You Are My Everything (Your Every Day Hero Book 3)

by Higgins, Marie

  “I hope this place is all right.” He smiled.

  Her eyes danced with excitement. “This is fine. In fact, their steaks are to die for, especially when they’re smothered with sautéed mushrooms.” She closed her eyes and grinned, rubbing her hand over her belly. She licked her tempting lips.

  His heartbeat quickened. Whether she was trying to be or not, she was very sensual. Tonight was going to be very enjoyable, and very torturous. No way would he let her beauty keep him from his purpose. His father, owner of Carrington Enterprises, had tried for years to get the bar away from her father. Mark’s old man claimed that land had been in their family for centuries—not hers. Now with Cassidy’s bar in need of money, his father was trying to buy the bar, but she refused.

  Edward Carrington didn’t take no for an answer, and Mark’s father would do anything to get the bar back. Even blackmail. Mark was used to his father’s ruthless ways, and although most of the time Mark didn’t agree, he still got paid well. Besides, for him to take over the family business, he had to follow in his father’s footsteps…as crooked as they might be.

  Their meal came, and the first few minutes they were silent as they ate. Mark wanted to sigh with pleasure from the taste of the delectable steak and mushrooms. It had been awhile since he had eaten here, and now he wondered why he didn’t come at least once a week.

  Cassidy grabbed a roll in the wicker basket sitting on the table, and then peeled it open. A few pieces crumbled, and one fell to her bosom before rolling into her cleavage. Mark held in a laugh, because he wasn’t sure how she would react.

  Gasping, she dug between her breasts and pulled out the crumb. When she met his gaze across the table, her face flamed red with embarrassment. She released an uncomfortable laugh as she swiped her fingers across her chest, checking for any more. That was when she found a second piece of bread that had fallen on her.

  “Gads, I’m beginning to believe this roll is part of the male species.”

  “Male?” he asked with humor in his voice. “Why do you say that?”

  “Because the first place it went was to my breasts.”

  He finally let himself laugh. “Lucky piece of bread.”

  “Not really.” She brushed her hand down her tight dress. “Because just like men, I won’t let the piece of bread go there.”

  “Then that’s very disappointing. I’m sure the bread couldn’t help itself since it was so close and just wanted a peek.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Well, if that’s all the bread wants, then it deserves a brush off.”

  He leaned his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his hand as he stared at her. “So you’re saying, you want the piece of bread to get to know you first. Correct?”

  Her grin widened, which made her amber eyes twinkle. “You catch on quickly. The way to know me is not through my melons.”

  He chuckled. “Okay, so say I was a piece of bread,” he said in a low voice, “and I wanted to get to know you better. What advice would you give me?”

  “Well,” she rested her arms on the table and leaned toward him, “I would caution you not to crumble all over my chest and dive in between my melons. For starters, that isn’t a good feeling at all, and it makes everyone notice my discomfort. Instead, I would hope that you’d stay together and allow me to get to know you through your texture and scent. If I want to sample you by taking a small bite, I’d hope you would be patient and so that I could see if you are the kind of bread I want to finish eating.”

  He couldn’t stop smiling. She was just too adorable. And her analogy…was funny. He’d never heard anything like it, and he’d never think of bread in the same way again.

  “So what kind of bread do you like?” he asked. “Do you like them shaped like rolls? Flat like a sandwich? How about burnt toast or French bread?”

  She laughed loudly. He’d never heard a sweeter sound in his life.

  “I like all types of bread…as long as they taste good and smell heavenly.”

  He nodded and gave her a wink. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  He pulled back and took another bite out of his steak. She resumed eating her meal, as well. After a few minutes, he realized he wanted to hear her voice again—either laughing or just talking. It was much better than this silence.

  After swallowing a mouthful of food, he asked, “So Cassidy, tell me about yourself. What things do you like to do? What makes you happy?”

  She blinked at him with wide eyes as she finished chewing. “What things do I like to do?”

