Kentucky Home

Chapter 14

Emma

I drop my head. I can't even look at him. I can't tell him this. I'm being silly, anyways, letting it get to me. Not to mention, who would ever believe me, some city girl over a well-known and respected man?

"Whatever it is, Emma, I'll believe you." My head snaps up at his words. I don't say anything.

"He got handsy with you." It wasn't a question. I didn't need to answer. He knew. He brushes the hair back out of my face. "I'm sorry, Em." I feel a tear fall down my cheek. He wipes it away with his thumb never letting his eyes look away from mine. "If I had known he'd be there I wouldn't have ever left you alone."

I shake my head. "This isn't your fault."

"Maybe not, but I could've prevented it. I know his type. I know him." I furrow my brows not understanding. He continues, "he got a bit too handsy with my mom once, but dad took care of it."

"What do you mean he took care of it?" I question. His hands drop to my elbows.

"Dad had a man-to-man talk with him agreeing that if he kept it professional and my dad as his only business contact for all his ranching needs, meaning he would leave my mom alone, he would spare his reputation with the town. He made sure Wes apologized to my mom, too.

Seems to me my dad didn't make himself clear enough."

"I don't even know what to say." I searched his eyes. He was angry.

"I'm the one who is sorry. I should've told you about his tendencies from the beginning. I was just hoping those were in the past." He shakes his head looking disgusted about the whole thing. He looks me hard in the eyes and lightly squeezes his hands over my forearms. I promise you that this will not be an issue. He had his chance."

"Cash. No." I shake my head at the idea. "I don't want you to make a big deal out of this."

He lets go of my arms and steps back. "This is a big deal. He touched you in ways he shouldn't without your permission."

I chuckle and lighten the mood by saying, "and you think you had permission?" I glance up at him with a smirk on my face.

"Well, that's different." He smiles.

"How so?" I ask.

Cash laughs. "Really? You're asking me this?"

"Mhmm. I am."

He steps forward. "Well, umm, it's your body language."

"My body language?" I bite my bottom lip.

"Yep. That right there," he rubs his thumb across my lip releasing it from my teeth, "shows me you want me."

I burst out laughing. "Is that what you think that means?"

"Mhmm." He places his left hand on my hip. "Am I wrong?" He asks, looking into my eyes grazing his fingers across my neck and in my hair.

I smile, "not entirely."

"So, are you saying I have your permission to kiss you?" He whispers mere inches from my mouth. Feeling his hot breath on my lips I can't argue. I want this, too, and my mind isn't being rational right now. I nod my head still looking at him.

His lips rub slightly against mine and he smiles, "you have no idea how much I want you right now." He kisses me softly tilting my head to deepen the kiss. I rest my hands on his hips pulling him closer.

His hands run down my back past my butt cupping my inner thighs, and in one swift scoop I'm sitting on the dryer. I wrap my legs around his waist. His hands inching their way up my shirt, mine twist in his hair. His mouth trails my jaw down my neck nipping at my collarbone. I throw my head back losing all rationale.