Total pages in book: 196
Estimated words: 186555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 933(@200wpm)___ 746(@250wpm)___ 622(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 186555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 933(@200wpm)___ 746(@250wpm)___ 622(@300wpm)
“Not that often, but it happens.” I held my breath. “You didn’t like me that much when we first met.”
That got him to glance at me. “I thought we talked about this already? I didn’t like what Amos had done, and I took it out on you.” He cleared his throat. “And the other thing.” Oh, about me reminding him of his mom. We hadn’t brought her up anymore, and I had a feeling it would be a long time before we did again.
I glanced out the window. “That too, but you still didn’t want to like me.”
“Fine. I didn’t,” he agreed, glancing at me real quick with not a smile but just about the most fond expression I could ever have dreamed of on his features. “But I lost that battle.”
The tinkling in my chest was back, and I braved a smile at him.
The fond expression was still there, trying its best to short circuit my brain and heart.
I wiped my hands again, and I gulped. “His mom is just so accomplished, and so is his other dad, and I’m just over here… not knowing what I want to do with my life at thirty-three.”
He slid me a look that was way too close to the rabid raccoon one. “What? You think they’re better than you because they’re doctors?”
I scoffed. “No!”
His mouth twitched just a little bit. “Sure sounds like it, angel.”
“No, I like working with Clara. I like working at the shop. But I keep thinking that I’m… I don’t know, that I should try to do something more? But I don’t want to, and I don’t even know what I would want to do. I know it’s not a competition, and I’m sure I’m overthinking things because my ex’s mom scarred me. And like I said, I really do like working there a lot more than I would have ever imagined. I can actually help most people out now without having to bother Clara. Can you believe it?”
He nodded, his mouth twitching even more. “I can believe it.” Then he peeked at me. “Are you happy?” Rhodes asked seriously.
I didn’t have to think about it. “Happier than I’ve been… ever, honestly.”
The lines across his forehead were back. “You mean that?”
“Yeah. I don’t remember the last time I got mad over anything that wasn’t a customer being annoying, and even then, I forget about it five minutes later. I don’t remember the last time I felt… small. Or bad. Everyone is so nice. Some people ask for me now. That matters to me so much, you have no idea.”
He was silent before grunting. “Kind of pisses me off imagining you feeling small and bad.”
I reached over and squeezed his forearm.
His mouth did that twisty thing as he let go of the steering wheel with his free hand and covered mine. His palm was warm. “We’re here,” he claimed.
I held my breath as he pulled into a very full driveway. I’d kept a vague eye on the neighborhood when he’d turned in, and it seemed to be spaced out with at least five-acre lots for each home.
“I’m glad you’re good here,” Rhodes said quietly right after he’d parked.
My cheekbones started to tingle.
He undid his seat belt and angled his body to look at me from across the dark cab. He dropped his hands into his lap and leveled me with a stare that nearly took my breath away. “If it matters any, you make Am and me both happy. And you help Clara out a lot.” His throat bobbed. “We’re all grateful you’re in our lives.”
My heart squished, and my voice definitely came out funny. “Thanks, Rhodes. I’m grateful for you all too.”
Then he threw a verbal grenade. “You deserve to be happy.”
All I could do was smile at him.
I swear his expression went tender before he blew out a breath. “All right, let’s get in there before—there he is.” He gestured through the windshield.
Standing in the doorway of the adobe-style home was Amos, waving big, in a button-down shirt that surprised me more than anything. I waved back, and he started gesturing for us to come in. Beside me, Rhodes chuckled lightly.
We got out, smiling at each other one last time before he met me on my side, taking my elbow while his other hand held the multiple bottles of wine he’d picked up at some point yesterday.
“About time!” Am called out from where he’d kept on standing at the doorway, waiting. “Uncle Johnny is on his way too.”
“Hey, Am,” I greeted him as we went up the stairs. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving. Hi, Dad,” he said. “Come on, Ora, I want you to meet my mom and dad.” He paused and eyeballed me for a second. “You look….” He trailed off and shook his head.
“I look what?” I asked as I wiped my feet on the mat and then the rug before going inside the house. Rhodes had let go of my arm, but the second he was in, his hand landed at the small of my back.