Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 15017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 75(@200wpm)___ 60(@250wpm)___ 50(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 75(@200wpm)___ 60(@250wpm)___ 50(@300wpm)
I throw on a pair of sweats and a concert t-shirt then take my time brushing out my long, curly hair. Once I pull it back up into a messy bun, I realize I’ve run out of ways to put off dealing with the hot fireman in my living room. God, I wonder if he’s a shifter?
I walk over to the door and turn to Gilbert. “We’re going to have a nice long talk when I get back.” He rolls his eyes and snuggles into my warm covers. Exactly where I’d be right now if the little stinker hadn’t pulled a fast one on me.
“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting.” I cross my fingers behind my back as I step into the living room. His dark eyes move slowly down my body, causing electricity to flow down my spine. “I had to check on my kitty.”
When the tall, dark, and hotter than Hades fireman’s eyes widen, I realize what I just muttered and feel my face heat.
A smirk moves across his sinfully wicked lips, and I’m not sure if I want to kiss them or smack the smirk off. “Is your kitty okay?” he asks as I sit on the far side of the sofa. Well, as far as I can get on the tiny freaking sofa I inherited with the house.
“He’s fine.” For now, I add to myself then turn to the hot fireman. I’m not trying to flirt with Asher, but I can’t seem to help myself. It comes completely naturally, and I figure it’s a sign I’m losing my marbles. “Can we get your report out of the way? I’m tired and need to go to bed.”
“Sure.” He looks a little guilty, and I wonder what’s going on. “I just need a quick description of how you ended up in the tree.” Asher pulls a notepad and pen out of his jacket.
“Okay. Here’s the quick version.” Having him this close is turning me into a melted pile of goo. “After my shower, I went to my bedroom to dress and discovered my darn cat had jumped out the window and was stuck in the tree.” God, that sounds so stupid. “I tried to lean out the window and grab him, but the stinker kept inching farther away.” I should’ve adopted the cute puppy the shelter employee suggested instead of the grouchy cat that barely tolerates me. “I ended up falling out the window and catching myself on the branch. Too bad my towel decided to stay behind.”
He glances up at me, and I almost melt at the heat shining from his dark eyes. “Are you sure you’re not injured?”
I wonder if he’d kiss me better. I shush my inner hussy before telling him, “I’m fine. It was just my pride that took a hit. At least it was only crabby old Mrs. Walker and you guys who witnessed my humiliation.”
Asher pats my hand, and my heart rate soars as his warm skin touches mine. “I wouldn’t worry about it. You’d be shocked at some of the things we see, and no one in town takes Mrs. Walker seriously.”
“Well, thank you so much for rescuing me. I wasn’t looking forward to spending the night in my tree with Gilbert snickering from the window.”
“Gilbert?” he growls as his entire body stiffens, and I’m pretty freaking sure his eyes flashed red.
“My grouchy cat,” I explain and watch as the tension drains from his muscular body. “I swear he did that to protest the new diet food I got him.” I glance at the clock hanging above my writing desk and notice the time. How did it get that freaking late? “I’m sorry to rush this, but I have to get up super early tomorrow.” That’s an understatement. No human should have to wake up before sunrise. “It’s my first day of school.” I’m not sure what prompted me to explain.
Asher smiles at me. “Of course.” As he walks toward my front door, I follow right behind him. When he reaches the door, he turns and asks, “One more thing, would you give me your phone number? In case we need more information,” he adds, crushing my hopes that he wants to call me.
After I give the hot fireman my number, I rush him out the door and stop by the kitchen to grab a pint of my favorite ice cream, hoping the cold treat will help cool my jets a little.
As I walk out to my car after the longest day of my life, I wonder if it’s too early to start drinking. My first day dealing with shifters and their children was an eye-opener. I can see I’m going to need to up my game if I plan to survive my first teaching job.
My phone buzzes in my pocket when I reach my car, and I answer without checking who’s calling. “Hello.”