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Book Blurb
What good is running AWAY when you only end up lost?Cassandra Pierce had her whole "perfect" life planned out by her parents. One night of pure weakness and lust has her running away from it all and seeking refuge in Alamosa with her best friend. But it seems life has other plans for her when she finds herself lost in the small town of Keaton.
Jason Bradley is a charming country guy. He lives a simple life that’s nothing like what Cassandra is used to. A single moment in life changed everything he thought he once knew, leaving him with a broken heart and an unplanned future.
What happens in Keaton is nothing Cassandra or her heart could have ever prepared for. The instant connection she shares with Jason is no secret, but what they're keeping hidden from one another is. Will these two be able to find a way to trust each other or will their secrets tear them apart?
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Book Excerpt
Are you asleep yet?
How could I be sleeping? His lips just rocked my world; my heart was racing too much to be sleeping.
Not a chance.
Me either.
I put my phone down and got out of bed. I didn't know what else to do so I let my body decide. It would have argued with my brain either way. I let my infectious craving for his lips guide me downstairs to his room as I quietly crept to his door.
I took a deep breath and tapped on his door. He swung it open immediately as if he knew I was on the other side. The room was dimly lit, but I could see just enough. He was standing there in nothing but boxers; I couldn't help but look him up and down from head to toe. His mouth was open and his breathing was heavy as his chest rose and fell quickly, matching mine. It didn't take long for the hunger inside to take over. He stepped forward and grabbed a hold of me, pulling me close to him as he took us over to his bed. I didn't know where we were going to take this tonight, and quite frankly, I just didn't care; all I knew was I needed to be with him. It could have been Jase, it could have been my hormones, but every part of me was craving his touch. I got a taste and I needed more.
“Cassie,” he whispered.
“Shhh,” I whispered back. I put my finger over his mouth. I didn't want to hear what he was going to say, we had done enough talking for the night.
I stepped up closer to him, raising myself on my tippy toes so I was closer to his lips as I pressed mine hard against his. I heard a small moan escape him as he tangled his hands in my loose hair, pulling us onto the bed.
We fell onto the bed and I positioned myself with my back against it as Jason hovered over me, his arms on either side. I took my hands, placed them on his scruffy face, and pulled him closer to me. Somewhere between being pulled onto the bed and Jason hovering over me, our lips had lost each other; this was not going to work for me. I didn't even have to pull hard as his lips curled up and lowered down to my face. “I've never seen you like this Sweetheart,” he whispered into my ear as he nibbled on it.
I was sure a soft moan escaped my lips as he took my ear into his mouth. “I've been holding it in,” I told him.
“I can tell,” he said quietly before running his lips down my neck then into the curve of my shoulder. It was making me shiver from my neck all the way down to the aching spot between my legs. He was trailing his way down my neck when I suddenly realized I needed to take off what was keeping him from continuing further down.
“Wait,” I breathed out. Jason lifted his lips from my skin as I wiggled my arms enough to slip off the cami I was wearing, throwing it to the side of the bed. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.
“Damn Cassie, you are going to be the death of me.” He opened his eyes back up, piercing them into mine. I needed more.
“Please keep going,” I begged him.
“You don’t have to beg, but it's so damn sexy when you do,” he said softly as he brought his lips back to my skin, taking his time as he moved further down to my bare chest. He slowly grazed his lips across each breast before making his way down, trailing kisses until he got to the top of my yoga pants. He was driving me wild; I was having a hard time not ripping all my clothes off. This was not normal for me, but I loved every moment of it. He was bringing out a side of me that hadn't existed before, and I hoped it didn't go away.
I grabbed his upper arms and rolled us over so I was on top of him. I could feel that this was just as good for him as it was for me, as his excitement was sitting between my legs.
“Enjoying yourself?” I asked in the sexiest voice I could find.
