he did, she couldn’t stop the small gasp that came from her throat. She tensed, her nails digging into his shoulders.
Cade stilled. He knew.
“Star?” he said.
“Don’t stop now,” Star said. “The worst is over.”
“You’re a virgin?” he asked, his eyes filled with questions.