“I’d like that.”
I unlocked the door,and everyone was in bed. Blaize pulled me into the kitchen. She said she had to make it because she made the perfect hot chocolate. I couldn’t help but smile, watching the domesticated woman coming out of her. She was this big, bad alpha badass babe who left her mark, but she was showing me the gentle side of her. I loved the intimacy between us in this moment.
Was it bad that I was scared something was going to happen that took this away from me? I loved this version of Blaize, and I wanted to wrap her up and never let her go.
Blaize poured the hot chocolate, adding marshmallows to it before handing me a cup. “Careful, it’s hot. I normally let it sit for five minutes.”
“Sooo, what do you want to do while we wait?”
A mischievous smile tugged at her lips. “Dance with me.” It wasn’t a request. It felt cheesy, but I loved this part of her.
She pulled me into her slowly, one hand on my hip and the other against my back. I wrapped my arms around her neck as we swayed gently. My head rested against her chest as I listened to the sound of her heartbeat. Blaize’s hand traced gentle circles around my back as I relaxed into her. A girl could get used to this.
And for once, I wasn’t wondering or questioning her. I was here with this woman, enjoying this moment together. It felt unrushed, unguarded, and finally like everything was finally working in our favor.
CHAPTER 68
BLAIZE
Kadence was still sleeping peacefully when I woke up. As much as I wanted to wake up with her, I had to get back and figure things out. I wouldn’t let fear win anymore, but I was still terrified of this. Five years was a long time to be dormant of emotional ties, and now I was embracing it.
I kissed her temple before I crawled out of her bed.
Annika was in her living room, her arms folded across her chest as she glared daggers into my soul. I knew I was in trouble.
“You better not hurt her anymore,” she said flatly. I opened my mouth to retort, but she stopped me. “Don’t. I’ve watched the way she reacted. How she cried when it came to you. I am a big supporter of love, but I will kill you. I don’t know how, but I will find a way to make you hurt if you ever harm her again.”
My jaw tightened. Annika didn’t know anything between us, but then again she was Kadence’s best friend, so she knew everything. “Look. I was an idiot. I?—”
She laughed. “More than an idiot.”
“I’m working on my issues and I want to make things work with Kadence.”
“Well make sure your issues don’t hurt her,” she deadpanned. “I love her, and I am hesitant with her choosing this, but it’s her choice. Don’t make her regret that choice.”
“I won’t.”
And I wouldn’t.
There was no reason to keep myself from this woman when it was inevitable. There would be trial and error, but I would do everything in my power to make sure I didn’t fuck this up. Kadence made me feel something, and there would be no more suppressing it.
I pulled my phone out as I walked back to my car.
ME
Sleep well, princess. I’ll see you soon. Thank you for last night.
She would wake up with a smile. We would plan something else and move at her pace. We might've slept together already, but she didn’t want to do anything else until she knew it was serious. I was serious about her even if I knew I would make mistakes.
Kadence respondedto my text around one in the afternoon.
KADENCE
Thank you for finally giving me a chance and not playing with my heart. Last night felt like a dream. I’ll see you tonight, and we can talk more.
A chance.She was giving me a chance. One I didn’t deserve.
God, I was going to kick Hunter’s ass.
