Gazing into Savannah’s eyes, I see the emotions playing across her beautiful face. She’s working through something, and I hope she’s beginning to realize what this is between us. Because I won’t sit here and claim I don’t want anything more from her. I want everything from her. I want her heart, her soul, and I want to make her mine forever. In the past, the thought of marriage used to freak me the fuck out because I couldn’t understand why a guy would only want to be with one woman for the rest of his life. But seeing Savannah laying in my bed, and with that relaxed expression on her face, well now I totally fucking get it. Granted she looks confused and a bit scared, but I can work with that.
Walking over to the bed, I crawl over her and get underneath the covers. Pulling her to me, she rolls over so she’s facing me. Whatever is going through her mind, she must have worked through it because now she’s smiling at me again. And damn, that smile makes my heart stop for a few seconds. That smile is just for me and only me. “You looked thoroughly fucked, small fry.”
She snorts at my bluntness, but she does. I take pride in knowing I made her look this way and knowing she’s so content. “Do you say that to all the girls you’ve been with?”
Frowning, I wonder why she’s bringing up my past. Granted we haven’t really talked about it, but I’m sure she’s guessed I’ve been around the block a time or two. I’m not proud of the amount of women I’ve been with. Especially now that I have Savannah. If I could go back and erase every single woman I’ve been with, I would. I only want her, and I wish I’d met her sooner in life. “Actually no. You’re the only one, Savannah.” And it’s true. I’ve never really cared enough about my previous lays to ask. That makes me sound like an asshole, but like I said once before, Savannah is different.
She glances away when she whispers, “Can I ask you something?”
Placing a finger under her chin, I move her to look at me. “Why are you whisperin’?”
Shrugging, she says, “I don’t know.”
I have a feeling she does know but doesn’t want to tell me. “We’re the only ones here, small fry. You can ask me anythin’.”
Savannah looks away again, and her cheeks turn bright red. Whatever she wants to know is apparently embarrassing her. I’m curious to know what she’s thinking, and I wait patiently for her to ask me her question. “Exactly how many women have you been with?” Ah the dreaded question I was hoping to avoid. It’s my turn to look away now as she says, “That many huh?”
Glancing back to her, I place my hand on her hip and take a deep breath. “Here’s the thing,” I start. Everything I’m about to say is going to make me seem like a dick bag that uses women. I guess that’s true to a point. “I don’t know how many exactly. It’s not like I kept a little black book of all my sexual partners.” She smirks with my joke, and I’m glad. I’m worried telling her this will make her want to leave. But I want to be honest with her. “It’s no secret I got around before, and yeah my brothers gave me the nickname of manwhore, but …” I stop to pull her closer, and I begin to rub circles on her hip. “I hadn’t been with anyone in a long time. Not until you showed up that is, and now.” I gaze into her eyes as I truthfully say, “Now I wish I could forget all about my past and all the women I’ve been with. None of them really gave a shit about me, and yeah it makes me seem like an ass for usin’ them, but I never mistreated them or made any promises. They all knew what they were gettin’ themselves into when they were with me. You’re the only one I’ve chased, small fry. You’re the only one I want to be with.”
She’s silent for a while and, damn it worries me. I hope she doesn’t judge me for my past because everyone has one. But I did tell her how I felt, and everything I’ve said is nothing but the truth. When she takes a deep breath, I fear the worst and hold mine as she says, “You’re just saying that because you just had a good lay.”
Pushing out a breath, I know what she’s doing. I laid some relationship type words on her and now she’s trying to play the denial game. Moving my hand off her hip, I caress her face and stare into those blue-green eyes of hers. The hints of green in her eyes seem to flare at me and fuck she’s got to understand she’s it for me. “Just because you’re the best woman I’ve had doesn’t mean everythin’ I said wasn’t the truth.” She sucks in a breath as I continue and I hope this means she’s starting to understand. “There’s no one else I would rather be with, and there’s no fuckin’ way I can compare you to any woman of my past. You’re so different than anyone I’ve ever met, Savannah. I know you’re scared and you don’t want any labels, but I want you to know that what this is between us is way more than just sex.” God I want to confess how much I want to be with her, and how I’m falling for her. “Just so you know, there’s so much I want to say right now, but I won’t because I know you’re not ready to hear it.” I know I’m right by the way her eyes shine back at me. She’s still fighting her feelings for me, and that’s okay. “I’m a very patient man, Savannah. So whenever you’re ready, you let me know and I promise you I’ll be everythin’ you need and more.”
