DEEP: The Complete Man Candy Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page A

to see a pink floral explosion.
    Instead the living room was tastefully done in soft blues and grays. Caro kicked off her shoes and ran for the bathroom. I looked up and saw a needlepoint sign.
    Please remove your shoes!
    I shook my head, following instructions. Then I went to the kitchen and got a glass of water, trying to ignore the wrenching sounds coming from the bathroom. Everything was neat as a button. Clean. But not sterile.
    Warm and cozy. Welcoming. It reminded me of home.
    I walked around Caro's living room, looking at the pictures on the mantle. There were pictures of her family. Her grandma Jess as a bride.  
    And there at the end, was a group photo from Bible Camp. About fifteen kids, all from the same year. Everyone had gone to Bible Camp. It was the only camp in town.  
    Right in the corner I could pick out a shit eating grin.
    Me.
    She had a picture of me on her mantle. That was interesting. She definitely had not forgotten me, no matter what she said.
    I heard footsteps behind me and turned.
    "You're still here."
    She didn't look annoyed so much as surprised.
    I held up the glass of water.
    "Here you go."
    "Thank you."
    She started to chug it and I stopped her.
    "Whoa- whoa-"
    My hand was on her arm. Her skin was so soft it sent a shot of lust straight to my groin. It didn't matter that she had just thrown up. I still wanted to kiss her.
    But she needed some hangover advice from a pro, not to be pawed when she didn't feel well.
    Even I was not such a dog as to try something now.
    No matter how badly I wanted to.
    "Tiny sips. Trust me on this."
    She nodded and took a small sip.
    "I guess I should thank you, Chan."
    I crossed my arms over my chest. I was gratified to see her glance down at my forearms. Her eyes got a little wider.
    "Okay. So, thank me."
    She bristled a little bit.
    "Thank you."
    "It's not a problem."
    She grabbed her purse and started riffling through it. She blushed as a roll of condoms came tumbling out.  
    "My, my, Caro. Such a well prepared girl you are."
    "Stop it Chan. You know these aren't mine."
    "I know."
    She pulled out her wallet.
    "How much was the cab?"
    I stepped closer to her, brushing her hair back from her face.
    "Forget it."
    "But-"
    "I said forget it."
    I grinned at her, debating about stealing another kiss. She scooted to the side before I could make up my mind. It was almost like she could read my mind. Then again, if she could do that, she'd be blushing.
    My imagination was very, very vivid.
    "I better get to bed."
    "Let me tuck you in."
    She glared at me. I held my hands up, giving her my best innocent face.
    "Not like that- I swear. I just want to make sure you're okay."
    She hesitated and then nodded. I waited while she changed into her pajamas. I smirked as she came out of the bedroom in the girliest set of pajamas ever. Short shorts and a camisole that made my fingers itch to grab her. There were the pink florals I'd been expecting.
    Only Caro could make something so sweet look almost pornographic.
    I refilled her water glass and laid two aspirin by her bed.
    "Do you always carry aspirin?"
    "Do you always carry enough condoms for an army?"
    She giggled and I was reminded of the cute little girl she'd been. All pink cheeks and flashing eyes. She'd gotten her Sunday best dirty a few times because of me.
    But she'd never once told on me.
    Not even to the Minister.
    As I tucked her in, something broke open inside me. This girl, this sweet, beautiful girl could not be destroyed by that criminal she was about to marry. The thought of it made my blood turn to ice.
    I was going to protect her.
    I would save her.
    And then I was going to keep her for myself.
    I might not deserve her. Hell, I knew I didn't. But maybe somehow, I could make up for my shortcomings.  
    I could change.
    I pulled the covers up to her chin and leaned down, stealing that kiss I'd been after.
    Her big blue green eyes blinked at me.  
    I leaned back and waited for her eyes to close.
    Yes. I was