28. Cassidy

cassidy

. . .

M id-day, my scans are clear, and I’m finally being discharged. They were hesitant, and Travis assured them he’s trained to look for signs of respiratory problems and would bring me back immediately if I had any issues.

Travis stayed the whole night with me in the too small hospital bed. Every nurse who came by told him he couldn’t sleep with me, but he laid on the charm and insisted he had permission. It’s no surprise; he always does what he wants.

He recounted what happened yesterday at the station, and how he went against his superior. I don’t think he’ll get fired, but it’s only a matter of time before there will be some sort of disciplinary action. He’s anticipating a suspension, though if I was in his shoes, I would’ve done the same; consequences be damned.

The ride to his house—or I suppose, our house—is quiet. Pop and Cay are supposed to meet us there, and I hate that I’ve worried everyone. I haven’t seen the lake house since the renovations were complete, but my excitement is overshadowed by the aching sense of dread I have. Today should’ve been spent with me waking up riding his face, and him fucking me from behind after lunch. Instead, my whole family will be doting on me as if I almost died. I didn’t. I got out with plenty of time, and had more damage done by a shitty nurse than the flames.

We pull up and there are five trucks parked out front—including mine and a moving truck. I recognize the others belonging to Pop, Travis’ dad, and Caleb. All are full with the entire contents of my house. As sweet as it is, I cringe at the thought of one of them finding my vibrator collection.

“What the hell?” Travis mutters.

He gets out of the truck and opens my door. I carry my portable oxygen, and he slings the duffle over his shoulder. “What’s going on?” I ask, careful to conserve my breath.

“I didn’t ask them to do this, Cass. I promise.”

We enter the house and I gasp; it’s exactly how I imagined it—the perfect balance of modern and rustic. The floors were sanded and sealed, looking new. The wood paneling is gone, replaced with a fresh coat of off-white paint. I don’t have a moment to appreciate the missing walls that were taken down as Inferno is galloping toward me, nearly knocking me over.

I drop to my knees, pulling him into a tight hug. “Hey, sweet boy. I’m so happy you’re okay.”

“Cay? Dad? Pop?” Travis hollers into the house as I stand. “We’re here.”

There are heavy, quickened footsteps, then Caleb appears from down one of the hallways. He stops in his tracks, a small twinkle in his eyes. “Cass.” He continues a jog, not stopping until I’m wrapped in my brother’s arms. “Fuck, I’m so happy you’re okay. ”

“It was a small fire,” I whisper, then tease, “It’s not like someone sunk my battleship.”

He releases me as everyone files into the room, including Ashlyn. Everyone hugs me, and I do my best not to cry. Pop explains that he wanted me to be comfortable here, and if I want to move back, he’ll have the trucks packed within the hour. He knows me better than I know myself some days. I want to be here, but if he had asked, I would’ve insisted I’d take care of it myself.

“Hey, Cass. Your dad texted me to come help pack up your room, in case there were, um… you know, personal items,” Ashlyn answers before I can ask. I chuckle, grateful she packed my vibes and not Pop, but it hurts to laugh.

Travis pulls me to him, kissing the top of my head. He asks quietly enough that only I hear, “I love your family and mine, but can I have you to myself tonight? Please?”

I tilt my head and whisper beside his ear, “You figured out what Ashlyn had to pack up, didn’t you?”

A rumble comes from his chest and I stifle a laugh as I pull back. Pop asks, “Well, what sounds good for dinner?”

“Something light, maybe chicken?” I reply, needing protein; hospital food is less than desirable.

“We can order in, or?—”

“Didn’t you check the fridge, David?” Ashlyn laughs, and I honestly can’t remember the last time someone called my father by his first name. “Cay brought over chicken breasts to grill, and my parents prepared macaroni and cheese, and a spinach salad. There’s fresh fruit for the morning too.”

“Oh,” Travis’ dad chimes in, “I figured you’d want a quiet night in, and I ordered groceries to be delivered. ”

Every single one of them wants to take care of me. I’m on the verge of crying when Caleb’s kids come running inside. His son, Sebastian, makes a bee line for me, wrapping his arms around my thigh. “Auntie Cass, you’re okay! Did you see the backyard? Uncle Travis is making a?—”

“Surprise for her,” Travis finishes. “She’s not allowed to see it until it’s finished.”