Her eyes search mine, and her chest quickly rises and falls. I wonder if she’s thinking about denying what we have again, or if she’s going to try and give me the slip. But she surprises me when she softly says, “I’m not sure what to say to that.”
Smirking, I rub my thumb across her cheek. “You don’t have to say anythin’. Just remember this conversation, okay?”
Nodding, she lets out a small, “Okay.”
Feeling better about my confessions, I place a tender kiss on her lips before laying back down on my back. Holding my arm out for her, my chest warms as she doesn’t hesitate to move closer to me. Having her in my arms is so surreal. I still half wonder if it was a mistake to make it known how I feel about her, but I have to take a risk. I can’t keep going on this path without her at least knowing some of how I feel. Yeah, I held back because it’s clear she’s not ready to hear it all. But soon she will. Soon there won’t be any reason to hold back, and she will know that there’s no running from this. Moving my hand up and down her shoulder, she lets out a sigh, and I grin knowing she’s so relaxed in my arms. Glancing up, I realize we both completely forgot about our Netflix and chill day. An episode of Supernatural is ending, and I feel around in the bed for the remote. Finding it under my pillow, I place a kiss on Savannah’s forehead. “Back to Netflix and chill?” She hums out her yes, and I figure she’ll be asleep soon which is okay with me. I’m perfectly content just holding her in my arms for the rest of the day. I’m totally fine with listening to her deep breaths letting me know she’s close to sleep. Continuing to rub her arm, I turn the TV down so not to disturb her and my chest constricts knowing this is the best day of my life. Well so far that is, and it’s all because of her.
The next day rolls around and I have to admit, I’m proud of Savannah. After confessing how I felt about her, well technically not everything, she hasn’t tried to put distance between us or even hinted she was going to disappear on me. But that doesn’t mean I’m still not worried. Which is why I didn’t tell her we’re going to my parents today to attend Caleb’s welcome home party. Knowing how she reacted the last time I invited her to meet my family, I thought it was best to surprise her.
In fact, we’re on our way there now. She looks gorgeous in her casual attire, but then again she could wear a paper sack, and I would still think she’s beautiful. Reaching over, I take her hand in mine. She turns to look at me with that smile I love seeing, and I swear my heart skips a beat. I’ve got it bad for her. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
Placing a kiss on the back of her hand, I smirk before I answer her. She narrows her eyes at me, and I’m sure she knows I’m up to something. “It’s a surprise.”
“Don’t you remember me telling you that I don’t like surprises?”
Of course I remember. It was our first date, and yeah, it might not have ended how I wanted, but I still consider it a great night. “I remember everythin’ you tell me, small fry.”
“Then why are you trying to surprise me again?”
Shaking my head, I’ve never met anyone that didn’t like being surprised. But Savannah is unlike anyone I’ve met before. “I promise it’ll be a good surprise.”
She huffs out a breath and glances out the window. We’re only a few minutes from reaching my parent’s house when she turns back to me. “Can I at least get a hint?”
Chuckling at her impatience, I state, “I don’t want to ruin it.”
“Caden, come on. Just tell me.”
“If you’ll just hold onto your britches for five more minutes, you’ll see.”
“But I want to know now.”
“You’re killin’ me, small fry.” Seeing her unbuckle her seatbelt out of the corner of my eye, she lifts the middle console and scoots by me. Wondering what she’s up to, I look at her. “You’re goin’ to get me in trouble.”
“I somehow doubt that,” she says sweetly.
“At least put the middle seatbelt on.”
Glancing to the road then back to her, I feel relief she actually listens to me. “Happy now?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m only lookin’ out for your safety.”
“But wearing seatbelts makes it hard to do this,” she whispers in my ear as she reaches over and grabs my cock. Hard I might add. Clenching my jaw, this little minx is going to be the death of me. Her hand starts to rub my cock and of course, my dick has to go and get hard for her. This isn’t going to work out so well since I’m literally about to pull up at my parents. “Tell me where we’re going, Caden.”