  “Yes. What kind of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?”

  “What spare time?” She laughed and took a sip of her water. “I work too much to have spare time.”

  “But what if you did? What would you do?” he prodded.

  She leaned back against the seat as her hands rested on her lap. Her face relaxed, but she still wore that cute smile.

  “I like to hike, and I like to water-ski.”

  He lifted his eyebrows. “You like boating?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then maybe I’ll take you on my family’s boat one time.”

  She nodded. “That would be nice.”

  As the conversation expanded from one topic to the next, she became very entertaining. Her sense of humor caught him off guard and he laughed more times than expected. The ache in his face reminded him how long it’d been since he laughed this hard.

  But regardless of how much he enjoyed her company, he needed to get down to the matter at hand. Time to turn on his charm and see what tonight’s auction was really about. Would she act like the hooker he paid for in the bar?

  After a few moments passed with nothing said between them, he lifted his glass of water and finished it. He’d devoured his steak, but left a few bites of his potato. Cassidy was the opposite. She’d only eaten a few bites of her steak and rice. Apparently, their conversation hadn’t eased her nerves as much as he’d hoped.

  But he didn’t want to waste any more time. Seducing her was vital to his plan.

  When she wiped her mouth with the linen napkin and rested her hands on the table, he reached over and clasped onto one. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. As quickly as it happened, she snapped her mouth closed.

  “You know, I was thinking…”

  She licked her lips. “About what?” Her voice cracked.

  “About the rest of our evening.”

  “And?”

  He grinned. “And I’ve changed my mind about going dancing.”

  “But earlier you said you didn’t like it.”

  “I usually don’t, but if you’ll dance with me like you danced with that drunk tonight, I think I’ll change my whole outlook on the sport.”

  Her face flamed a brilliant red, and in the dimly lit covered wagon, it practically glowed.

  “Seriously?” She arched a brow.

  He brushed his thumb across her knuckles. “What do you say? Do you want to go dancing? We don’t have to stay very long.”

  Using her other hand, she reached for her glass of water. The ice clinked against the glass as her shaky hand brought it to her lips. He bit his lip to keep from chuckling. Obviously, he rattled her. Good. Maybe his plan for seduction wouldn’t be hard at all.

  FOUR

  Oh dear…oh dear… How could she keep calm in a place like this—and dancing with a hottie like Mark?

  Cassidy inhaled a steady breath and tried to keep her legs stable as she walked into the lounge with Mark. She’d never been here before, but heard of it. This is where everybody liked to go for date night. They played great music, and they didn’t care how lewd the couples danced. Well, she cared and she would not copy the other dancers!

  She bit the inside of her cheek as she scanned the floor. Thankfully, the place wasn’t packed. But then, maybe it would have been better if it were. The more crowded, the less chance someone would see her, and notice her.

  What happened to the proper woman who was satisfied with beco
ming an old maid? Sure, a divorced old maid, but a spinster nonetheless. If her friends or family could see her now, they’d keel over from a heart attack. She couldn’t have that happen. It was a good thing the lights were turned low.

  And just her luck, there’d be a slow song playing.

  Mark smiled and the rattling nerves in her body made her want to crumble to the ground in a heap. Luckily, he slipped his arms around her waist at that precise moment and kept her standing. She rested her hands on his wide shoulders and nearly sighed aloud from just the feel of his muscular frame. Perhaps he’d been made from the ancient Gods for the sole purpose of pleasing women.

  Pulling her closer, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Nice. Her throat dried and it was an effort just to swallow. At least she was able to moisten her parched lips, but every time she did, Mark’s gaze dropped to her mouth. She really wished he wouldn’t do that. It made little butterflies in her stomach come awake and spin around until they were dizzy.

  “So, are you going to show me how to dance?” he asked.

  She raised her brows. “Um…I don’t know. I think you’re dancing just fine now.”

