is fine.” I inspect the bathroom which I’ll be honest, isn’t ideal.
“You’re being ridiculous. Come on. I was kidding about sleeping in my bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“No.” I go to pull at the suitcase, but he tugs it back. “Cade.”
“Presley. I’m not letting you stay here with all the cobwebs and a toilet that probably hasn’t been cleaned in years.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know, because I’m a nice guy.”
“You’re nice for just bringing me here.”
He blows out a long breath, losing his grip on the suitcase so all the weight flies toward me and I fall down on my ass.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” he says, holding his hand out for me.
“It’s okay.” I take his hand and stand. “Honestly, I’m more than happy here.”
“I can’t leave you up here. We can come back tomorrow and clean up then. You can put those overalls back on.”
I glance at him, my nipples pebbling with just the memory of his hands on those clasps. I should’ve let him unclasp them because my body was yearning and begging to have his hands on me.
“Always making fun of my overalls.” I circle around so I’m not facing him.
“Oh, I’m not making fun. I fucking love those things.”
I want to turn and jump him right now. Which definitely settles it—I cannot sleep in his bed tonight. “I think the space is nice and I’m good with cobwebs. It’s not too late, so I’ll tidy up a bit and then I’ll go to bed. I don’t want to fight about this, Cade.”
He runs his hand through his longer hair and nods. “Fine. I’ll go get some cleaning supplies and I’ll move the boxes out for you.”
Before I can tell him not to, he disappears from the apartment. I look at the boxes and see that they’re labeled in black marker. Hank and Laurie. Trophies. Pictures/albums. I shed my jacket and place it on the kitchen counter, figuring all I need to clean is the bathroom and the corners and the bed area.
Cade returns with a caddy of cleaning supplies, a broom, a duster, and a bag.
“My very own Mr. Clean,” I say.
“Want to role-play? You put on the overalls and I’ll strip off my shirt. We can play a game of you missed a spot.”
I laugh, easing the sexual tension in the room. “You first.”
He drops everything and his hands grab the hem of his shirt. “Cool. Should I find the overalls or are you going to handle that?”
I laugh, walking over and stopping him from lifting his shirt. The quick glimpse of his treasure trail stirs something inside me.
“Oh, who am I kidding, this is never gonna work,” I say, and his head tilts forward. “Did I just say that out loud?”
He nods, his smile growing wider. “What’s not going to work?”
“Nothing.” I turn away, but he stops me with his hand on my hip and his chest to my back.
“Presley,” he whispers.
My name falling from his lips is so seductive it makes me clench my thighs. I’m barely holding back from wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him. I need to get him out of here.
“The flirting,” I say, owning it. “It’s a lot.”
His hand leaves my hip and he steps back. I miss his touch as much as I missed Friends after Netflix removed it. “You don’t like it? Shit… I’m sorry.”
I swivel around, and his hand is pulling on his neck and he’s staring at the floor.
“No.” I shake my head, stepping forward. “I do like it. Too much. Hell, I was envisioning you kidnapping me out of Fired Up and taking me to your truck earlier tonight.”
“What?” he asks quietly.
I shake my head. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.” Damn me and my big mouth.
“I’m confused.” He drops his hand from his neck and stares at me.
I bury my head in my hands, ready to finally hash this out but knowing how embarrassing it’s going to be. “I like the flirting. I like the fact that you openly want me to wear overalls because you want to take them off me.”
“Actually I just want to slide my hand through the opening on the sides.” He chuckles.
His hands land on my shoulders and slide around to my back, resulting in me resting my forehead against his chest. It’s so strong, and damn this feels nice after going all these weeks without affection from anyone. I never dreamed I’d miss my mom’s constant hugs and kisses on the cheek until I came to