Groaning as she caresses me, I wish I could skip out on this party and take her right here, right now. “We’re here,” I breathe out. Parking the truck in my parent’s driveway, I grab her wrist and take her mouth. Kissing her deeply and a bit rough, I want her to know how fucking turned on I am. And yeah, I kind of want her to want me as much as I want her knowing there’s nothing either of us can do about it until we get back to my place. Pulling away, I grin seeing her cheeks flushed and her lips are a bit swollen from my kiss. “Do you want me, Savannah?”
Her eyes slowly open to meet my gaze, and my cock jumps as she licks her lips. “Yes,” she says in a raspy voice.
“Good because that’s how I feel.” Leaning over, I whisper, “I want you wet, needy, and practically beggin’ me later to fuck you.”
Sitting back in the seat, I watch as her eyes dilate and I know she’s thinking about me taking her again. “Why are we still parked? Let’s go now.”
Chuckling at her eagerness, I take a deep breath. “I would love nothin’ more than to be inside you right now, small fry.” Glancing toward my parent’s house, I know if I miss this Mama will kill me. “The thing is we kind of have to go inside.”
Savannah starts to say something, but we both turn when someone begins to knock on my window. Rolling my eyes as I see Clark, I wish he would’ve waited just a few more minutes before interrupting us. It seems to be an ongoing theme with Savannah and I. Adjusting myself before opening the door, I hop out as Clark asks, “Y’all coming in or y’all going to stay out here all day makin’ out?”
Resisting the urge to punch him in the arm, I sarcastically claim, “Not like I could make out with my girl anyway. Between you and Cason, I’ll never get past first base without gettin’ rudely interrupted.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t be tryin’ to get to first base in our parent’s driveway.”
“We’re at your parents?” Savannah asks, and I turn around to help her out of the truck. Once she’s on her feet, I shut the door and take her hand. “Caden?”
Clark pretends to look away, but I see that stupid smirk. “Don’t freak out,” I begin because I’m worried she might freak the fuck out. “Today is Caleb’s welcome home party, and I wanted you to meet everyone.” Turning to Clark, I say, “This is my douche brother Clark.”
Savannah’s eyes widen, and I hold my breath waiting for what she’s going to do. She takes a deep breath and looks away from me before turning to Clark. “It’s nice to meet you, and thank you for your service.”
Pushing out a breath, I’m grateful she isn’t making a big deal out of this. Not yet at least. But Clark, on the other hand, must be in a shit mood. The smirk he had suddenly disappears, and it’s not hard to miss the ghosts of his past playing across his face. “Thanks,” he snaps, and I start to step in when he adds, “I’m goin’ inside.”
What the fuck? Shaking my head at my brother’s rudeness, Savannah asks, “Was it something I said?”
“Honestly there’s no tellin’. Just ignore him.” I know Clark has been through a lot recently, but he and I are going to have words later about this. “Ready, small fry?” I ask nodding toward my parent’s house.
Savannah glances past me, and then back to me as she says, “I don’t know, Caden. I wish you would’ve told me so I could’ve been prepared.”
Frowning, I pull her to me. “Why would you need preparin’?”
She stares at my chest as she softly says, “I … I don’t know.” Taking my finger, I lift her chin to look at me. She sighs deeply as she rushes out, “What if they don’t like me? Clark clearly didn’t seem too impressed.”
I see what’s going on here. She’s nervous, but she has no reason to be. “I know for a fact they’re goin’ to love you, and you can’t let Clark make you think any different. He’s an ass so he doesn’t count.”
Those blue-green eyes stare into mine as she asks, “How do you know?”
Using my free hand, I take a deep breath as I brush her hair out of her face. “Because, small fry. I lo— I mean … I like you, so I know they will.” My heart pounds in my chest knowing I almost slipped out the L-word. But it is true. I do love her, but I don’t think she’s ready to hear that just yet.
Her eyebrows furrow and I think she did hear me for a second until she states, “Well if you’re so confident they will, then I guess we should go inside.”
“That’s my girl,” I say with a grin. She rolls her eyes, but she comes willingly when I start to make my way toward the house.
