“The clothes come off.”
That was my answer to Cade’s teasing question. The grin on his face faltered, disappearing bit by bit. His eyes fixed on me, searching, as if he was trying to catch the faintest flicker of doubt.
“Mira…” His voice dropped low. “Are you sure? I don’t want this to feel like gratitude, like you’re paying me back. I want it to happen because you like me. Because you want this… want me.”
My chest ached at the weight in his tone. Before he could keep going, I cut him off, the words spilling out before doubt could choke them.
“I like you, Cade. I really do.”
The slow curve of his smile returned, softer this time, like my words were all he’d been waiting for. He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a soft test before deepening the kiss until breathing felt like an afte