“You have no idea. Now get down here,” he said as he pulled me down to his lips, biting down on my lower one before smiling and finally pressing our lips together again. Kissing him was what I always imagined it should feel like. Not wanting our lips to ever be apart because they felt too good pressed together. I knew deep down kissing had to be that amazing or people wouldn’t be so passionate about it. I completely understood it now and I could finally say the feeling happened to me. Jason, he made it happen, he was the spark that lit my lips on fire. I couldn’t help but go insane inside as his lips continued to kiss me like his life depended on it. I slowly released my lips from his and began placing kisses on his chin, running them all the way down from his chest to the very top of his boxers. I slowly raised myself up and loved seeing the satisfied grin plastered on his face. I put my hands on his shoulders and caressed them all the way down, feeling his chest form goose bumps as I did. I took my index finger and traced a line along the top of his boxers, making a soft moan rumble through him. I lowered myself back down on top of him; his hands grabbing my back as our bare chests collided together. I leaned my mouth close to his ear, whispering into it. “I know you green light this.”
That must have sparked something in him because I heard a growl escape his throat as he rolled us back so he was now hovering over me once again.
“Just so you know, I'm not this guy. I'm not normally the guy who has a hard time controlling himself. You seriously have me going crazy right now,” he said with a heavy breath.
“Just so you know. I like it.”
Book Playlist
- Cowboy Take Me Away – Dixie Chicks
- Wanted – Hunter Hays
- If I Didn’t Have You – Thompson Square
- Crash into Me – Dave Mathews Band
- Sure Be Cool If You Did – Blake Shelton
- Runnin Outta Moonlight – Randy Houser
- Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean
- Collide – Howie Day
- Fix You – Coldplay
- Wherever you will go – Lifehouse
- Over You – Miranda Lambert
Character Interview
Hi Cassandra,
Thank you so much for stopping by Toot's Book Reviews and congratulations on having your story put to paper.
If you don't mind, may I ask you a few questions for your current and soon-to-be fans?
Absolutely. Ask ‘away’…
Book....
First, for people who may not know you, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’d like to say that I’m your average girl. I’m a 21 year old college student who has the world within her reach. Sadly, it’s all a façade. I’m lost, getting a degree in a major I hate and dealing with crap parents. I’m even more confused about life than when I was ten, and thought my biggest life decision was wearing my backpack on one shoulder or both. I’m just trying to figure out who I am. (By the way, the answer is one shoulder in elementary, two shoulders in high school, in case you were wondering!)
In your own words, tell us a bit about your book?
It’s a journey. A book about life and love. And that’s all I can tell you!
How did you feel knowing you were getting your own book?
I was thrilled. I needed my story told. I wouldn’t leave B.A. alone about it. She had no choice but to write this story. I was going to hound her until the last word was written, and she knew it.
Have you read it or was living it good enough?
Good question. I’ve read it, lived it, and loved it. It was my story, how could I not read it you know!
What is your favorite scene in the book?
Hmmm… I can only pick one? Well, I’m not going to give it away. You need to read it to really experience it, but it involves a night sky, a street, and Jason.
What's your least favorite scene?
I don’t have one. Okay, okay, I’m lying. It seems to be all I do these days. I have one, but telling you would be too easy! I know what mine is, but what’s your least favorite scene?
On Keaton....
In the book, you find yourself in a small town called Keaton. Can you tell us about it?
You know those towns where your neighbors have watched you grow up since you were a baby? Where they know what time you go to work and come home? That’s this town. Everyone knows everyone. At first it seemed overwhelming and something I only read about it books. It made me uncomfortable that a neighbor would know so much about you, but the longer I stayed the more I became appreciative of it. The phrase, ‘It takes a village’ applies there. That town is the village and they all come together to help, no matter what.
What drew you to the town?
A bad GPS. Haha! I was never supposed to be in Keaton. I only have my GPS to thank for that one.
Any special memories associated with the town you'd like to share?
Lots. A certain stop light, abandoned library, and a farm are all special memories I’ll keep with me forever. Yes, I’m being vague on purpose!
Would you like to add anything about your story or clear anything up before we get into the personal questions?
You mean those weren’t personal? Oh boy.
On Jason....
While in Keaton you meet a man named Jason, can you tell us about him?
Can I? I’d be honored!
Physically (because I know what you girls want to hear) he makes me drool. His eyes capture you from the get go. Then you’ll witness his smile, and you’re heart will start beating faster. When your eyes make it down to his toned chest and then to his tight, body hugging jeans, you’ll literally drop to your knees. Don’t even get me started about how I feel when he wears his cowboy hat…
Emotionally (because this only makes a man hotter) he’s every woman’s fantasy. He knows things about you before you even realize it. He knows what to say when you need to hear it, and he holds you when you cry because there are no words to say. He’s playful and sweet and melts my heart. He’s, well… he’s Jase. Plain and simple.