She holds onto my hand tightly as we walk up the steps of the front porch, and right as I’m about to open the door she pulls back, and I turn to her. “Are you sure about this?” With my frown, she says, “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
I’m not sure why she’s so nervous either, but I have a feeling it has something to do with the fact this is kind of a big deal for me. I’ve never once brought a woman home before. So yeah, maybe she knows how much this means for us. Deciding to keep that tidbit to myself, I grin widely as I claim, “Just be yourself, small fry.”
One eyebrow raises as she sarcastically asks, “So what you’re saying is, I should be a smart ass?”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Come on, small fry.” She takes a deep breath, and I lean in to leave a sweet kiss on her lips. “It’s going to be fine. I promise.” When she nods, I squeeze her hand and turn back to the door. Once we’re inside, I smile hearing my family hanging out in the kitchen. Making my way there, I glance back to Savannah seeing she’s looking around the house. It does send a thrill through me knowing she’s here with me and about to meet my family. Reaching the kitchen, Cason and Mama are standing by the kitchen island, and I announce loudly, “The party can start now that we’re here.” Dad and Clark walk back inside as soon as the words leave my mouth, and they shake their heads. Cason doesn’t look the least bit amused by me, but Mama laughs. “What? No cheers of glee?”
“The last time I checked,” Cason starts. “This party isn’t for you.”
“That’s a shame. I’m the life of the party.”
“Boys, I don’t want any fightin’, you hear me?” Mama scolds. Cason and I glare at each other, but we silently call a truce. It’s always like this with us, but I find it hilarious how I can get him so worked up over nothing. “Who do you have hidin’ behind you, Caden?”
Ah small fry is hiding now. Pulling her from behind me, I watch Mama’s eyes and smile widen as she sees Savannah. “This is Savannah.” I want to say more, but seeing how red her cheeks are, I hold back.
Placing my arm around her, she leans into me as Mama dries off her hands and walks over to us. Mama winks at me before she says, “It’s nice to finally meet you, Savannah.”
Savannah’s head snaps to me and asks, “You talked about me?”
“Only good things, I swear.”
She’s quiet as she turns back to Mama, but I don’t miss the small smile on her face. “I was wonderin’ when Caden was goin’ to bring you over.” Mama gushes, and I shake my head. The way Mama is acting one would think Savannah was a rare jewel or something.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Harlow.”
“Oh hush now. You can call me Linda.”
Noticing everyone is staring at Savannah and the room suddenly is quiet, I ask, “Where’s Carter and Shelby?” Feeling Savannah’s shoulders sag, I know I made the right call.
“They should be here any minute,” Dad answers.
“Why are they always late?” I ask no one in particular.
Mama shoots me a sideward glance, and I grin widely. “I don’t know why you’re always givin’ Carter and Shelby a hard time.”
Not thinking before I speak, I claim proudly, “I just like bustin’ their balls.”
“Caden,” Mama warns as Savannah snickers beside me. “Don’t make me get out my whoopin’ spoon.”
Knowing she would in a heartbeat, I quickly say, “Don’t embarrass me, Mama.”
“You do that all on your own,” Cason pipes back.
Sighing loudly, I glance down to Savannah. “You’re seein’ this right? My whole family is against me.”
She steps away from me as she states, “Don’t drag me into this. I’m Switzerland.”
“Oh I like her,” Mama announces as she takes Savannah by the arm. Savannah winks at me as Mama leads her to the kitchen island, and I follow behind them feeling the warmth spreading through my chest. I take pride in knowing Savannah fits in perfectly already with my family. I can’t keep my eyes off Savannah as Mama literally takes her under her wing, but I don’t mind. Dad and Clark take a seat at the kitchen island, and I glance to Cason when everyone begins to talk amongst themselves. He nods his head to me, and I know he approves. I’m not even surprised when Cason joins in the conversation flowing. They all seem very interested in my small fry, but I expected it. No one would’ve guessed she was so nervous right before we walked inside the house. Now it seems she belongs here, and all those nerves have all but vanished. Which can only mean one thing. She does belong here with me, and I hope one day soon she realizes this too. My eyes lock with hers as she laughs at something Mama says, and her face blushes with my intense gaze. I’ve never seen her so open and free. Except like that that one time in my apartment when she was dancing around as we listened to her favorite song. I’m not sure how to explain it, but in my heart I know this is where she’s supposed to be.
