Fall Before You Leap Read online

  “At first I thought he picked it to be memorable. Then he kept telling people it was convenient, because he’d only have to celebrate our anniversary every four years.”

  From most people that would be a harmless joke. Not from Austin.

  “He told me it was a good thing we were getting married, because I’d never amount to anything as a designer.”

  Her eyes go misty again. For a moment, I wish Austin would walk through the diner doors. Then I could show him what I think about his treatment of Cassidy.

  She shakes her head. “There were a million other little things. I kept going along, because I thought I was just being sensitive. Then this morning, we did the first look for photos. When he saw me in my dress, he said I should’ve made more of an effort to lose some weight before the wedding.”

  Okay. Now I’m glad Austin isn’t here. I’d probably end up losing my badge.

  “He’s an idiot. You looked beautiful.”

  Her eyes widen. “Really?”

  “You still do in those sweats.” I wink, and she flushes. “Maybe even more gorgeous.”

  “Well . . .” She turns her attention back to the table. “I really do appreciate your help.”

  The waitress arrives to deliver our food. Once we’re alone again, I hand Cassidy the ketchup.

  “I have a proposition for you.”

  She pauses in the middle of pouring some of the ketchup on her plate to arch an eyebrow.

  “I’m off duty in another hour.” I shrug. “You can come hide out at my house until you can leave town.”

  “Seriously?”

  I nod. “I could use someone with design experience. I moved into my house six months ago, and it needs help.”

  Cassidy gives a shy smile. “I’d be glad to help. Though I’m not very good.”

  I doubt that. I’d wager she’s better than good. But as someone who spent a bunch of years on the receiving side of Austin’s cruelty, I can understand why she might be feeling a bit low.

  It’s going to be a pleasure helping Cassidy get out from his influence. It’ll be a pleasure helping her see just how much she has to offer a man and the world.

  Cassidy

  We spend the rest of our meal laughing and swapping stories about our childhood. It’s surprising how easy it is to talk to Officer Prescott—or rather Parker—once everything is out in the open.

  Though I’m just a Queens girl raised by her grandma, and he’s a military vet-turned-small-town cop, we have a surprising amount in common. Like how we can both quote almost every line of Tommy Boy and Dumb and Dumber. Or how we both sing Journey in karaoke. It’s funny, but in a couple of hours I feel like I know him better than I ever did Austin.

  Plus, I like him infinitely better.

  After we make a quick stop at the police station so he can clock out, we head to his house on the outskirts of town. It’s a sweet Victorian with plenty of trees around it.

  “I was able to do some exterior work before the snow fell,” Parker explains as he grabs the duffel bag carrying my dress and guides me inside. “I need to apologize for what you’re about to see inside. My mom says it’s a disgrace.”

  I can’t help but chuckle at that. From what I hear, his mom runs the family. Though her husband spent thirty years as a cop—and another ten in the Army—she’s the one who enforces law and order for the family.

  He pushes the door open and I freeze. Okay, I can kind of see what his mother met.

  Though the home has good bones, it screams bachelor pad. And not a swinging bachelor pad where a guy might bring ladies to impress them. More like a place where a bunch of dudes crash with their mismatched furniture and mountains of empty pizza boxes. Only Parker is far too neat and tidy to leave out empty pizza boxes.

  “It’s okay.” He pulls a face. “You can give it to me straight, design doc.”

  “I’ve seen worse.”

  “What, at a frat house?”

  I cover my mouth to hold back a laugh, but it comes out as a snort. My cheeks flush as Parker throws his head back in laughter.

  Once he recovers, he takes me by the hand and guides me to the equally mismatched kitchen. “Come on. Let’s look at paint swatches.”

  Another hour later, we’ve toured the rest of the house and made a couple of paint selections. Parker makes a quick trip to the hardware store while I scrub the makeup off of my face. Once he’s back with the supplies and paint we need for the living room, we get to work.

  We continue to chat while we work together companionably. Somehow, the conversation steers back to our respective dating histories. I’m relieved to find out he’s single, though it’s definitely too soon for me to be on the rebound. Even though I’m positive five minutes in bed with Parker would make me forget everything about Austin.

  “You know about the biggest skeleton in my closet. How about you? Have you ever been married?”

  He adds more paint to his roller. “I came close once.”

  I arch an eyebrow. “Oh?”

  “She was a decent girl, so no need to feel sorry for me.” He rolls the pearly white paint on the wall. “We grew up together. Reconnected after I got out of the military.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “She didn’t want to be married to a cop. And I didn’t want to quit.” He shrugs. “We figured if neither of us was willing to compromise, it must be a sign.”

  Even though Parker doesn’t seem to be any worse for the experience, it’s still kind of sad. Then again, I just about married a guy who looked good on paper because I was lonely. Who am I to judge?”

  “Hey.” I glance up in time for Parker to flick some paint out me. “Don’t look so serious.”

  I wipe the paint from my nose and flick it back at him. It lands squarely on his cheek. A wolfish grin spreads across his lips. He dips his thump in the paint and swipes it across my face.

