Crave by Violet Vaughn Page A

walk into his bedroom. It’s my first time in here. I detect a faint hint of his musk. I see a chest of drawers and an open-design closet. The drawers grate softly as I pull each one open until I find T-shirts. I lift my shirt over my head and remove my bra. Goose bumps prickle my skin in the cool night air. I pull on the soft cotton of a well-worn shirt, and let it embrace me. Wiggling out of my jeans, I wonder where I should sleep. The bed sure looks inviting and has a lot more room than what is available for two people on a couch. Smooth sheets envelope me in his essence when I slide into Blaine’s bed. I take a deep breath and drink in the scent. He loves me. The thought warms my heart and I fall asleep.
    ***
    Blaine’s voice awakens me. “Casey.”
    Fingers comb the hair out of my face, and I open my eyes. Peering down at me is a clean-shaven Blaine. Icy-blue eyes shine, telling me he’s much better. His hair is damp and neatly combed. I smell a fresh version of his spicy male scent and remember where I am.
    “Hi. I missed curfew and, well, the couch is kind of small for two people.”
    “I like you in my bed.” He pulls the covers down to my waist. The weight of his finger draws a line down the middle of my chest toward my belly. My nipples strain against the shirt. His voice is sultry. “You look good in my shirt.”
    What is this? Is he being seductive? It’s working. He leans down to whisper in my ear, “Next time, you won’t be alone.” He nips at my earlobe with his teeth and stands up. Shivers go down my spine. Oh my.
    “I have to leave for work. Help yourself to anything you need. There’s fresh coffee and I put a key on the counter next to it. Lock up when you go. Keep the key.” He walks out and calls to me, “Love you!”
    Wow. He’s laying claim to me in a big way. Love? Seductive moves? Key? I should be happy. Over the moon. So why do I feel the onset of panic?

Chapter 18

    I feel the vibration of a text in my back pocket. It’s Jason.
    “At Denver airport. Found a place, thanks. Remind me to tell you what Mr. Jones said about you, lol. See you in June.”
    Good. I have a serious relationship to work on, and Jason is a distraction I don’t need.
    Red and blue boxes stare me right in the face, and I can’t find the one I’m looking for. The canned music in the background annoys me. Where is the rainbow cake mix? I stamp my foot.
    “Are you having a princess moment, or what?” Tim stops pushing a grocery cart. “What’s up?”
    “Oh, hi. I’m looking for a cake mix so Jenny, Benjamin, and I can make Blaine birthday cupcakes while you and Clara are on your little excursion. I want the rainbow mix and can’t seem to find it.”
    “This one, right here?” He hands me the cake mix.
    “Yes! They changed the box on me.” I give him a sheepish grin.
    “The nerve,” he teases. “I’m glad you and Blaine worked things out. You’re good for him, Casey. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time.”
    “Thanks. He makes me happy, too. Want to find the rainbow frosting for me?” I give him a sugary smile and bat my eyelashes.
    He snorts. “Sure thing, princess.”
    “Clara is excited about your trip. Happy anniversary. I think it’s so cool you got married on top of a mountain. And, even cooler, you’re going to camp out on it to celebrate.”
    “Thanks. You and Blaine can steal the idea. We wouldn’t mind.”
    What? Whoa, let’s slow this bus down. “Um.” I blush and don’t know what to say. I turn and grab a package of candles. “Gotta run. Thanks for the help. See you!” I scurry away. Marriage? What has Blaine been telling him?
    I check out through the express line. A wedding on top of a mountain would be beautiful and very romantic. I daydream about my dress as I walk to my car.
    A golden sun and blue-sky day, the snow in the parking lot is slushy under my feet. I hear the plop of wet snow clumps fall off the roof of the strip mall. The sunbaked asphalt will