Seeing Savannah will be alright for a moment, I walk over to Cason. “Is Caleb in his room?” I’d forgotten to ask Mama, but I assume he’s hiding out until the party starts. I never really quite understood why Caleb was so shy.
“Yeah. I think he’s gettin’ ready.”
Wiggling my eyebrows, I playfully say, “Or he’s gettin’ off.”
Cason glares at me, which isn’t anything new. “That’s disgustin’.”
“I’m just sayin’. Never know. Plus you have to watch out for the quiet ones.” Cason shakes his head, but he knows I’m right. Catching Savannah’s gaze again, I motion for her to come stand by me. Her grin lets me know she’s enjoying herself and once she reaches me, I brush her hair behind her ear. “I’m goin’ to find Caleb. Will you be alright for a bit?” I’m not worried about leaving her alone with my family, but I want to make sure she’s alright with it. The last thing I want is to overwhelm her.
“I’ll be fine, Caden. No need to worry that pretty little head of yours,” she sweetly says. “Plus I have Cason here to help me if I put my foot in my mouth.”
Cason grunts in response then seems to think better of it. “You do realize there are some things even I can’t help.”
“Don’t be a buzzkill, Cason,” Savannah pipes back.
Covering my mouth, I try to hold back a laugh with Cason’s blank expression. “You’re startin’ to freak me out with how much you’re like this one,” he says as he points to me. “And the last thing we need is another Caden.”
“Hey! That hurts me deep, man.” I snap as I smack his arm.
“And what’s wrong with Caden?” Savannah starts. She glances at me with those wide eyes and softly says, “I think he’s perfect the way he is.”
Turning back to Cason, I state, “See. She thinks I’m perfect.”
“I won’t even comment back to that.”
“Oh lighten up, buttercup.” Cason huffs out a breath in annoyance, but it’s so much fun riling him up. Taking Savannah by her hand, I pull her to me and wrap my arm around her. “It’s good to know you think I’m perfect.”
Shaking her head, she claims, “Don’t let it go to your head. Your ego is big enough as it is already.”
I can’t help but smirk at her witty response. It’s just like her to give it right back to me. “I promise not to let my ego explode with awesomeness.” She laughs lightly as she gazes up at me, and I can’t resist those lips of hers. Leaning down, I place a gentle and tender kiss on her lips that have seemed to become like a drug to me. Pulling away before things get too crazy and knowing we have an audience, I use my thumb to caress her cheek. “Don’t get into any trouble while I’m talkin’ to Caleb.”
She sucks in a breath and swallows before saying, “I make no promises.” Giving her one last kiss, I step away and glance to Cason. He nods, and I know that’s his way of letting me know he’ll stick by her side.
Because honestly, I never know what to expect from Savannah. Who knows what my small fry will do while I’m away.
That in itself is a little scary.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way. She makes life interesting and fun. Damn she really is my perfect match. Watching her as I walk away, it’s harder than I thought to leave her side. Although I could’ve stuck to her like glue, I need to talk to Caleb. Leaving the kitchen and opening the door to the basement, I make my steps as loud as possible and yell out, “Caleb! Please cover up anythin’ you don’t want me to see.” Thinking better of it, I call out, “I do not want to see you jerkin’ the chain alright.” Making it to the bottom of the stairs, I quickly use my hand to cover my eyes. “Caleb? Are you even down here?” I know this is his new and improved room. He claimed when he returned home that he needed more space. For what, I have no idea. My brothers and I helped him move into the basement even though he could’ve done it all himself.
“What the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you coverin’ your eyes and yellin’ like a crazy person?”
“Is it safe to look? Please don’t let me see you naked, oops baby.”
He huffs out loudly as he says, “I’m not naked. And stop callin’ me that. You know how much I freakin’ hate it.”
Not fully trusting him, I take a peek through my fingers. Seeing he is indeed not naked, I drop my hand. He is however, shirtless and that’s pretty close to being naked. Deciding not to dwell on it, I ask, “Why aren’t you upstairs?”
Taking the towel from around his shoulders, he dries his hair as he says, “Didn’t realize you were Dad now. And the party doesn’t start for another hour.”
“Yeah,” I start and give him a pointed look. “But you know the family is goin’ to show up at least an hour early. You know? Just in time for the craziness to happen.”
