First Kiss Last by Sara Miller (latest books to read .txt) 📕

“I need more than just this!” She quickly dropped the sheet and slipped on the tank. It was a poor substitute for a bra, but better than nothing.

“Keep your pants on, I’m looking. Oh wait, you’re not wearing—oof!” The pillow she chucked at his head interrupted him. Cade laughed before tossing her more clothes.

Leah slipped on a pair of sleep shorts similar to the ones Cade was wearing. They were red plaid and she was thankful for the drawstring waist. There was also a black t-shirt with a red and green fishing logo on the front. It was nothing like she would wear at home. The clothes smelled of cedar, a scent she felt she would forever associate with Cade. She loved it.

She was slipping on the oversized tee as Cade finally turned back around to face her. Leah presented herself for approval.

“What do you think?” she asked, wondering if the outfit made her decent enough to meet Liam. Cade only stared, making her nervous. After several seconds, he spoke.

“I think I’m crazy.” He shook his head.

“Wh-what?” She drew her arms around herself and stepped back. Her legs bumped against the bed and she almost lost her balance. Uncertainty and self-doubt rang in her ears. Years of inadequacy reared its ugly head.

“Babe, no.” He was instantly at her side, wrapping his arms around her.

“Don’t.” She shook her head. “Please don’t call me that. Don’t ever call me that.” She struggled to get free and he released her.

“Listen,” he gently took her face in his hands and made her meet his eyes. His gorgeous eyes. “You look,” he struggled for words. “You look like everything I’ve ever wanted.” He kissed her left cheek. “You. Here. In my room. In my clothes. God. You look so fucking perfect, like I’ve died and gone to heaven.” He kissed her right cheek. “You look beautiful. Your laugh, your smile. It’s killing me.” He kissed her chin.

“But you said . . .”

“That I was crazy.” He quickly kissed her lips before she could reply. “Crazy to share any of the minutes I have with you with someone else.” He laughed and shook his head. “I’m jealous of sharing you with my own son.”

Leah smiled at his confession. Relief flooded through her and she felt herself relax again.

“Put a shirt on, cowboy. We’ve got a movie date!”

Cade kissed her again. More thoroughly this time. He smacked her butt before releasing her and pulling on his t-shirt.

“I must be crazy too, to have you cover up and have us leave this room,” Leah sighed.

They looked at each other. Both clearly torn. The decision was taken out of their hands as Liam’s voice cried out.

“Daaaaaad! I’m ready!”

Cade grabbed Leah’s hand, pulling her out the master bedroom door. “Come meet my son.” His proud smile warmed her heart.

Chapter 4

As they made their way down the hallway, Leah began to feel truly nervous. Sure, in theory she wanted to meet Cade’s son. But he was a reminder of Cade’s other life. A life she wasn’t part of. What if Liam didn’t like her? As they passed several closed doors, her anxiety grew. She faltered at the threshold of a large family room.

Cade stopped and gave her hand a quick squeeze. He leaned in close, his hot breath on her ear. “He’s gonna love you. Like—” He stopped abruptly.

“Like what?” She whispered back. Afraid of whatever it was Cade almost said.

“Like . . . a lot.” He squeezed her hand again, not meeting her eyes.

Leah knew she should not have pushed him to say more. She squeezed his hand in response and they entered the room.

From the colorful throw rug in the center of the room, to the large comfy couch along the back wall, this room was as warm and inviting as Cade’s bedroom. There was a beanbag chair and a recliner that both looked equally loved. An oversized coffee table in front of the couch served as a footstool with storage drawers underneath. Family photos covered the walls. A large bookcase sported an eclectic assortment of books, movies, games, knick-knacks, and toys. The room was clearly lived in. It needed a good dusting and a pass with the vacuum. It was a normal family home. It was perfectly imperfect.

Leah’s heart flipped over. Sitting in the center of the couch, clutching a DVD case, was a tiny version of Cade. His sandy blond hair. His square chin, apparent even through the softness of his youth. Down to the dimple on his left cheek as he smiled, he was all Cade in miniature.

“Dad!” Liam dashed across the room and threw himself at his father. Cade caught him quickly with one arm, and settled his son on his hip, all without letting go of Leah’s hand. He gave it another squeeze before he spoke.

“Liam, I want you to meet someone very special. This . . . this is my friend, Miss Leah.”

“Hi.” He sounded shy compared to his earlier exuberance.

“It’s nice to meet you, Liam. Thank you for letting me be part of your guys-night. What movie did you pick?” She attempted to sound normal, as if her presence here wasn’t unusual. Like it was normal to be at someone else’s house in borrowed clothes, meeting someone for the first time late at night. She smiled encouragingly.

That was all it took. Liam was back to his chatty, friendly nature. He regaled her with a short list of all the movies he’d considered and dismissed before finalizing his choice. As Leah listened intently, she watched his face. Up close, Liam’s resemblance to his father was just as strong, except for his eyes. Unlike Cade’s bright blue, Liam’s eyes were a warm, chocolate brown. The rest of his features, his mannerisms, even the cadence of his voice were all his father’s.

“And that’s why I picked The Princess Bride. I didn’t wanna pick a baby cartoon or anything too grown up, right? And The Princess