For those who haven't read the book, how did you two meet?
I kind of crashed into his life.
How long have you two known each other?
Not long enough.
What's your favorite thing about him?
What’s not my favorite thing about him? He’s perfect. I know that everyone says perfect doesn’t exist. But it does. Jason is proof of that. You’ll see.
Just between us and the millions of readers *winks*, what is the most annoying thing about Jason or something he might do that annoys you?
He teases me, all the time. About everything. Don’t worry though; I get my digs in too. It doesn’t take much to make him blush!
If he was Ice Cream, what would his flavor be?
He would be Neapolitan for sure. He’s simple like the vanilla, sweet like the strawberry, and delicious like the chocolate. Now I need some Ice cream… or Jason ;)
What would be your perfect date for the two of you?
Any date is a good date with Jason. You just wait and see, you’ll be begging him to take you on a date. One of my favorites has to be anything involving a picnic.
A few random questions....
Favorite Movie – The Notebook. I’m a sucker for heartfelt romance. And for Noah.
Favorite Song – I’m not a country music fan, whatsoever, but someone changed that (wink, wink). My latest obsession is “Wanted” by Hunter Hays.
Favorite Quote – “Let the chips fall where they may.”
Favorite Food – The ‘usual’ – Don’t know what that is? Read Away! It’s delicious and I have as often as I can.
Favorite Color – Green! A gorgeous, emerald, green. I can’t get enough of the color.
Lastly, what are 5 things fans don't know about you or the book?
1. Aside from my constant chatter in B.A.’s ear, the book was brought to life after she heard a song on the radio.
2. Keaton is not a real city in Colorado.
3. This list is almost harder than writing the book!
4. Both B.A. and I used to write in journals when we were little girls.
5. It was non-stop country music while she wrote the book. As a city girl, I wanted to change the station, but B.A. wouldn’t let me. Sigh…
Cassandra, I can't thank you enough for stopping by.
Thank you! xoxo
Now everyone GO BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
“I gotta go. I promised Kasey a dance,” Moose said before running off like he was up to something.
I shook my head and took another sip of water.
“Hey there. This seat taken?”
I didn’t even have to look at her to know who the voice belonged to. The sweet sound made everything inside of me melt. “For a girl like you? It’s never taken,” I told her as I finally realized what Moose was up to.
She smiled back, but this time, she didn’t take her eyes off of me. I knew the feeling all too well. I didn’t ever want to stop staring at her. She looked away and began fidgeting with her glass. The contents were clear and only confirmed what I thought I knew.
“What are you thinking about over there Cassie?” She swiveled her stool in my direction and I couldn’t help but watch her cheeks flush. It was the perfect shade of red on her. Jase, get a grip man.
“Nothing,” she replied.
The look in her eyes said otherwise. “I can tell you’re lying.”
“Fine, you seem sad, Jase,” she said.
How could she tell? How did she know? Was I not hiding my feelings or past good enough? I gazed down at the floor as I held my glass tight in my hands.
“You can talk to me,” she said, placing her hand on my knee. My skin blazed with heat under her touch. It was all I could do to keep from screaming out to her what was wrong. She had too much going on in her life to have to deal with my problems too. I was stuck. I couldn’t tell her the truth. She wouldn’t accept it and then it would just be heartbreak. At least at this point, we weren’t anything but friends. I wanted more. I couldn’t deny that part of my heart that was internally punching me for not making a move already. It wouldn’t be fair to her though.
A sudden coldness lingered over my knee. Her hand was back up on the bar. I missed her touch. I needed to touch her. We had to dance.
I hopped off the bar stool and stood behind her gorgeously dressed body. It was all I could do not to put my lips on her bare shoulder as I inched my mouth closer to her ear.
“You can talk to me too you know,” I whispered.
I moved her stool around so she was now in between my legs. “Let’s dance pretty girl,” I said.
A smile tugged on her lips. Her hand was still in mine as I started to walk away, except she didn’t budge.
