Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34987 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34987 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
“There has got to be exceptions to that rule,” he said.
“I don’t know. Can you honestly tell me someone you know who is happy in forty years plus of marriage? Someone who hasn’t strayed?”
“I cannot give you an example off the top of my head, but I know there are very happy couples who think a lifetime is not long enough to be together.”
“That sounds so romantic,” she said. “Kind of nice as well.”
“Is that what you want?” Hector asked.
“I don’t know what I want. For now, I just … I want to finish writing my cookbook. I think that is the most important thing right now.”
“How far have you gotten?” Hector asked.
Verity groaned.
“What?” He held his hands up. “I’m sorry if that’s too invasive a question.”
“It’s not that at all. Believe me. I just wish I could say it has nearly written itself.”
“It hasn’t?”
“Nope. Not even a little bit. So far, I have the dedication, and it’s to my mom, and even that is a little shaky.” She groaned. “Don’t say anything, please.”
“I’ve seen you with all of your notebooks and folders.”
“I know. They’re full of all of my ideas, but I can’t seem to work this cookbook. I have a horrible feeling I’m going to screw up this one opportunity, and I’m going to disappoint my mom.” She cringed. “Okay, that is certainly an overshare of information for today.” She put her hands on his shoulders, and leaned up, pressing her lips against his. “Don’t think about it.”
Chapter Six
The only problem was … he couldn’t stop thinking about it.
He wanted to help Verity to come up with some ideas for the cookbook. The days passed, and she seemed to be acting fine. He would find any excuse to sneak around her house, to see if she was making progress, but nothing.
In the end, he did the only thing a good, respecting best friend and businessman could do—he arranged a meeting.
He had a delivery of a note board, several colors of pens, snacks that he had made himself, including some tiny little vegan-friendly pizzas, and potato chips with the same magical vegan acceptance, and he was all set. He had a couple of beers open and waiting.
The moment he opened the door, Verity put Cutie down, and the tiny dog ran toward her favorite spot, which was in his living room, right in front of the fake fireplace. She looked so cozy. For some odd reason, he could imagine a Christmas tree, with kids running around, and Cutie watching everything going on with her family.
Crazy head.
He didn’t know why he was thinking these things half of the time, but there it was.
Wrapping his arm around Verity’s waist, he pulled her in close and slammed his lips down on hers.
Her hands went around his neck, and as her body went flush to his, he had other ideas, but he forced his desires down. It was a little easier to do than telling his cock he wasn’t getting any action today.
“What’s going on?” Verity asked. “What’s the emergency?”
Taking her hands, he led the way back to his sitting room. “This is the emergency. Do not get mad, but I’m here to help.”
“Hector, you don’t have to do this. Honestly.”
“I help run a multimillion-dollar corporation. If you don’t believe me, call Sean. Or better yet, look up the Logan Carter Corporation. We thought it was hilarious that both of our last names could make another name. Honestly. I know what I’m doing.”
He pulled out his cell phone, seeing as Verity made no move to check. With a quick search, he found an up-to-date image of himself and Sean, and handed her the cell phone.
“Oh my … wow,” Verity said.
“Yeah, so when I say I know what I’m doing, you’re gonna have to believe me.”
“Sean is so different.”
He didn’t believe in jealousy, but he soon snatched his phone away.
“I’m so happy for him, and for you, obviously. He always said that his time would come when he was older and he had his own firm.”
“Yeah, he is super like that. Now, I know how to inspire others, and to get them set on their path, and that’s exactly what I’m doing now.” He nudged her to sit down. “You’re going to sit back, and we’re going to bring your focus back to this cookbook of yours.”
“Hector, I don’t think there’s anything you can do.”
“You’re right, not with that attitude, which I don’t like, by the way.” He pointed the pen at her. “I’m calling this business meeting, Cookbook.”
Verity giggled.
“We’ve got the snacks in place. The beer.” He lifted his beer to his lips, ignoring his doctor’s advice to rest and to try to find healthy alternatives. “So, let’s get started. What do you think about when you think cookbook?”
“Fear.”
“Nah, we cannot have that. No fear. This is an exciting time. Think of all those people out there who would kill for this opportunity, and out of all those people, they picked you, Verity. You’re amazing. You have a huge following, and all of them want this piece of you. Come on, you’ve got to work with me right now.”