Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
He helps me into the vehicle, and we pass the drive with small talk about his day on the farm and the customers I helped in the shop before discussing our favorite books. I’ve learned his favorite is The Lord of the Rings trilogy and that he’s currently reading a book about female scientists whose discoveries were discounted or stolen.
I watch as we leave the limits of Courage County, but I don’t ask any questions. I’m just enjoying being around Noah.
“What are you reading?” He asks when we finish discussing Marie Curie.
“A space exploration book,” I answer.
He rattles off several space opera authors and asks if the book is by one of them.
I shift in my seat. “Actually, it’s alien smut.”
“I’m not familiar with that genre.”
“Well, um, you know sexy romance books?”
“Sure, wait. You mean, they do it with aliens?”
My skin prickles. I hate it when people judge romance books. “It might be a joke to some people, but alien smut explores complex topics like women’s rights, human trafficking, and sexual consent.”
He pauses at a red light and looks at me. There’s no judgement or teasing in his expression. Instead, he looks genuinely curious. “Is that what appeals to you about the books?”
My cheeks heat. “Well, no. It’s um…the…so the books feature heroes with unusual bodies. It’s about the biology.”
He smirks at me like he knows I’m talking about alien dicks. OK, so the hot cowboy knows I have a thing for alien dicks.
The light turns green, and he pulls into an area that’s designated as a parking lot for a fairground.
“We’ll have to hike about a mile to get to the fair,” he explains. “Are you up for that?”
“What’s at the fair?” I ask, excitement building in my body.
He hesitates and looks uncertain of himself again, the same way he did when he took off his hat in the bookshop. “Have you ever heard of Janeites?”
I let out a squeal. I know exactly what those are. They’re devoted fans of Jane Austen’s work and life. “Is this one of their events?”
“Apparently, there’s a whole festival this week. Period dress, tea parties, food from the era, the whole thing.”
I beam at him. “This is the perfect date!”
He gives me a relieved grin and we spend the rest of the afternoon walking around. It’s fascinating to see all of the people wandering in regency era clothing and speaking in old English.
I take a million photos on my phone. I can’t wait to show the girls.
“Take a selfie with me,” I tell Noah when we’re in line. We’re inside of an old timey shop where Noah just bought a picnic basket of food.
He leans into the frame and just as I tap my phone, he presses a soft kiss to my cheek. In the photo, my eyes are shining brightly, and my cheeks are flushed. I look happy. No, I look like a woman in love. I think I’m completely gone for Noah Maple.
After we get the food and the blanket, the two of us walk across the field until we find a shady spot under one of the trees. Most of the festival attendees are eating inside, probably because of the building storm clouds.
But I wanted to be alone with Noah, especially after we spent the day together with him holding my hand, squeezing my hips, and touching my back through the thin material of my t-shirt.
I think he understands what I want when we settle on the blanket, but to my frustration, he reaches for the picnic basket and serves both of us heaping plates. The food is delicious, and we make small talk, discussing the ways that life is both better and worse in the modern world.
I’ve just finished eating when Noah asks, “What’s wrong? Something has been eating at you for the past hour.”
I sigh because I want to approach this delicately. I want to be sensitive. I mean, I appreciate the man is going slow for me. But if we go any slower, we won’t share any kisses until we’re both residents at the Wildflower Retirement Home.
“Tell me,” Noah commands.
I blow out a frustrated breath. “Well, when are you going to kiss me?”
His lips curve up in a slow, sexy smile. “Do you want me to kiss you?”
I scowl at him, done with taking things slow. “I want you to maul me like an animal!”
Before I can even blink, he launches himself toward me. In one quick move, he has me on my back on the picnic blanket. He’s stretched over me, staring down at me with a feral glint in his gaze. “I’ll maul you anytime you want.”
Chapter 8
Lizzy
“I’ll maul you anytime you want,” Noah says, something wild and untamed glittering in his eyes. He’s stretched over me. Even though he’s supporting his weight on his arms, I can still feel our bodies brush every time I take a deep breath. My nipples are hard points in my bra, and I can feel that big bulge against my stomach. The knowledge that he’s turned on causes moisture to gush into my panties.