I looked back; her eyes were double their normal size. “There’s a slight problem,” she said, quietly.
I moved in closer, put my hands on her knees, and leaned my ear by her mouth. She smelled so good. Jase, man you have got to stop. Focus.
“I don’t know how to dance country,” she confessed.
What? I moved back and started laughing, uncontrollably. That was what her problem was? It was adorable and innocent and in turn, only made my feelings for her that much stronger. Why couldn’t it have been that she had to go the restroom or something awkward like that?
The flesh of her palm suddenly covered my mouth and instantly stopped my laugh. My stomach knotted. It took all of the control I had in me not to press a kiss to the inside of her hand that so roughly covered my lips.
“Stop laughing, this is serious,” she said. Yes, it is serious; seriously cute.
I reluctantly took her hand off my mouth. “I’ll lead, you just follow. You’ll be okay. Just go with it, Cassie,” I told her. This time I made sure she came with me as I pulled her off the chair similar to a parent helping a child off.
The song that played through the speakers was perfect. I didn’t even plan it, but it worked out to my benefit. I really hoped she recognized it, but I wasn’t positive she would. I didn’t know if she was feeling the same pull I was and if our moment in the street was one that would stay with her, like it did me.
I took her hand in mine and placed her other behind my back. I pressed our bodies together as I wrapped my other hand around her lower back. I made sure there was no space between us, not even room to breathe. The song had me wanting her badly, and getting her as close as possible was all I could think about.
“Don’t be scared, just like we practiced in the street,” I said. Her eyes gazed into mine as if they were seeing them for the first time.
My mission at first was to get her to let loose and have fun tonight, but now, all I wanted to do was recreate the moment in the street. This was far surpassing that though.
I took control and did as I told her I would. I led and swayed us, keeping it smooth and slow, just like the song. Our eyes hadn’t stopped staring into one another since we stepped onto the dance floor, and every ounce of me wanted our skin to touch. The music kept us moving as I slowly rested my check against hers. The heat of her skin immediately radiated onto mine. It traveled down to my torso and only continued further. This girl had me flushed from head to toe. Her body suddenly relaxed into mine as my hand held onto her. It was that moment that I knew I had her; I had all of her, mind and body. And it was then that my voice box let loose and started humming along with the song.
Her body tensed in my arms and a second later her warm soft cheek slid away from me. Her eyes peered into mine as she searched them. I continued to hum as the wheels in her head seemed to turn. I know you know this song, Sweetheart. Come on. I know you do.
“This is the song you were humming in the street isn’t it?” she asked, her lips smirking.
God yes. She knew it. It came to her. My lips grew into a smile that was larger than life. I pressed our bodies back together and finally without having her eyes to distract me, I moved my lips by her ear.
“It’s called Wanted by Hunter Hayes,” I whispered gently.
Feeling her body mold next to me as I held her, I thought to myself how nothing could ever explain how badly I wanted this girl.
Her hands moved and delicately cupped behind my neck. Feeling her latch onto me was enough to make my brain fog over and my knees want to collapse. I did everything I could to contain myself as I locked both of my hands behind her back. We were a chain link; nothing could break us apart now. Our cheeks were no longer side by side, as our eyes were now peering softly into each other. Her eyes. Those damn eyes could kill a man. The soft hazel color could get you lost if you stared into them long enough. They swirled green and brown and became lighter the happier she was. They were like a drug as they caught your attention and didn’t let go. They pulled me in and I’d be lying if I said I tried to stop it. Her whole face was drawing me in like a gravitational pull. Those eyes, those flushed red cheeks, and those pink lips. They took me in and pulled me so close I could feel her warm breath hitting my lips. We weren’t inches apart or even centimeters. We were mere millimeters, a breath and one second apart.
As the song winded down my heartbeat only grew louder. It was the only thing my ears were hearing. Boom. Boom. Boom. It accelerated faster as I moved and passed our millimeter mark. One last breath and one more second my lips would be on hers. The rights, the wrongs, and every reason why I shouldn’t kiss this phenomenal girl in front of me silenced as my breath hitched and now we were only one second from kissing.
