Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 110278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
SEVEN
DRAKE
It’s been a full twenty-four hours since I’ve had my eyes on Giana. She called earlier today saying she’d be late. Something about having to go deal with paperwork at the local college. That’s something I’ll have to dig into later on. If she’s swimming in debt, I don’t like it. Not one bit. Not when there’s something I can do to help alleviate her burden. Especially when she’s doing so much for me, including picking up groceries. Taylor’s chicken parmesan was good, don’t get me wrong, but there is no way I can eat fried chicken, a pound of cheese, with enough noodles to feed a family of four for one meal. Not while I’m down and unable to work out like I usually do.
Braxton stopped by last night, had a beer as we watched a baseball game and shot the shit. Talked about our parents a bit, who even with international calling and texting have been doing so every six hours, like clockwork. I’m not so sure how they’re enjoying vacation while hounding me. Even when I told them I’m good. Hell, we talked about Giana while on the phone too, about the angel from the hospital who somehow transitioned into my home health nurse, which is something I still need to confront Slade about. This has his dirty-ass hands tied to it. Telling Mom about Giana and her knowing Braxton came over last night, I think it helped her. Especially since it’s been well past her normal time to call.
This sitting around game is getting boring, and it’s only been two days. Hopefully, the doctor will release me soon to at least desk work.
“Damn it,” I breathe out, sitting back on the chair that’s basically become my bed during the day.
“What’s wrong, Sir Grumpy Pants?” Giana says, catching me off guard.
“Hey, you’re here early, and nothing besides bored out of my mind. I never thought I’d say this, but sitting at home is bullshit. Especially when I could be doing something productive.”
“It’s a good thing I brought a game for us to play then. How do you feel about Uno or Scrabble? I got out of the college office earlier. Do you mind if I start changing here instead of once I get to the hospital?” Her hair is up in some kind of bun on top of her head, though it’s barely keeping it up. Tendrils are falling down around her throat, making me want to tuck them away. So I can feel if her pulse beats for me, like my heart seems to be doing for her. Damn, does this woman have an effect on me. The way Giana calls to me, it’s like a siren’s song, and the best thing is she doesn’t even realize it. In her work clothes, in the tank top and cut-off shorts she’s wearing today, on her, everything looks fucking indescribable.
“I’ll kick your ass, but sure, whichever you prefer.” My competitive nature comes out.
“I’m not so sure about that. Let me put these groceries away. I’ll make us a grilled chicken Caesar salad, then we’ll play some games and do our usual before I have to leave for work. That sound okay?” I notice she’s holding a couple of bags in her hands.
“Yeah, I shouldn’t need your help to shower, unless you’re offering to get in with me?” I joke.
“In your dreams, Drake. How’d you sleep though?” It’s like she doesn’t realize that her questions are allowing me to insert my one-liners. Fuck, I’m as bad as Bridger these days.
“Do you really want me to answer that?” I tilt my head to the side for added emphasis.
“You’re right, I don’t. Get up off your ass and keep me company in the kitchen, then I’ll change your bandage.” She turns around, giving me the best view a man could ask for. That luscious ass of hers is at eye level, making me want to take a bite out of it.
“Come on, slow poke.” She must realize I’m not behind her. It takes some careful maneuvering, but I get myself up to follow her.
“I’m coming. Jesus, woman. Busting my balls already, and you haven’t even kissed me.” Giana’s placing the bags on the island in the kitchen when I finally catch up to her.
“I’m not kissing you. Not yet. We’ve discussed this, Drake. You haven’t even taken me on a proper date. Though I’ve already seen the goods, and I must say, I’m impressed.” Her hands are on the countertop, giving me a hint of her cleavage with the way she’s standing. I’m going to be in a permanent state of a hard-on with Giana around.
“When’s your next day off?” I question, my own voice gruff.
“Tomorrow. Why?”
“We’re going on a date. It won’t be what I’d like to do. We’ll more than likely stay in, order some food, and hang around the pool.” The thought of her in a bathing suit… Yep, I’m going to be completely fucked.