Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
He kissed her again, this time a little longer, and once he finished, he rested his forehead against hers.
“You’re very naked,” she said.
He laughed. “That I am.”
“Aren’t you cold?”
“No, I run just a little hotter, especially around the full moon.”
“Don’t you want to go for that run?”
“No, I want to stay with you.” He held her in his arms. “I always want to be with you.”
He cupped her hips, and then she realized they were swaying back and forth. She couldn’t help but giggle as he moved her, swaying her from side to side. He took hold of one of her hands, spinning her around, then drawing her back against him.
“We’re dancing,” she said, feeling so silly for stating the obvious.
“Yes, we’re dancing and we’re doing it together, just like we’re going to be doing everything together, and you’re never going to have to worry about anything else, ever again. I’ve got you, Casey. I will always have you.”
She sunk against him and closed her eyes.
As long as she had Dex, it was going to be okay.
Chapter Six
Six months moved into seven months, and seven months moved into eight. By the ninth month, Dex no longer went for a run. When he did so, it was when Casey was busy, but he joined her at her special patch in the forest. He carried the blanket, along with a small picnic basket.
Casey tried to pretend it didn’t bother her, but he knew differently. With every month that passed, she became even more despondent. It was why he began to spend as much time with her as possible. He didn’t want her to feel alone, which is what he knew happened.
Her parents were worried. Everyone was worried, even his own parents.
When they were together, he was able to take her fear away.
“It’s cold,” Casey said.
They were heading into December. Their parents had already put up the Christmas decorations.
“Which is why I bought you not one but three blankets.”
Casey laughed. “Three. Do you think that is going to be enough?” she asked.
“With the warmth of my body, it is going to be more than enough. I also have a sweater for you.”
He stopped at their spot and reached into his rucksack that he’d brought along with him. “There, it is going to make you feel very nice and very warm.”
Sliding one of his sweaters over her head, it completely swamped her, as it was so large.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“I think you should wear my clothes more often. You make them look sexy.”
“I don’t think that is possible. There is no way I make these look sexier than you.”
He laughed. “Now, Miss Scott, I might start thinking you’re trying to seduce me.”
She gasped. “What if I might be?”
“Well, then I would have to say it is going to be an amazing night.” They hadn’t had sex yet. There were a lot of make-out sessions. He had stayed at her place, and she had stayed at his place.
Her parents were happy with her, even her father was happy with him. Dex had already proven himself to her father by taking care of her. He had respect for him, because he’d been more than willing to stand up for her. When it came to Casey, she was his top priority.
“You promise?” Casey asked, running a hand down his body.
He stared at her, and he didn’t know why, but he felt a change within her. “Yes.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “First, I get to feed you and warm you up.”
“You’re the perfect mate. Always thinking of everything.” She sat down as he rolled out the blanket.
Dex joined her and reached back into his rucksack for the thermos of hot soup his mother had prepared for him.
“I always come prepared.”
She laughed.
He poured them both some tomato soup and handed her a mug of the hot liquid.
“That is good,” Casey said. “That is really good. Your mom is an amazing cook.”
“According to my dad, she wasn’t always a great cook, but that has come with time,” Dex said.
He handed his mug of soup to Casey and reached for a blanket, wrapping it around her before taking his soup back.
“You don’t have to panic. I won’t steal your soup.”
“I know what you’re thinking,” Dex said, teasing her.
“It’s a lovely night,” Casey said.
He was not going to ask her if she felt any change or a difference. He knew the answer was going to be no. She never felt any differences, and the last time he asked her, she’d gotten so upset.
“It’s always a lovely night.”
She released a breath, and a puff of smoke filled the air. “And cold.”
With one hand holding the soup, he wrapped his other arm around her. “And now I will warm you up.”
For several seconds, there was no need to talk. It felt good. He felt free while also connected with Casey.