Her eyes seared into me, her body was snug against mine and her lips were within reach. They were almost grazing, and then it happened. We stopped moving toward each other and gravity now yanked us apart. The song changed, the mood altered, and the crowd around us went chaotic. Our moment was gone, vanished. Only one second away from our lips connecting and one second was all it took to steal it away.
Was it a sign? I knew I was playing with fire, but maybe it was bigger than a matchstick flame and more like a bonfire. I almost kissed this fantastic girl. What was I thinking? I couldn’t have her. She wasn’t mine to take. She would kill me if she knew the secret I was withholding from her while I stood there, trying to kiss her and make her mine. I was more than sure this was a sign and I was even more positive it was needed.
“My turn next,” Moose shouted as he grabbed her hand. The very one that was just around my neck.
The stinging pain behind my eyes threatened as I watched her face. It had lost its luster as we both stared. Was she thinking the same thing as I was? Were the wheels turning in her mind about the coincidence of the moment we lost? The first moment I reluctantly stopped and then this one that was cut short for us? I tried to smile for her but I’d be lying if I said it was easy.
Kasey grabbed my hand and led me off in another direction, far away from the only person I wanted to be next to. I lost sight of Cassie as we got closer to the edge of the dance floor, away from the crowd. We were dancing, but it was weak and the allure of having fun on a dance floor vanished the minute my hands left Cassie.
The look in Kasey’s eyes snapped me out of my thoughts. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.
“What was all that about?”
I popped a brow and looked at her like I didn’t have a clue what she was asking.
“With Cassandra. Stop playing dumb. I know you better than you think.”
I felt the tension in my shoulders relax as I let out a breath. She knew me well. Too well. Growing up together didn’t help the fact that she already knew the things going on in my life and the blank emotions I wore on my face to hide my feelings.
“I don’t know what to do Kasey.”
A smile surfaced on her face like she knew something. “Make a move you pansy ass. She likes you. A whole helluva lot. I had to get the scoop out of her too.”
“What did she tell you?” I asked her, sounding way too eager for a guy that’s twenty two.
“I’ve already told you enough. She likes you, you like her. Make your move already.”
“I don’t think it’s a go-.” She hovered her hand over my mouth and stopped what she knew was going to come out of it; the reasons why I should not make a move.
“Just go with it Jason. I see the way you look at her. Even when you brought her over for dinner at Maggie’s,” she said as her eyes went soft. “What is it you always say? Let the-the-“
Damn her and her smarts. “Chips fall where they may,” I reminded her.
“That’s it. Let them fall where they may. Make a move and let the rest work itself out.”
“We’ll see. I can’t promise anything, but I appreciate the subtle nudge.” I laughed.
“You deserve to be happy too, Jason,” she said. Her eyes went from determined to soft as she gave me a knowing smile.
She was right. I needed to follow my own damn advice. Tonight I’d let the chips fall and not look back.
Thank you so much for stopping by Toot's Book Reviews and congratulations on having your story put to paper.
If you don't mind, may I ask you a few questions for your current and soon-to-be fans?
Absolutely. Ask ‘away’…
Book....
First, for people who may not know you, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’d like to say that I’m your average girl. I’m a 21 year old college student who has the world within her reach. Sadly, it’s all a façade. I’m lost, getting a degree in a major I hate and dealing with crap parents. I’m even more confused about life than when I was ten, and thought my biggest life decision was wearing my backpack on one shoulder or both. I’m just trying to figure out who I am. (By the way, the answer is one shoulder in elementary, two shoulders in high school, in case you were wondering!)
In your own words, tell us a bit about your book?
It’s a journey. A book about life and love. And that’s all I can tell you!
How did you feel knowing you were getting your own book?
I was thrilled. I needed my story told. I wouldn’t leave B.A. alone about it. She had no choice but to write this story. I was going to hound her until the last word was written, and she knew it.
Have you read it or was living it good enough?
Good question. I’ve read it, lived it, and loved it. It was my story, how could I not read it you know!
What is your favorite scene in the book?
Hmmm… I can only pick one? Well, I’m not going to give it away. You need to read it to really experience it, but it involves a night sky, a street, and Jason.
What's your least favorite scene?