  He cuddled closer as his hands slipped lower on her back. Her breathing accelerated. They were too close. His body shouldn’t be touching hers like this. And yet, this was how people danced, so there wasn’t anything wrong. How long had it been since she’d been in a man’s arms dancing?

  His gaze never left hers once their bodies started moving to the rhythm of the song. Slow and meaningful. There was nothing sensual about the way they danced—not like some of the other couples around them. Still, there was electricity sparking off currents of awareness throughout her body. And she couldn’t seem to take her gaze from his.

  This wasn’t anything like she’d experienced with the drunk earlier today. Why couldn’t her hormones have remained asleep? But then the drunk didn’t smell like musk and sandalwood, and the older man certainly wasn’t as gorgeous as Mark.

  I’m in big trouble! Especially if they danced like this all night. The way he held her in his big strong arms was so personal, so comfortable, that she might never want to leave.

  Taking a deep breath, she slipped her hands up and hooked them around his neck. His hot skin almost burned her fingers. Funny to think she’d been nearly freezing after they’d left the bar, but now she was nearly a raging volcano.

  Slowly, lines appeared around his eyes and mouth, almost as if he were in pain. Yet the dreamy look in his dark eyes told her he was enjoying himself as much as she was. Her eyes probably mirrored his perfectly.

  “Cassidy, you’re a good dancer.” His voice was low.

  “So are you.” She allowed herself to relax against him. Although she shouldn’t, she enjoyed the heat rushing through her. She didn’t really know this guy at all, and yet, she’d become lost in his tender gaze.

  She tried to grin, but humor was the farthest thing from her mind. “Are you sure you don’t like to dance, because you act like you do this all the time.”

  He shook his head. “I promise, I don’t like to dance. I must be good because of you.”

  Her heartbeat quaked to a rocky rhythm as her breathing quickened and became deeper. Closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead against hers, his body still swaying to the music. She wanted to sigh aloud, to throw her head back and laugh with happiness, but she refrained. She couldn’t act like a numbskull on her first date. He would think she has lost her mind for sure, which wasn’t good on their first date.

  What was she thinking? There would be no more dates with him! Lately, she’d been having premonitions—which were quite common in her life, but this one told her of a disaster that would happen with a man. Too bad she hadn’t felt like that before going out—and marrying—Lyle.

  When the song finally ended, her chest and lungs ached so much she thought she’d run a marathon in heels. But another song played, and although the beat was faster, Mark kept her in the same position and continued to move slowly.

  Apparently, he was enjoying dancing with her, too.

  Turning his head slowly, he brushed his lips across her cheek. She squeezed her eyes closed and held her breath. What was he doing? She couldn’t let him kiss her. And yet, she couldn’t find the strength to stop him, either. He left small kisses along her skin, his mouth made its way down her chin to her neck. Without really wanting to, she tilted her head and gave him better access. Okay, so maybe she did want him to kiss her.

  When his hot breath fanned her neck, goosebumps multiplied and scattered all over her body. Neither of them broke the rhythm of the dance. But right now, that’s not where her mind was. Instead, she paid close attention to his tender lips and his hands. As he kissed her neck, his hands caressed her back and shoulders. She didn’t mind since nothing was getting out of hand yet. However, the tingles running over her were growing stronger, and she knew she needed to bring this moment to an end very soon.

  “Oh, Cass. Your skin’s so soft.” He nipped at her neck and instead of collapsing into a fit of giggles, she weakened against him.

  “Mark…do you have any idea…what you’re doing to me?” she said in a voice she didn’t recognize.

  His body shook as if he were laughing. “I think so. Your body is trembling.” He kissed her shoulder. “And I like it.”

  She couldn’t stop the heavy sigh from releasing this time. This man was a magician. How else would he be able to make her quake so easily?