  A few minutes later, I’m glad he didn’t have much furniture in this room and that I insisted we cover everything with tarp. Though we didn’t make too much of a mess, we’re both covered in streaks of paint.

  Hands covered in paint, Parker presses them against my back. I shriek in delight and swipe my painted hands on his neck. He grabs my hands before I can shove them in his hair.

  Our faces freeze an inch away from each other. His breath tickles my face. Instinctively, my tongue runs over my lips. His eyelids lower and my hands go around his neck as his slide down to cup my butt. Our lips meet gently, a slow, easy taste that has my toes curling in the pair of socks Parker loaned me.

  I sigh as he draws me closer, opening my mouth to his. Our tongues meet and it sets off a fire inside of me. I press my body against him, groaning as one of his hands slides up and down my body, pulling me closer. I devour him with my mouth, ravenous for more of him. All of him.

  When I can feel my legs begin to give out under me, Parker scoops me up, pressing me against one of the still-wet walls.

  “God, you’re perfect,” he mutters before his mouth returns to mine. His words, like his touch, warm my heart. Where Austin saw flaws, Parker sees beauty. I’m ashamed I ever let Austin make me feel any less than I am.

  His hand slides up my thigh, and he grinds against me. I can feel every inch of his hard, long cock. My already wet panties are practically soaking.

  He pulls back suddenly. Our chests rising up and down rapidly, my heart pounding in my ears.

  He closes his eyes and rests his forehead against mine. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Why the hell not?”

  He pulls back to glance at me in surprise. “You just called off your wedding. You’re vulnerable.”

  “What I am is a free woman who just avoided making the worst decision of her life.” I grip onto his shirt. “Let’s not let that near-miss spoil the moment.”

  Parker’s paint-splotched hand cups my cheek, and I lean into it.

  “Come on,” he says. “Let’s get out of these clothes and make a mess in my shower.”
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br />   Chapter Four

  Parker

  We leave a trail of paint-splattered clothing on the floor to the master bathroom. It takes longer than necessary, because we can’t keep our hands off each other.

  Just outside the door, both naked, I press Cassidy against the wall and tear my mouth from hers. My fingers and tongue tease her breasts. Her fingers dive into my hair, and I take one of her nipples into my mouth and tug. Arching her back, she cries out my name.

  Still, I need more of her.

  Leaving her against the wall, she watches me with a grin playing on those full lips. They’re even fuller, slightly swollen from mine. My lips will be the only ones to touch them ever again. That thought fills me with a savage pride. Just as it warms my heart to imagine her lips being the only to kiss mine ever again.

  I reach into the nightstand and grab a pack of condoms. Checking the expiration date, I swear under my breath.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “They’re expired.”

  I shake my head, angry with myself for not being better prepared. Granted, while I might’ve hoped otherwise, I didn’t think we’d find ourselves in this position just yet. Well, shit. I’ll just have to make her come another way in the shower. Then I’ll run to the store and fuck her properly the rest of the night.

  “I just had my Depo shot.”

  My head swings around. Her tongue slides over those lips, and I all but come right there.

  “I’m clean.”

  “I am too.” She steps away from the wall. “We’d better take that shower.”

  I’m across the room and she’s back in my arms a moment later. I push the door open, only vaguely aware of the gasp of surprise she gives as we cross the threshold. It’s the only room in the house that’s finished. My father and I’ve put countless hours and six-packs into making it just right.

  And now, I get to christen it with the only woman I’ll ever want for the rest of my life.

  Flipping on the shower, water pours from multiple sprouts on the walls. Cassidy’s jaw drops in delight, and I take advantage by capturing her mouth in a bruising kiss.

  I blindly reach for a soap dispenser, my hands roaming her body. Washing the paint away while stroking sighs of pleasure from her. She repays the favor for me. Her hands slide over my shoulders, pausing only a moment to study the tattoo on my bicep.

  “It’s my military unit.”

  She wipes the suds away and presses her lips to it.

  “You’re not just my hero. You’re everyone’s hero.”

  Her words make my heart burst. Damn, but I love everything about this woman. Soon, she’ll be my woman.

  Turning her body around, I pull her back against my chest. I flip a switch on the shower, making the water pulse.

  I inch Cassidy forward against the sprayers on the wall. She gasps as the water tickles her breasts and pussy. One hand on her waist, my other slips lower. Rubbing my rock-hard cock against her round backside, my long index finger slides through her folds.

  She cries out as I find her sweet spot. Gliding my hand up her belly to cup her breast, I continue to stroke her center. I suck on the damp skin at the curve of her neck, water pouring down on me. I mimic the caress with my other thumb at her nipple.

  “Come on, baby.” I take a quick bite at her shoulder. “Come for me. Show me what you like.”

  Pressing her ass up and against me, I groan even as she calls out my name. My fingers stay with her, pushing her toward fulfillment.

  She screams. Her pleasure fills me with pride and with a need to be inside of her.

  My ears ringing, I move quickly, pressing her hands against the wall. Bending her forward slightly, her breath coming in gasps, I line my cock up at her entrance.

  “Ready?”

  Her answer comes out as a near sob. “Yes. Take me. Now.”