I don’t have one. Okay, okay, I’m lying. It seems to be all I do these days. I have one, but telling you would be too easy! I know what mine is, but what’s your least favorite scene?
On Keaton....
In the book, you find yourself in a small town called Keaton. Can you tell us about it?
You know those towns where your neighbors have watched you grow up since you were a baby? Where they know what time you go to work and come home? That’s this town. Everyone knows everyone. At first it seemed overwhelming and something I only read about it books. It made me uncomfortable that a neighbor would know so much about you, but the longer I stayed the more I became appreciative of it. The phrase, ‘It takes a village’ applies there. That town is the village and they all come together to help, no matter what.
What drew you to the town?
A bad GPS. Haha! I was never supposed to be in Keaton. I only have my GPS to thank for that one.
Any special memories associated with the town you'd like to share?
Lots. A certain stop light, abandoned library, and a farm are all special memories I’ll keep with me forever. Yes, I’m being vague on purpose!
Would you like to add anything about your story or clear anything up before we get into the personal questions?
You mean those weren’t personal? Oh boy.
On Jason....
While in Keaton you meet a man named Jason, can you tell us about him?
Can I? I’d be honored!
Physically (because I know what you girls want to hear) he makes me drool. His eyes capture you from the get go. Then you’ll witness his smile, and you’re heart will start beating faster. When your eyes make it down to his toned chest and then to his tight, body hugging jeans, you’ll literally drop to your knees. Don’t even get me started about how I feel when he wears his cowboy hat…
Emotionally (because this only makes a man hotter) he’s every woman’s fantasy. He knows things about you before you even realize it. He knows what to say when you need to hear it, and he holds you when you cry because there are no words to say. He’s playful and sweet and melts my heart. He’s, well… he’s Jase. Plain and simple.
For those who haven't read the book, how did you two meet?
I kind of crashed into his life.
How long have you two known each other?
Not long enough.
What's your favorite thing about him?
What’s not my favorite thing about him? He’s perfect. I know that everyone says perfect doesn’t exist. But it does. Jason is proof of that. You’ll see.
Just between us and the millions of readers *winks*, what is the most annoying thing about Jason or something he might do that annoys you?
He teases me, all the time. About everything. Don’t worry though; I get my digs in too. It doesn’t take much to make him blush!
If he was Ice Cream, what would his flavor be?
He would be Neapolitan for sure. He’s simple like the vanilla, sweet like the strawberry, and delicious like the chocolate. Now I need some Ice cream… or Jason ;)
What would be your perfect date for the two of you?
Any date is a good date with Jason. You just wait and see, you’ll be begging him to take you on a date. One of my favorites has to be anything involving a picnic.
A few random questions....
Favorite Movie – The Notebook. I’m a sucker for heartfelt romance. And for Noah.
Favorite Song – I’m not a country music fan, whatsoever, but someone changed that (wink, wink). My latest obsession is “Wanted” by Hunter Hays.
Favorite Quote – “Let the chips fall where they may.”
Favorite Food – The ‘usual’ – Don’t know what that is? Read Away! It’s delicious and I have as often as I can.
Favorite Color – Green! A gorgeous, emerald, green. I can’t get enough of the color.
Lastly, what are 5 things fans don't know about you or the book?
1. Aside from my constant chatter in B.A.’s ear, the book was brought to life after she heard a song on the radio.
2. Keaton is not a real city in Colorado.
3. This list is almost harder than writing the book!
4. Both B.A. and I used to write in journals when we were little girls.
5. It was non-stop country music while she wrote the book. As a city girl, I wanted to change the station, but B.A. wouldn’t let me. Sigh…
Cassandra, I can't thank you enough for stopping by.
Thank you! xoxo
Now everyone GO BUY THIS BOOK!!!!
Alternate POV - Bar Scene
I shook my head and took another sip of water.
“Hey there. This seat taken?”
I didn’t even have to look at her to know who the voice belonged to. The sweet sound made everything inside of me melt. “For a girl like you? It’s never taken,” I told her as I finally realized what Moose was up to.
She smiled back, but this time, she didn’t take her eyes off of me. I knew the feeling all too well. I didn’t ever want to stop staring at her. She looked away and began fidgeting with her glass. The contents were clear and only confirmed what I thought I knew.