Seb grabs my hand and pulls me to the backyard. Travis calls after him, and nearly all of the adults try to stop him, but I wave them off. When we reach the back porch overlooking the lake, there’s a vintage, silver bullet trailer. Travis catches up with us and grumbles, “You’re not allowed to see inside until it’s done.”

“What do you mean?” I frown at him. “What’s inside?”

“A surprise,” Seb answers.

The crisp lake air feels amazing in my lungs, and I take a deep breath before telling him, “Well, kiddo, if your uncle says I’m not supposed to see it, then let it be a surprise.”

“But it’s going to be?—”

Cay clamps his hand over Seb’s mouth, making my nephew giggle. “That’s enough. If Cass wants chicken, I’ll fire up the grill.”

As Caleb cooks dinner outside, Ashlyn and Pop are laughing about something in the kitchen, while Seb and Darcy play with Travis’ dad. The only one missing is Ingrid.

Travis hasn’t let me out of his sight since the hospital. He’s always been so fun, playful, carefree. I hate that he’s so worried. Sitting on the couch with his arm around me, he asks, “Do you want to take a quick shower? ”

“You just want an excuse to get me naked, don’t you?“ I wiggle my eyebrows at him.

Travis glances around to make sure nobody could be listening in. “Absolutely, but I’ll only join you if you want me to.”

“Hey Pop!” I shout toward the kitchen. It hurts my chest, and I lower my voice. “I’m going to take a quick shower. How much longer until dinner is ready?”

Pop opens the sliding glass door to ask Caleb. When he returns, he replies, “About ten minutes.“

Travis and I make our way to the bedroom, and the moment the door shuts, his gaze becomes molten. It’s been a while since we’ve slept together, but I’m certainly not going to let him try anything while our family is here. He prowls toward me, not stopping until his hands are cupping my cheeks, bringing me in for a searing kiss. I can’t help melting into him, wanting nothing more than for him to touch me—it isn’t the time or place, and my doctor has warned me about physical activity.

Travis slowly peels off his shirt, revealing his perfectly sculpted chest. I can’t help tracing every peak and valley in his muscle definition. He tosses his shirt to the ground, then slowly undresses me until I’m left bare for him. “Fuck, Cass, I love you so much. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…”

“Shh.” I press the finger to his lips. “I’m right here, I’m not broken. I’m going to be okay. We are okay.” His hands slide up my body until he’s cupping my breasts, swiping his thumbs over my peaked nipples.

“That fucking book you love so much? He has no idea what it means to burn for her. There’s fucking lava in my veins, Cass. The love I have for you courses through me. You’re mine to protect, but I can’t protect you from accidents like today.” He stifles a sob. “I’m a fucking firefighter, and I couldn’t protect you.”

I slip my hands around his neck and pull my body flush with him. His rough jeans press against me, and no matter how much I try to hide my discomfort, he knows me.

Travis pulls back an inch, our lips still millimeters apart. My breath is labored, adding fuel to his fire. “Are you okay? I’m sorry! If I hurt you, I?—”

“I’m fine, Travis,” I reply softly. “What do you need?”

“What do I need? Fuck, Cass, you were in a fire. My needs are?—”

“What do you need?” I interrupt again, careful to keep my voice quiet and not strain my lungs.

“I need to know you’re okay. I need to know you’re still…”

“Yours,” I finish. “Ask me if I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I’m not proposing to you while you’re naked and your family is in the other room,” he deadpans, but a smirk still tugs at his lips.

“I’m not looking for a ring, or a proposal. Ask me.”

He blows out a long breath. “Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me?”

“Yes.” The word can’t escape me fast enough. “I love you, Travis. I’m in love with you. I’m yours.”

Travis grips my thighs and pulls my legs around him, then walks me into the ensuite. “Say it again.”

“I’m in love with you?”

“The other thing. ”

“Travis,” I groan, “which other thing?”

He sets me down and I’m unable to appreciate the updates he’s done as he commands, “Tell me you’re mine.”

“I’m yours,” I whisper.

“Good. Now I can take care of you, and you won’t fight me.” He turns on the water and strips out of his clothes. “Until you’re healed, I’m not touching you.”

“I’m not broken,” I grunt, even if it’s not entirely true.

“You’re not-not broken,” he counters, walking me into the shower. “I know you and this next month could have you spiraling. Before we left the hospital, I overheard the doctors when they told you you’ll need to take a few weeks off. With no nursing, no shop…” The rain shower head beats down on us and he doesn’t have to continue.