  He lifted his head enough to place his lips over hers. This time when she sighed, her mouth was wide enough for him to deepen the kiss. Fire consumed her. Like a woman starved for affection, she clung to him and met his wild kisses. Glorious heated tremors cascaded over her body, confusing her greatly.

  Wasn’t she supposed to be wary of men right now? According to her premonition, a disaster was going to happen soon. She mustn’t let her guard down. Yeah, right. It’s too late for that!

  Only after a minute, he broke the kiss. “I want to take you back to my place.”

  Breathless, she tried to make her brain work. His suggestion sounded tempting, but she must fight it. After all, doing that with him wasn’t what she wanted to do. This was only their first date, and if she had her way, it would be their last date.

  “I-I-don’t know, Mark. I’ve never done this before.”

  He lifted his head and looked at her. His brows drew together as he narrowed his eyes. “Really? Didn’t you tell me you’d been married?”

  At first she didn’t know what he was talking about, but quickly her brain started working again. Inwardly, she groaned. He meant that… She shook her head. “I’ve never been intimate with a man on the first date. Mark, you might not believe this, but I’m not that kind of woman.”

  A relaxed grin claimed his mouth. Even his eyes softened. “I’m glad.”

  She blinked. “You are?”

  “Yes.” He stopped their swaying. “I wouldn’t think very much of you if you were that type of woman.”

  “So, you won’t be disappointed if I tell you our date is over now?”

  He swept his fingers along her hairline then cupped her face. “Oh, I’d be disappointed all right, but I’ll respect you more.”

  Her grin widened. “Then I think you should take me back to the bar.”

  “Will you give me another good-night kiss?”

  She shook her head. “I haven’t given you a good-night kiss yet.”

  He arched his brow. “Mmm, then I can’t wait until we get back.”

  He bent his head and captured her lips one more time, but before either of them could make it passionate, he withdrew and took a step away from her. The tease! And here all along she thought women were the ones who tormented.

  Her heart softened for this gorgeous, sexy man. How many men had she met who’d taken rejection so lightly? Not many, that’s for sure. Maybe he was a gentleman, after all.

  He leaned closer to her ear. “But I’ll have you know, I’ve never been so comfortable on
a first date that I held and kissed a woman so passionately as we have just shared.” He pulled back and winked.

  Her heart skipped a beat. Wow! She’d been the first. But then, would he want another date? After all, she only said she wasn’t intimate with guys on the first date.

  The drive back to the bar was painful, only because she couldn’t wait to have him take her in his arms and kiss her to distraction. Finally, he drove in the parking lot of the bar. Very few cars were here now. She hoped they had made a lot of money selling drinks, too.

  He killed the engine, took off his seatbelt, and then leaned over to her as he helped her release her buckle. Once the strap was out of the way, he pulled her in his arms, and covered his mouth over hers. Moaning, she clung to him like a woman starved for affection.

  This time, the fiery kiss was more passionate than before. Her mind twirled in a daze and all she could think about was how enjoyable this was. When doubts started to fill her head, she mentally pushed them away. Disaster might strike, but it wasn’t going to happen tonight while they were making out in his truck.

  The longer they kissed, the harder her heart hammered, and her breaths grew ragged. She didn’t care if the windows were fogging up, she just kept her eyes closed and enjoyed. She loved the way his kisses heated her up.

  “Oh, Cassidy,” he mumbled against her lips. “Your kisses are more exciting than I was prepared for.”

  She knew exactly what he meant since she had been thinking different about him, as well.

  He kissed her nose and pulled away. “I suppose this was the good-night kiss you were talking about?”

  She chuckled. “Plus some.”

  “Do you mind if I call you?”

  “As long as you call me something good.”

  He laughed. “You know it, woman. You’re the best.”

  He kissed her briefly on the lips, then pulled back and opened his door. As he walked around to her side, she placed her hand on her chest, her heartbeat still out of control. Gads, what had she done? Her self-control sucked big time. If she wanted to protect her heart, she couldn’t let this happen again.