Caleb tosses the towel in a hamper by a dresser then turns back to me. “Yeah. Should’ve known that.”
Narrowing my eyes, I have a feeling he wants to say more. When he doesn’t, I glance around his room. It’s a nice set up he has going. It kind of reminds me of a studio apartment with its open layout. Granted he’s still crashing with Mama and Dad, but it suits him. I mean it’s nothing spectacular by any means, but it’s homey. “Place is lookin’ good,” I say to fill the silence. Honestly I’m not sure how to go about asking him what I need him to do.
Caleb walks over to his closet and pulls out a shirt and puts on his glasses before turning back to me. “Did you come down here just to bust my balls about stayin’ with Mama and Dad? Because I know you didn’t come down here just to compliment my room.”
Placing a hand on my hip, I chuckle then say, “Alright you got me.” Sucking in a breath, I hold it in making my cheeks puff out before letting it go. Caleb watches me carefully because I’ll admit, this is way out of character for me.
“Dude, what’s with you?”
I’ve never had a problem asking any of my brothers for anything because I know no matter what, they’ll be there and do whatever they can for me. The problem is what I’m about to ask Caleb, goes against everything I stand for. Because it’s fucking illegal. “I sort of need a favor.”
Caleb shrugs his shoulders as he says, “Okay. Whatever it is, I’m here for you. I don’t get why you’re freakin’ out about it.”
“It’s not your typical favor,” I state vaguely.
“Just spit it out already, Caden.”
Running a hand down my face, I pull out the paper from my back pocket. Savannah has no idea I still have the proof of her mother’s fake identity, but it’s needed at a time like this. I also promised her I’d find out who her birth mother is, and if I have to go beyond the law to do so, I will. Savannah means the world to me, and if finding this woman will help her heal, then I’ll do whatever I can do make it happen. “You still in the business of hackin’ shit?”
“Uh yeah. I guess so.”
“Good.” Handing him the piece of paper, I add, “Can you find out who made this fake ID and who bought it?”
Caleb stares at the paper for a while then adjusts his glasses before he looks back up. “Maybe. You have somethin’ more for me to go on?”
Shaking my head, I say, “If that trail is cold, I would start with hospitals in Florida or even adoption agencies.”
“Is there any reason in particular you want me to hack a hospital’s database? Or possibly end up in jail for this shit?”
I was afraid he would need some convincing, but I know he’ll do it just because we’re family. “It’s for someone I care for. You’re actually goin’ to meet her soon.” With his raised eyebrows, I add, “She’s here.”
Watching him as he folds the paper and walks over to his desk, he lays it down and moves back in front of me. “I thought I’d never see the day when Caden, the manwhore of Columbus, had a serious girlfriend.”
“Well technically she’s not my girlfriend.” Another eyebrow raises from him, and I explain. “It’s complicated. So can you do it or not?”
“Yeah. You could’ve at least given me a challenge.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. Of course he would be a smart ass. Apparently it runs in the family. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“Yeah, you will. Especially if I get caught. Which I won’t, but it’s good to know you’ll bail me out.”
“My advice,” I say calmly because this shit cannot go beyond this room. “Don’t get busted. I mean yeah. I’ll get you out of a pickle if I have to, but this doesn’t need to leave this room.”
“No, I understand. I won’t say anythin’.”
Walking over to him, I place my hand on his shoulder. “Thank you. I really do appreciate your help on this. And for not blabbin’.” I don’t need to get Savannah’s hopes up for nothing. Who knows if Caleb will find anything? For all I know, there’s nothing to find anyway.
Caleb nods as he says, “Give me a week or two. If there’s anythin’ to go on, I’ll find it.”
“Thanks, man. That’s all I need to hear.” Feeling better about this whole situation, Caleb follows me back upstairs. The need to see Savannah again makes me take the steps two at a time. It’s like a force pulling me to her. Craziest shit I’ve ever felt, but once I make it back to the kitchen and she turns to look at me, nothing as ever felt more right.
And I swear that smile is going to give me a heart attack one day from it making my heart continuously skip a beat. But if I were to die seeing that smile from her, that smile that’s only for me, then fuck it. I’ll die a blissfully happy man.