“I’m not broken,” I repeat, insisting, “I’ll be okay.”

“I love you. Let me be here for you.”

I don’t fight Travis as he kisses me. It tugs at my soul, every swipe of his tongue stealing more of me for himself. We’ve never had a shower together where one of us wasn’t on our knees. I ache to touch him, to be closer to him, to bring him pleasure. He refuses, swatting my hands away.

Retrieving a dark gray loofah from a hook and a bottle of body wash, he squeezes the soap onto the sponge, to no avail—the bottle is brand new. It takes him a moment to figure out there’s still a seal on it.

“Let me.” I take it from him, ripping off the protective seal under the cap and tossing it over the shower door, with every intention of throwing it away when I’m done. As I squeeze a dollop onto the loofah he’s holding, I can’t help wanting more than he’s offering. I massage the soap onto the mesh sponge, suds bubbling between my fingertips. “I’m not broken,” I repeat for what feels like the hundredth time.

“I know,” he sighs, eyes swirling with pain and grief. “You’re the strongest woman I know—a diamond made under pressure.” Dragging the loofa down my arm from my shoulder, he adds, “You’re precious, Cass, not broken.”

As he washes me, my breath hitches each time he grazes my breasts or gets anywhere near my pussy. My whole being aches with each swipe. “Touch me,” I plead, the words coming out strangled.

“No. I’m not going to explain to your family or some rookie paramedics why my girlfriend is having respiratory problems, when she should’ve been resting. You want me to touch you? It’ll have to wait until tonight, after I check your lungs and heart, and when your oxygen is close by… and when your dad and brother aren’t in the next room.”

“Fine,” I groan, but gasp as he slides his hand between my legs, circling my clit. “I thought you said tonight?” He slips two fingers inside me, forcing a moan from me. “ Travis .” His name passes my lips as a sigh,

Pulling his fingers from me, he brings them to his mouth, sucking them clean. “That’s all you get until tonight.”

Fucking tease. No matter how much I crave him, he’s right, I need to be careful. He kisses me, a hint of my pussy still lingering on his tongue. I reach between us, slowly stroking his cock. This time, he doesn’t stop me.

There’s something powerful about touching him. Sliding up and down his shaft, I enjoy the weight of him in my hand. His lips never leave mine as his groans fill the shower. The water pelts us from above and he kisses me harder the closer he gets. I’d love nothing more than to drop to my knees and feel his hot release spill down my throat, but he’d never let me. He’s moments from coming in my hand and I pick up my pace. In an instant, I’m pressed against the shower wall, and he hitches my leg onto his hip.

“Tell me to stop,” he growls, slipping his tip into my pussy as I continue stroking his cock.

“No, don’t stop.”

Travis pulls my hand away and drives inside me in one hard thrust. I cry out as he fills me, his release seeping out and down my leg as he continues slowly rocking in and out of me. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, but I kiss the words away. As he pulls out of me, he presses two fingers into my pussy, teasing my clit with his thumb. “I lied. I need to feel you, Cass.” He grips my throat, owning me as he checks my pulse. “Your heart rate is elevated, if it spikes, I’ll stop.”

“Faster. You can be rough with me.”

He curls his fingers inside me, making me whimper. “No, I can’t. You were just in the hospital and, fuck, we shouldn’t be doing this. I can’t keep any part of me to myself when it comes to you.” Kissing my neck, he draws my skin into his mouth and sucks hard. The simple claiming is enough to send me over the edge. My legs give out beneath me, but Travis doesn’t let me fall. “Breathe with me, baby.”

I concentrate on the air entering and exiting my lungs as I come down from the euphoria. There’s a knock on the door and I’m unable to make out what they said. My best guess is dinner is ready and whoever knocked is well aware that Travis and I aren’t only showering.

Fuck, I really hope it wasn’t Pop or his dad.

Travis makes quick work cleaning us up but takes his time washing my hair. Once he’s done, we step out of the shower, and he wraps me in a large bath towel. It’s warm, almost as if it came out of the dryer. It’s then that I spot a towel warmer on the wall and can’t help smiling at the little addition he had installed.

Instead of dressing in my own clothes, I put on one of his SLFD shirts and a pair of his gray sweatpants. He does the same, and even if it’s painfully obvious to our families what transpired in here, I couldn’t care less. I’m his.