Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 20048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
“So, how was business in Chicago?”
“Boring and time consuming. I couldn’t wait to get back to Meadow Falls.”
“We’re glad to have you back. I’m sure you heard there was an incident at the property.”
“Oh yes. A couple of trespassers were spotted.”
“Yes, you need to be careful because they can steal things,” he chuckles.
Oh she stole something alright and I have no intentions of changing a damn thing about it. My heart is now hers. “Well, as it happens, I have cameras all around the land and I noticed the little burglars and my construction lead met them. Unfortunately, they ran away.”
“She said he offered them a tour.”
“Yes, I wanted to see what she thought of it, but I guess I’ll have to wait until we look at it personally.” There are some things that are most definitely going to need a final touch, but so far, I can move into a smaller guest bedroom which is nice since I have a lot of shit to do from now until Christmas. I’m having the crew come in and finish the master bedroom tomorrow and hopefully by tonight I’ll have all the right ideas on what it should look like from its other future occupant.
“You look radiant, Autumn,” I say as she steps back into the living room. My pants growing tighter by the moment.
“Thank you.”
I can’t take my eyes off her in that perfect tan sweater dress that wraps around her body. A cough comes from beside me, reminding me that we’re not alone. “You two have a good night.”
I cleared my throat with an apologetic smile. “Thank you, Mr. Sager, and thank you for taking my call the other day.”
“No problem. Anytime you need to talk business, please stop by or give me a call.”
“Will do.” I took her hand and led her to my vehicle.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“We’re dining at the house tonight. The food is being delivered as we speak.”
“What?”
“I had a favor called in.” Matthew had his assistant drop off a spread from Magdalenas, the Italian place downtown.
When we arrive, I lead her inside and it smells amazing. The atmosphere is dark and lit only by small work lights that the construction crew left for the night.
“This is amazing.” It’s nothing special, but I want her alone without the prying eyes and listening ears.
“So tell me more about you, Autumn. What do you want out of life?” I want to give her everything I can, so we have a happy life. Hopefully our dreams will align.
“Until a few days ago, I’d been floundering in a haze of doubt, a rut, thinking I could never go back to school,” she admits. “Now, I see that I’m not just a sad statistic.”
“Are you planning on returning to your college?” I wanted to figure out how I was going to convince her to stay with me or how we’d work this out. Commuting would be tough, but I’d do anything to keep her.
She shook her head. “No, but if I wanted, I could finish my business degree online. I’ve been looking into it. Besides, I only majored in it to help with the orchard. And now that my dad sold it, I guess it doesn’t really matter anymore.”
I scoff. “Well, did you think you were still getting out of it?” Smiling at her with devilish intent, I lean in and brush my lips against her saucy ones, tasting tangy flavor.
“I’m not assuming anything.”
I sit back and take a drink of my wine, trying to control myself because the dark atmosphere is fueling my longing. “You should because I’m doing my best to ensure you understand that we are forever.” I’ve lost all my appetite in food. My desire is strictly for Autumn.
She tilts her head and licks her lips in a silent test, a quiet come-hither look, but I ignore it until she says, “Then help me understand. Kiss me.”
“That’s a very dangerous thing to do in this dark place.”
“Why is that?” She knows damn well why, but she needs me to explain it, and I don’t mind.
I lean over our makeshift table and stare into her eyes, giving her a simple warning, “Because I might carry you off to the only bed here and not let you go until there is no misunderstanding.”
“I’m waiting.” My hand darts out and violently fists her long hair, feeling it through my fingers as I drag her to me, lifting her onto my lap. “You’re playing a dangerous game. I’m a man starving, and I only crave you, Autumn.”
“Good because I only crave you.” Her words are the final nail in the coffin of hesitation.
“I just have to touch you, Autumn. I can’t stop myself. From the first moment I got a glimpse of you all I wanted to do was keep you in my arms, and now that I’ve got you, I’m not going to stop until I feel our bodies connect in every single way.” She rubs her body on mine, touching my chest over my suit. It’s not enough.