“What are you thinking about over there Cassie?” She swiveled her stool in my direction and I couldn’t help but watch her cheeks flush. It was the perfect shade of red on her. Jase, get a grip man.
“Nothing,” she replied.
The look in her eyes said otherwise. “I can tell you’re lying.”
“Fine, you seem sad, Jase,” she said.
How could she tell? How did she know? Was I not hiding my feelings or past good enough? I gazed down at the floor as I held my glass tight in my hands.
“You can talk to me,” she said, placing her hand on my knee. My skin blazed with heat under her touch. It was all I could do to keep from screaming out to her what was wrong. She had too much going on in her life to have to deal with my problems too. I was stuck. I couldn’t tell her the truth. She wouldn’t accept it and then it would just be heartbreak. At least at this point, we weren’t anything but friends. I wanted more. I couldn’t deny that part of my heart that was internally punching me for not making a move already. It wouldn’t be fair to her though.
A sudden coldness lingered over my knee. Her hand was back up on the bar. I missed her touch. I needed to touch her. We had to dance.
I hopped off the bar stool and stood behind her gorgeously dressed body. It was all I could do not to put my lips on her bare shoulder as I inched my mouth closer to her ear.
“You can talk to me too you know,” I whispered.
I moved her stool around so she was now in between my legs. “Let’s dance pretty girl,” I said.
A smile tugged on her lips. Her hand was still in mine as I started to walk away, except she didn’t budge.
I looked back; her eyes were double their normal size. “There’s a slight problem,” she said, quietly.
I moved in closer, put my hands on her knees, and leaned my ear by her mouth. She smelled so good. Jase, man you have got to stop. Focus.
“I don’t know how to dance country,” she confessed.
What? I moved back and started laughing, uncontrollably. That was what her problem was? It was adorable and innocent and in turn, only made my feelings for her that much stronger. Why couldn’t it have been that she had to go the restroom or something awkward like that?
The flesh of her palm suddenly covered my mouth and instantly stopped my laugh. My stomach knotted. It took all of the control I had in me not to press a kiss to the inside of her hand that so roughly covered my lips.
“Stop laughing, this is serious,” she said. Yes, it is serious; seriously cute.
I reluctantly took her hand off my mouth. “I’ll lead, you just follow. You’ll be okay. Just go with it, Cassie,” I told her. This time I made sure she came with me as I pulled her off the chair similar to a parent helping a child off.
The song that played through the speakers was perfect. I didn’t even plan it, but it worked out to my benefit. I really hoped she recognized it, but I wasn’t positive she would. I didn’t know if she was feeling the same pull I was and if our moment in the street was one that would stay with her, like it did me.
I took her hand in mine and placed her other behind my back. I pressed our bodies together as I wrapped my other hand around her lower back. I made sure there was no space between us, not even room to breathe. The song had me wanting her badly, and getting her as close as possible was all I could think about.
“Don’t be scared, just like we practiced in the street,” I said. Her eyes gazed into mine as if they were seeing them for the first time.
My mission at first was to get her to let loose and have fun tonight, but now, all I wanted to do was recreate the moment in the street. This was far surpassing that though.
I took control and did as I told her I would. I led and swayed us, keeping it smooth and slow, just like the song. Our eyes hadn’t stopped staring into one another since we stepped onto the dance floor, and every ounce of me wanted our skin to touch. The music kept us moving as I slowly rested my check against hers. The heat of her skin immediately radiated onto mine. It traveled down to my torso and only continued further. This girl had me flushed from head to toe. Her body suddenly relaxed into mine as my hand held onto her. It was that moment that I knew I had her; I had all of her, mind and body. And it was then that my voice box let loose and started humming along with the song.
Her body tensed in my arms and a second later her warm soft cheek slid away from me. Her eyes peered into mine as she searched them. I continued to hum as the wheels in her head seemed to turn. I know you know this song, Sweetheart. Come on. I know you do.
“This is the song you were humming in the street isn’t it?” she asked, her lips smirking.
God yes. She knew it. It came to her. My lips grew into a smile that was larger than life. I pressed our bodies back together and finally without having her eyes to distract me, I moved my lips by her ear.
“It’s called Wanted by Hunter Hayes,” I whispered gently.
