Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
I snort, pushing his chest. “That’s called being a hypocrite.”
As the sun dips below the horizon, everyone lies under the stars, anxiously awaiting the firework display.
At the sound of the first boom, I jump, and Riley holds me tighter. “Whoa, it’s really loud!”
He laughs, then presses a kiss to my temple. “Guess that means you better get closer.”
The show is amazing, better than I’ve ever seen. It goes on for over an hour before the grand finale starts. There are dozens of beautiful, glittering bursts that nearly leave me breathless. His uncles laugh as they continuously shoot red, silver, and blue fireworks into the night sky. Eventually, the booms end, and everyone cheers.
“Wow…” I say, impressed as hell. “I can see why so many people come out here.” There’s not a bad seat in the place.
“I’m so glad you liked it.” He bends down and kisses me. “Bishops believe in traditions, and this is one of many.”
“I don’t doubt it.” I sigh. “The only traditions my family have are work related. I’m convinced my parents forgot how to have fun.”
“Well, I hope to always be around to remind you.” He tilts my chin so our eyes lock. “Will you stay over tonight?”
I chew on my lip to prevent answering too quickly and embarrassing myself. The last time I stayed with him, we fooled around and cuddled. It was amazing, but we didn’t cross the line. Though he’s looking at me like he wants to now. “Uhh, sure. I mean, your bed’s probably more comfortable than the one at the B&B.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “I’m gonna need a better response than that, woman.”
“Because you’ll keep me warm?”
“Try again.”
Inhaling a deep breath, the corner of my lips tilts up. “Fine.” Then I lean forward and bring my mouth to his ear. “So we can not sleep all night.”
I pull back to watch his reaction. He’s staring as if he’s waiting for me to say I’m only kidding. But I’m not.
“Better? Or should I ask some other man around here to—”
Before I can finish, Riley has me on my back with my hands pinned down. He’s towering over me with a devilish grin on his face, pressing his hips into mine, and I feel how hard he is. “You have any idea how fuckin’ lucky you are that we aren’t alone at the moment?” He leans in even closer, and his lips brush mine. “Because I’d be ripping off your clothes and sliding inside you right now.”
The deep growl of his voice sends a shiver down my spine. Yes. My body is begging for him again.
Swallowing hard, I pull back just enough to look into his eyes. “Then you better take me home, cowboy.”
He arches a brow as if he’s not sure I’m serious. “I only have so much willpower, so if you aren’t ready, I understand, but don’t test my self-control and say stuff like that. It’s about to fuckin’ snap.”
I grin, reaching over and finding his thickness between his legs. “Let’s test that theory, shall we?”
“Zoey,” he warns, his eyes struggling to stay open as I touch him.
“Take. Me. Home,” I say slowly, but only loud enough for him to hear as I press my palm harder over his jeans.
“Goddammit,” he hisses between his teeth, then he grabs my hands and pulls me up.
The moment we’re both standing, he picks up the blankets, then leads us through the crowd of people without saying anything to anyone. Giggling at his eagerness, I quickly wave goodbye to Rowan as he walks faster.
“You’re going to make me trip,” I say, laughing. Without a response, Riley turns toward me and scoops me up caveman style. He hauls me over his shoulder, then continues walking fast.
“Riley!” I shout, slapping his tight ass. “This wasn’t what I meant!”
“Too late, sweetheart.” He sets me down on my feet when we arrive at his truck. “Get in. Now.”
My eyes widen at his harsh tone, and he jogs to the driver’s side and jumps in.
“Don’t worry, I told Diesel to get lost tonight.”
I chuckle at his smirk and the way he waggles his brows at me. “Oh, so you planned this?”
“Since the moment you arrived.” He winks.
On the drive back to his house, I notice he’s definitely going faster than usual. The smile on my face is obnoxious, but I can’t help it. I’ve been waiting for this since I arrived, just as eager and anxious as him.
“You lookin’ at me like you want to eat me for dessert isn’t helping, Zoey,” he warns in that deep tone again.
“Now you know what you’ve been doing to me,” I counter, smirking. “Being a gentleman, all considerate and charming, always kissing me so sweetly, and inhaling my scent when you nuzzle my neck. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
He shakes his head now, grinning. “That’s all it took, huh?”