Chapter Six

Kade

I hadn't realized how much I like taking care of someone, but having Jovie here last night showed me that. She's sweet, innocent, and trusting. Too trusting.

She needs me. I need her. Honestly, though, I'm not sure that's going to matter this morning now that the alcohol has worn off.

Eggs sizzle in a pan behind me as I whip pancakes together in a stainless-steel bowl, thinking over last night. I hope I didn't scare the fuck out of her. She could be terrified of me now. Heaven only knows if we can go back to the way things were before Wyatt showed up and ruined the night.

Coffee brews in the machine near the fridge and there's a cup ready and waiting for Jovie when she wakes up. When I started cooking, I wanted her with me. Now, I think I need her to keep sleeping. The longer she sleeps, the longer she's mine. As the flurry of thoughts cross my mind, footsteps echo in the hallway.

"Wow. You really went all out." She smiles and readjusts last night's clothes into place. "I don't think I've had a proper breakfast like this since I was a kid."

"Long, cold days call for a big, warm meal. Best way to start things out." I smile and pour the coffee into the waiting mug, handing it toward her.

She inspects the kitten on the cup and smiles. "I knew you had a thing for pussy."

I laugh, sliding the eggs onto a plate. "I can't help myself, I guess."

"Makes sense." She brushes her hair back out of her vision. "I'm sorry again about last night," she takes a bite and sips the coffee, "but the dancing was nice."

Lord, this woman makes me smile. "If kitchen dancing turns out like that, I'll never miss a song."

She stares down at the plate and then glances up again, watching as I gather my food and sit beside her. I avoided my room last night in fear of my aching cock getting the best of me, but fuck if he isn't needy this morning.

"I had a text from Mariah this morning when I woke up." She sips her coffee.

"Oh yeah? What's going on with her? She feeling okay?"

"Wait, what?" Her brows wrinkle downward. "Why wouldn't she be?"

"She's pregnant, right?"

"You know? That's supposed to be a secret."

"I thought everyone knew, but she just hadn't told anyone yet."

Jovie looks down and smiles. "Well, someone should give her the memo because she thinks she's being secretive about it."

"Why is it a secret?"

"She got knocked up by this asshole out in the Springs. I think she's trying to get past her mother's wedding before she tells anyone."

"Shit. That sucks."

"Yeah, so… she's looking for a ‘fake date' for the wedding as we speak. I'm pretty sure she'd lose her mind if she had to go alone."

"What about Charlie? He's always doing random shit, and I think he likes Mariah, anyway."

Her eyes widen. "I'll plant the idea, see what she says."

"Well, I think she should just show up and be about it. She's old enough that she doesn't owe anyone answers."

"I get it, though. She doesn't want an earful. It's hard enough to contend with your own feelings about life. I mean, my mom made the biggest deal about me missing Christmas with the family. She called me a few nights ago with another guilt trip and part of me really believes I should go back and appease her. Then again, I haven't bought gifts yet or done any of those Christmasy things that people do. I need to get on it."

"Too bad you're still my captive."

She shakes her head and bites her bottom lip. "That was cute last night. I mean, truth be told, you're hot as hell, and you've got this way about you. You make me feel safe, but really, what's going on here? My life is in San Diego and your life is here."

"Do you like it in San Diego?" My heart squeezes as I ask. I'm not sure I want the answer.

"I mean, I'd love to stay here, but I think I'm romanticizing this mountain. Everything is magic right now. The snow, the trees, the giant man protecting me." She smirks, and I like it. "This might not be real life."

"Could it be? I could protect you right through spring when the wildflowers bloom, and then again in summer when the back roads open up for riding. Hell, at that rate, you could stick around to the fall when the leaves turn red, and apples are ready for picking."

She sips the coffee again before staring at me. "We spent one night together. You don't know the me that hasn't slept all night, or the me that's rough when she gets hungry, or the me that turns into a beast the week before my period. All of those versions of Jovie are completely hard to be around, even for me. She's not easy and fun like Christmas Jovie."

"You're easy and fun?" I laugh and stand, wrapping her against my chest. "Whatever version of you shows up, is the one I want, darlin'. You can have bad days, but you'll always be my good girl."

Her eyes are hooded as she looks up at me. "I'm about to make a stupid decision, aren't I?"

"I hope so." I grin. "Tell me your mine, and I'll keep you safe, Jovie. Forever." I lift her onto the counter and brush her hair back away from her face as a steady snow falls outside.

"Yours? What about the part where you're my boss, or the part where you're like so much older than me? This is a small town, Kade. People talk."

"Let them talk, darlin'. We don't have anything to hide." My palm rests on her cheek as she stares up at me.

Fuck. I'm not sure I'm going to make it much longer. My cock is aching to claim her.

Her plump, red lips part, and she drags in a breath before returning her gaze to mine. "How are you everything I've ever wanted, Kade? I mean, how does that happen? If Wyatt hadn't called off the wedding, I'd be with him. The wrong guy. I'd have spent my life never even knowing how good things can be."

I'm not sure if that should make me smile or not, but it does, and suddenly the fear of never loving Jovie is stronger than the fear of losing her. "You're here now, and that's all that matters." I lift her into my arms and carry her down the hallway toward the bedroom. "You're my girl, my good little girl, and I'm never letting you go."