Page 58 of Hearts on the Mend

Cassie

Nolan hasn’t said a word since we left the bar, and somehow, that’s worse. My whole body is still lit up from that kiss, and the quiet is just giving it room to burn.

I press my knees together, ignoring the achy need between my thighs the best I can, my arms folded against my chest as I stare out the windshield. The dark, winding streets race past us.

Nolan doesn’t say anything.

I wish he would fucking say something.

It was a quick goodbye after another drink. The two of us ducked out, ignoring the questioning looks from his family. I thanked Blake for his time, and I would have said more if it wasn’t for the way Nolan’s jaw ticked, the undercurrent of our kiss still very much thrumming through our bodies.

I swear I can feel it now, singed against my lips. Or maybe it’s the sangria.

Either way, as soon as we pull into the driveway, Nolan jumps out of the truck, marches over, then rips my door open. He reaches over my lap, unbuckles me, then hauls me out, tossing me over his shoulder with a sharp grunt.

“Hey!” It’s more a squeaky giggle than a protest.

He only slaps my ass in response as he trudges through the snowy drive up to the front door.

“Keys,” he demands.

I swing my purse in his direction, still upside down. Not sure if it’s the blood rushing to my head or the fact I just had to sit and pretend like I didn’t want to kiss his face off, but… shit.

“Nolan, I can’t… don’t make me wait any longer. Please.”

The door clicks open. “Longest fucking night of my life⁠—”

His mouth crashes over mine as soon as he sets me on my feet, his arms over my head, caging me against the wall. He kisses me to within an inch of my life, a slow burn until I melt against him. As I tilt my hips into his, he becomes almost frantic, drinking my moans.

Think I could die happy right now. Jesus, fuck, this man can kiss.

“Doesn’t have to be,” I whisper against his lips, finally breaking apart.

He traces his nose along the side of my face, then presses a gentle kiss to my temple. “Don’t worry, Hellcat. I’m taking my time with you tonight.”

“Again?”

A grin pulls at his lips as he cups my face in his palm. “Except this time, it’ll be your bed, and you’re not leaving in the morning. We live together now.”

“That’s too complicated.”

“No.” Ducking his head to kiss a slow line down my throat, he pushes aside the neck of my sweater dress. “Easy. We both want this more than we want to stay away.”

“How long have you been practicing that line?” I ask with a husky laugh.

“Haven’t, but admit it—that’s true.”

When I don’t, he sweeps his arm around me and tosses me over his shoulder again.

“I swear to God, Nolan…”

“No God. You can worship me tonight.”

“So cocky.”

“You know it.”

“Oh my god…”