Caught in Us (Caught Series Book 4) by Kacey Shea (free e books to read TXT) 📕

“There’s just one problem,” he says, his feather touch moves back up my arm. His gaze boring into mine with a fuel that stirs the fire in my belly. “You’re talking like everything’s in the past. Our story doesn’t have to be over.”

My breath catches. A seed of hope takes root. The rational part of my brain reaches for the biggest reason. “But what about Julia?”

“We broke up last night.”

“What?” It’s almost too much to hope for.

A throat clears. “Um, sorry, I thought the restrooms were this way.” The man’s gaze drops to the ground. Our position appears more compromising than it is with my back to the wall and Chase hovering over me.

“That way,” Chase says, stepping back and pointing down the path.

“Thanks.” The man nods before leaving us alone.

I want to get back to our conversation. Julia and Chase broke up. Why? Was it because of me? Or last night? Is it selfish to hope? “I’m sorry.” I reach out, touching his arm. “Are you okay?” Please don’t be sad. Please don’t be heartbroken.

“It was time.” He shrugs, his gaze downcast and unreadable. “I thought I was ready for a serious relationship, but turns out I’m still in love with someone else.”

My heart pounds in my chest. He couldn’t mean . . .

“Oh, come on.” His grin is cocky, but his words hold tenderness. “Don’t pretend you’re clueless to what you do to me.”

I can’t believe this is happening. That he’s here and available and wanting another chance for us. It’s everything I’ve hoped for. Desire races through my veins. It feeds my confidence. For the first time in years I surrender to attraction. I step into Chase, my fingers skirting the front of his suit jacket as I whisper, “And what’s that exactly?” I tilt my head up so his lips are a mere breath away.

“How about I show you?” His arm bands around my waist. His mouth falls to mine. His kiss is searing. Just like the other day, but this time his touch holds no resentment. There’s nothing forbidden. We’re two people, unattached and connected by a bond that goes deeper than lust. I sink into his arms, my body coming to life. Awareness prickles my skin. His hands rove over the fabric of my dress, searing me with his heat.

“I want you, Alicia,” he whispers between kisses.

I want him, too. “If we’re quiet, there’s an empty guest room upstairs.”

“I don’t want to be quiet.” His hand moves between us, palming my breast as he kisses me again. “I don’t want a quick fuck.” His hand slides lower, teasing and brushing along my panty lines. “I want to taste you, all of you, and I want to hear every fucking moan that leaves your mouth when I make you come.”

Um, I have no argument for that. “Where to?”

“My place. Can you stay the night?”

“Simon will watch Matthew.” He won’t mind, I’m certain. He’d probably insist I go.

“Then let’s go.” Chase grabs my arm and starts walking.

I stop short. “What about the reception? You’re the best man. Shouldn’t you stay?”

“Alicia.” He saunters back to me, caging me against the wall with his large frame. “There is nothing more important than spending tonight naked in your arms.” He runs a finger down my jawline, lifting my chin so our lips meet. He brushes them against mine, lighting up my entire body. “I’m fully committed to multiple orgasms. For both of us.”

“So selfless.” I reach for the back of his head and pull him back to me, claiming his mouth. Our tongues meet, battling for dominance, and I remember just how assertive he is in the bedroom—and how much that turns me on. That and my pent-up sexual energy should have me orgasming in no time. Hell, if we keep this up I’ll be coming right here. My hips move, my body seeking friction. His cock lengthens, hardening against my belly with each sweep of my tongue in his mouth. Even through the fabric of our clothes, its impressive. My clit aches for attention, his leg not nearly enough. Fuck. What the hell am I doing? I might be wickedly turned on, but I am not interested in putting on a show. Especially in my parents’ backyard. I push at his chest and take a step back, catching my breath and a little clarity.

His brows knit with concern. “But if you aren’t ready for that, I’m completely content to stay here and make out under the stars . . . talk . . . whatever you want.”

I almost laugh at his misread of my retreat. Instead I lift my eyebrows, calling bullshit.

He chuckles. “Okay, not completely. But I don’t want to pressure you, or rush into something you’re not ready for.” He steps forward, looping his arms around my waist. “We can take things slow.”

“Chase.” I hold back my grin.

“Yeah.”

“I want this. I want you.”

“Yeah?” His mouth is on mine again. Our breaths shared. Moans stifled by more kisses.

The clearing of a throat breaks us apart. “Sorry, I’m looking for . . .”

“That way!” we practically shout.

“Chase.” I grip the lapels of his jacket. “Take me back to your place before we scandalize one of the guests.”

He grins, the joyous twinkle of his eyes almost boyish. “I thought you’d never ask.”

31

Chase

I break a few traffic laws driving Alicia to my place. Anticipation crackles in the air. We don’t talk or touch, almost as if doing so might detonate the tension between us. With each passing mile the ache to pull her into my arms grows. If I give in, I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop. Which is why I practically jump out of my truck as soon as I pull into the driveway.

I should probably play it cool, but there’s no hiding my desire. I jog around the front of the truck to help her down. “Here. Let me.” I hold the door open with