Feeling her body mold next to me as I held her, I thought to myself how nothing could ever explain how badly I wanted this girl.
Her hands moved and delicately cupped behind my neck. Feeling her latch onto me was enough to make my brain fog over and my knees want to collapse. I did everything I could to contain myself as I locked both of my hands behind her back. We were a chain link; nothing could break us apart now. Our cheeks were no longer side by side, as our eyes were now peering softly into each other. Her eyes. Those damn eyes could kill a man. The soft hazel color could get you lost if you stared into them long enough. They swirled green and brown and became lighter the happier she was. They were like a drug as they caught your attention and didn’t let go. They pulled me in and I’d be lying if I said I tried to stop it. Her whole face was drawing me in like a gravitational pull. Those eyes, those flushed red cheeks, and those pink lips. They took me in and pulled me so close I could feel her warm breath hitting my lips. We weren’t inches apart or even centimeters. We were mere millimeters, a breath and one second apart.
As the song winded down my heartbeat only grew louder. It was the only thing my ears were hearing. Boom. Boom. Boom. It accelerated faster as I moved and passed our millimeter mark. One last breath and one more second my lips would be on hers. The rights, the wrongs, and every reason why I shouldn’t kiss this phenomenal girl in front of me silenced as my breath hitched and now we were only one second from kissing.
Her eyes seared into me, her body was snug against mine and her lips were within reach. They were almost grazing, and then it happened. We stopped moving toward each other and gravity now yanked us apart. The song changed, the mood altered, and the crowd around us went chaotic. Our moment was gone, vanished. Only one second away from our lips connecting and one second was all it took to steal it away.
Was it a sign? I knew I was playing with fire, but maybe it was bigger than a matchstick flame and more like a bonfire. I almost kissed this fantastic girl. What was I thinking? I couldn’t have her. She wasn’t mine to take. She would kill me if she knew the secret I was withholding from her while I stood there, trying to kiss her and make her mine. I was more than sure this was a sign and I was even more positive it was needed.
“My turn next,” Moose shouted as he grabbed her hand. The very one that was just around my neck.
The stinging pain behind my eyes threatened as I watched her face. It had lost its luster as we both stared. Was she thinking the same thing as I was? Were the wheels turning in her mind about the coincidence of the moment we lost? The first moment I reluctantly stopped and then this one that was cut short for us? I tried to smile for her but I’d be lying if I said it was easy.
Kasey grabbed my hand and led me off in another direction, far away from the only person I wanted to be next to. I lost sight of Cassie as we got closer to the edge of the dance floor, away from the crowd. We were dancing, but it was weak and the allure of having fun on a dance floor vanished the minute my hands left Cassie.
The look in Kasey’s eyes snapped me out of my thoughts. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.
“What was all that about?”
I popped a brow and looked at her like I didn’t have a clue what she was asking.
“With Cassandra. Stop playing dumb. I know you better than you think.”
I felt the tension in my shoulders relax as I let out a breath. She knew me well. Too well. Growing up together didn’t help the fact that she already knew the things going on in my life and the blank emotions I wore on my face to hide my feelings.
“I don’t know what to do Kasey.”
A smile surfaced on her face like she knew something. “Make a move you pansy ass. She likes you. A whole helluva lot. I had to get the scoop out of her too.”
“What did she tell you?” I asked her, sounding way too eager for a guy that’s twenty two.
“I’ve already told you enough. She likes you, you like her. Make your move already.”
“I don’t think it’s a go-.” She hovered her hand over my mouth and stopped what she knew was going to come out of it; the reasons why I should not make a move.
“Just go with it Jason. I see the way you look at her. Even when you brought her over for dinner at Maggie’s,” she said as her eyes went soft. “What is it you always say? Let the-the-“
Damn her and her smarts. “Chips fall where they may,” I reminded her.
“That’s it. Let them fall where they may. Make a move and let the rest work itself out.”
“We’ll see. I can’t promise anything, but I appreciate the subtle nudge.” I laughed.
“You deserve to be happy too, Jason,” she said. Her eyes went from determined to soft as she gave me a knowing smile.
She was right. I needed to follow my own damn advice. Tonight I’d let the chips fall and not look back.
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