Hometown Star by Joleen James Page B

better. He could read her easily. She wore her emotions on her face. Despite their past, she wanted him.
    And he wanted her. On any terms. Truth be told, a fling suited him just fine. Star didn’t want kids, and she sure didn’t belong in Seward. She was a city girl, like Marissa had been. He’d already tried to keep a city girl here, with disastrous results. He had no intention of going down that road again.
    He walked Star to the house, up the steps, inside.
    Reluctantly, he let go of her to add water to the carafe and switch the pot on. Star stood near the sink, watching him.
    “What’re we doing, O’Brien?” Her tongue came out to wet her lips.
    He advanced on her. “What do you want to do, Star? Whatever you want, I’m all for it.”
    Her eyes darkened and did a slow rove down his body. “I don’t want anything,” she said, the words hollow and false.
    “Liar.” Cade’s body snapped to attention. “Something’s happening between us and you can’t deny it. I can’t deny it. I don’t want to deny it. You’re the most beautiful, exciting woman I’ve ever known. Even when you hate me, I want you.”
    “I still hate you,” she said, but the words didn’t match the fire in her eyes.
    “Baby, if that’s hate I’m feeling, bring it on.” He closed the gap between them.
    She backed up, her butt hitting the edge of the counter.
    Cade leaned in. This close, he caught her scent. Desire crashed through him.
    “Back up.” Her palms landed square on his chest. “You’ve got a yard full of people out there.”
    “I don’t care.” He needed to touch her, needed for her to feel the same way about him. Cade moved his hands to her waist, a tiny waist. She gasped softly. Slowly, he drew her to him. Her hands were still on his chest between them, yet they fit together like they were made for each other. Her eyes widened when he rocked against her and he knew she felt his arousal.
    The coffee pot beeped three times.
    “Coffee’s ready,” she said, but she didn’t move away. Her lips parted, and he couldn’t resist that lush mouth of hers.
    Cade kissed her, mouth open, tongues mating. He gathered her to him. She tasted like summer, like sex, hot, naughty sex. His hands slipped under her shirt, and he stroked the satin skin of her back. Star’s fingers curled into his shirt as if she were hanging on for dear life.
    The coffee pot beeped again.
    Cade broke the kiss, but he didn’t back away.
    She brought a hand to her lips. “Wow.”
    He grinned. “I hope that’s good.”
    “You know it is, but I’m not so sure I should be kissing you.”
    He didn’t want to lose the sexual buzz between them. “You think too much, Star. Let go. Have a good time. I won’t tell anyone.”
    “Is that coffee ready?” Ron called as he clumped up the porch steps.
    Star twisted out of his embrace.
    “Yeah,” Cade said, moving away to hide the bulge in his jeans from his brother.
    “I’ll get it,” Star said, her voice unsteady. She was as ruffled as he was; he’d bet money on it.
    Thankfully, Ron didn’t come in, but did an about face and went back down the stairs.
    Star pulled the pot of coffee out.
    “We’re not done yet.” He faced her now. She held the coffee pot between them as if it were a weapon of protection. “Meet me tonight.”
    She started for the door. “I can’t. My mother—”
    “Isn’t keeping tabs on you,” Cade said. “Have a summer romance with me, Star. No strings. I know; you’re a modern girl. You don’t want kids or attachments. That’s okay with me. Whatever you want. Sleep with me. You won’t be sorry.”
    Her brow wrinkled. “I told you, I’m not good at casual sex.”
    “Not true.” He smiled. “You’re very good.”
    Star pivoted away, taking the coffee outside.
    Cade went to the kitchen sink and turned on the cold water, splashing some on his face. He needed a cold shower. Star set him on fire. Was he out of line asking her to have a summer fling with him? He