One Lucky Hero by Codi Gary

isn’t over yet.”

Chapter Eight
    V IOLET WOKE UP slowly, aware that she was sprawled across Dean’s hard body and that his arm had her pinned there as if he was afraid she’d escape. Smiling, she stroked her fingers over his skin. There was not a part of her body that wanted to leave the warmth of Dean’s bed.
    But her body didn’t understand reality: This was just a night of passion that would be seared into her brain when she was old and gray. Dean wasn’t her Prince Charming, and there was no happily-ever-after here. She couldn’t afford a relationship, not with how crazy her life was now. Between taking care of Casey and Daisy, supporting them, and keeping Casey out of trouble, she already had her hands full.
    So, how was she going to manage a casual relationship? Last night the concept had sounded great, especially since she’d wanted Dean intensely.
    But there was no way she could take off in the middle of the night for a booty call, unless Casey just happened to be at a friend’s house. And how could she possibly explain her situation to Dean without telling him everything about her past, her family?
    No, she couldn’t do it, no matter how explosively happy and satisfied it might make her. Amazing orgasms weren’t worth screwing her family over.
    As she tried to slide off him, she winced. Dean had been right; she was definitely sore.
    â€œWhere you going?”
    His gruff question made her jump.
    â€œGod, you’re a light sleeper.”
    Dean rolled over her, her head pillowed on his forearm. “Were you going to sneak off without a good-bye?”
    â€œNo, I was just going to use your bathroom.”
    He could probably tell she was lying. “Right. Well, you know where it is.” To her surprise, he leaned over and gave her a hard, fast kiss. “If you are really nice to me, I’ll take you out for breakfast.”
    â€œActually, I should probably be getting home. Lots of stuff to do today.” Besides, she wanted to be there before Casey and Daisy arrived.
    â€œI can get you home with plenty of time for whatever you need to do,” he said.
    Violet got up from the bed, hiding her horrified expression. That was all she needed, to have some strange guy drop her off at her crappy, ghetto house.
    Violet decided not to argue, at least not while she was buck naked. She gathered up her clothes as she made her way to the door and ignored his whistle. Her face burned, but it wasn’t as if she hadn’t let him see every inch of her last night.
    And God, it had been good. Not just the sex, but letting go of all the crap for one night and just not caring. Just enjoying life and taking it by the balls.
    Violet locked the bathroom and used Dean’s mouthwash. She couldn’t wait to use her toothbrush, disgusted by the film she could still feel across the surface of her teeth. She probably stunk, too. Searching through the cabinets under his sink, she came up empty on towels. Then she remembered the cabinet in the hallway.
    Still feeling a little shy, she peeked her head out the door. “Hey, Dean, could you grab me a towel?”
    Dean came out of the bedroom naked as a jaybird, and she glanced away, staring at her feet. Despite the fact that she’d had her hands and mouth all over his body just hours ago, staring at him was awkward.
    â€œHere you go.” Dean held the towel out but not close enough. To grab it, she’d have to step into the hallway.
    â€œCan you bring it closer?”
    â€œNope.” Waving the folded towel at her with one hand, his grin turned downright lecherous. “Come and get it.”
    Violet rolled her eyes and leaned out as far as she could . . .
    Suddenly, Dean pushed the door open and grabbed her arm, pulling her out into the hallway.
    Gripping her chin gently, he raised her gaze to his. “Want some company?”
    Her traitorous knees weakened at the thought of running her soapy hands