Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” I smile, feeling warmth spread across my cheeks. “Coffee’s ready.”
He comes closer, the cozy scent of him wrapping around me like a blanket as he pulls me close for a kiss. My knees nearly buckle as he devours my mouth.
“Thank you,” he says, grabbing a mug and pouring a cup. “Just what I needed after you kept me up most of the night.”
“I seem to remember it was you who kept me up,” I reply playfully.
As we sip on our coffee, Edna comes strolling in looking for her breakfast. Her grumpy grumble tells me she’s still a little ticked off at being left in the living room last night.
After Ashton pours food into her bowl, he looks over at me. “Would you like to go to the dog park with us? I’m betting a nice little outing will help her forgive us. Plus, she can show off her fancy pink nails.” Ashton sets his cup down and gives me that trademark smirk of his.
“I’d love to go to the dog park. We can kill two birds with one stone—it’ll encourage Edna to forgive us and help keep my mind occupied.” He looks up at me questioningly, so I explain, “I’m super nervous about tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, gorgeous. You’re going to kick ass tomorrow,” he reassures, and his sincerity washes over me like a wave of strength I didn’t realize I needed.
Once we finish our coffee, we shower and dress while Edna takes her morning nap. I hate pulling on the same clothes I wore yesterday, but I don’t really have a choice. “Do you mind if we stop by my house to grab a clean outfit for me on the way?”
“Sure.” Ashton walks over and pulls me close. “That’s a chance for me to see you naked.” I throw back my head laughing at the silly expression on his face.
Then we grab a few snacks for the park and head out to Ashton’s truck with Edna excitedly trotting behind us. “You’re a good girl.” I give her an affectionate pat on the head, and she looks back at me as if she understands every word.
When he pulls up in front of my house, I turn to him. “If you come in with me, we’ll never make it to the dog park today.” I’d love nothing more than to spend the day in bed with him, but I’m not sure Edna or my sore girly parts would be happy.
“Hurry up and change your clothes.” He glances over, smirking. “We’ll wait for you right here.”
“I won’t be long,” I tell him before I run in and change in record time.
As we drive through town, the butterflies in my stomach start to settle with each passing moment I spend with Ashton and Edna.
Arriving at the dog park, I notice dogs of all shapes and sizes running around enjoying the warmish Texas winter day.
“This place is great!” I say, excitement bubbling in my chest as I watch a golden retriever leap into the air, catching a frisbee mid-flight.
“It’s Edna’s favorite place on earth,” Ashton agrees, his eyes scanning the dog-filled landscape.
He leads Edna to the small dog area and lets her sniff around a little before unhooking her leash. She waddles off, wagging her little corkscrew tail like she owns the place. I can’t help but laugh as she trots off, sniffing every corner with a new sense of authority.
Ashton and I walk behind her, and soon, we find ourselves on the outskirts of the park, where benches provide a good vantage point to keep an eye on Edna. “I think that Boston Terrier over there might be showing off for Edna,” I tease, nudging him slightly with my shoulder.
“She’s usually pretty popular,” he responds with a playful grin.
The wind picks up as dark clouds move in, and we decide to leave the dog park before the rain starts. Spending this time with Ashton and his pooch has my heart feeling distinctly lighter.
“Thanks for today,” I say, glancing over at him while a soft smile tugs at my lips. “I needed the distraction more than I thought.”
“It was a blast,” he replies with genuine warmth. “Edna and I had a great time with you.”
“I hate for it to end.” The thought of staying in my lonely, empty house without Ashton and Edna causes my heart to squeeze in my chest.
“It isn’t ending.” He gives my hand a little squeeze before bringing it to his mouth for a kiss. “We’re driving you home to pick up an overnight bag and the van.” I should be a little perturbed at him taking charge, but all I’m feeling is relief. “That way I can make you breakfast tomorrow morning before your big day.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
As we drive back to my house, I feel the anticipation brewing inside me. After a day filled with laughter and careening through dog-filled chaos, there’s something undeniably thrilling about sleeping under the same roof as him.