  On her command, I thrust inside. She’s so hot, so tight. I clench my teeth together, groaning as she moves against me, urging me on.

  One hand gripping her hip, my other returns to her clit. I stroke her while I ease in and out of her. I want her to come again. I want to feel her come around my cock.

  As her gasps and moans become louder, I quicken my pace. When I’m not sure I can hold on much longer, she lets out a shout. Her orgasm grips onto my dick. I shout as I pour myself into her as wave after wave of pleasure radiates through my body.

  We stand there unmoving, trying to catch our breaths.

  “That was fucking incredible.” I slide out of her slowly, already looking forward to the next time I can be inside of her. “I told you, you’re perfect.”

  “That was . . .” She sighs and slowly turns around to face me. Resting her hand on my chest, she stares at my chin. Her sudden shyness makes me smile. “I’m glad you were there today.”

  “So am I.” Warmth grabs at my heart, and I lift her chin so she’ll meet my gaze. “I’ve heard people say you should take a chance on Leap Day.”

  “Are you saying you took a chance on me?”

  I nod. “And I’ll be glad I did every day for the rest of my life.”

  Her eyes soften and she laces her fingers through mine to pull me in for another kiss.

  Chapter Five

  Cassidy

  I’m recovering from another orgasm—this one given in Parker’s king-size bed—as the phone on the nightstand rings.

  Grumbling, he reaches for it and sighs. “It’s the station. I’ve got to take this.”

  I press a kiss to his shoulder, and curl up on his side while he answers.

  It’s hard to believe it, but I’m practically bursting with joy. Just this morning I was on the brink of a breakdown thinking about spending the rest of my life with a man I wasn’t sure I even liked. Now, I’m in the arms of another man. Only I can already see a future with this. I can see us making a home, a family, and a life here.

  It really was a turn of good luck when I found him standing outside the church. If I hadn’t leapt at the chance and gone with my gut, I might not have met him. I might not have fallen hard for him either.

  Parker’s hard tone as he hangs up the phone draws my attention back to the moment.

  “Problem at the office?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, actually. I forgot I started to write a ticket when I was outside of the church, but I never finished processing the paperwork.”

  My stomach twists with guilt. “Are you in trouble?”

  “Nah. But I do need to go in and file it.” He glances down at me. “If I promise to be back in an hour, do you think we can pick up right here?”

  “You can count on it.” I lace my fingers through his hair and pull him down for a kiss. “Maybe when you come back, you could bring your handcuffs, officer.”

  Groaning, he presses one more kiss to my lips then slides out of bed. “I’ll never get out of here if you keep talking like that.”

  He quickly dresses, and with one more good-bye kiss, and a request for the number to my phone, he’s out the door.

  I stay sprawled out in the bed for a while, but thirst gets the better of me. Grabbing a fresh t-shirt from his dresser, I tug it over my head and pad down the stairs to the kitchen. I’ve just poured myself a glass of filtered water when there’s a knock at the door.

  The officer was fast. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Either he forgot his house keys or he wants to play a little game. I’m up for that.

  Grinning to myself, I reach for the door. I pull it open.

  “Looking for something, officer . . . ” The words die on my lips as I come face-to-face with the man I jilted earlier today. The man still wearing the tuxedo he put on this morning.

  The man whose ring is sitting on a table back at the church.

  Austin steps through the door uninvited. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

  Swallowing hard, I leave the door open as I face him. “How did you find me?”

  “I tracked your phone.”

  My eyes widen. “You have a tracker
on my phone?”

  “I did buy it for you for Christmas.”

  So he could track me. Folding my arms over my chest, I widen my stance. For months I’ve tried to make myself smaller for him. Not anymore.

  “What do you want?”

  He throws his hands up. “To find my fucking fiancé. What else do you think?”

  “Look, I know I maybe should have been more specific.” I ball my hands into fists on my hips. “But in case you didn’t get the message, I don’t want to marry you.”

  “Why are you acting this way? It’s not like you.”

  “Actually, I’m acting more like myself than I have in months.” I shake my head. “You don’t want to spend your life with me. You’re just embarrassed.”

  “You’re wrong about that.” His shoulders drop. “Not about the embarrassment, because it was humiliating to be left standing at the altar. But about spending my life with you. I do. I love you.”

  “No you don’t.”

  “I know I’ve been acting like an ass lately. You have no idea what pressure I’ve been under with my parents.”

  My eyes narrow. “You’ve been under pressure with your parents? Your mom made me go to cotillion. And I’m twenty-four!”

  Stepping forward, Austin takes my hands. I tug them back, but he holds on tighter. “I know I screwed up. But if you give me another chance, I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

  The way he says it, the sincerity, almost makes me feel bad for him. Almost.

  “It’s too late.” I tug on my hands again. “I’ve moved on.”

  “With Parker?” Austin snorts. “Yeah right. You’re just another notch in his bedpost. This isn’t the first time he’s tried to steal a girl from me. But it’s going to be the last.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Do you know how many of my girlfriends he hooked up with in high school?” When I don’t answer, Austin takes a step toward me. “All of them.”

  “But . . .”

  “Let me guess, he barely gave you the time of day until he knew you were marrying me.”