Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“How do you know my full name is Gwendolyn?” she asked.
“Lucky guess. Now, promise me you won’t go on his bike.”
“Urgh, did anyone ever tell you that you’re very stubborn?”
“Yep. Now, promise me,” he said firmly.
“I promise.”
“Good girl.”
She yawned as they pulled up outside the hotel. “Sorry. It’s not the company. I can’t believe we won tonight.”
Dominic chuckled as he undid both of their belts. She should probably protest that she could do that sort of thing herself . . . but it was kind of nice having someone look after her. “You sound shocked.”
“I just . . . wasn’t sure if I was going to be any good.”
“You should have more faith in yourself.”
She was glad it was dark as she could feel her cheeks heating.
No one had ever really spoken to her the way he did. In that gentle tone that was also stern at the same time.
She grabbed for her door to open it, but he reached over the console and tapped her thigh. “Uh-uh, no you don’t.”
“What?”
“You don’t open doors when I’m around.”
“Is this like how I’m not supposed to pay for anything either?”
“Yep. Exactly. What’s more, I will always escort you to your door, and if we walk anywhere, I’ll be on the outside of the sidewalk.”
She blinked at him. “You’re a whole different breed, aren’t you, Cowboy?”
“Hopefully, that’s a good thing.”
“Hmm. That remains to be seen.”
That remains to be seen.
Dominic couldn’t help but grin as he walked with Gwen into the hotel lobby. She was definitely a mix of sassy and sweet.
At times she seemed full of confidence. As though nothing could harm her. That tongue could get her in a lot of trouble. And he wouldn’t be opposed to being given the job of keeping her out of trouble.
It was a tough job . . . but someone had to do it. Right?
At other times . . . she was vulnerable and lost and made him want to wrap her up in protective bubble wrap and keep her safe.
He liked that she kept him on his toes. His job meant he was observant and always on alert. Sometimes, it was hard to relax during downtime. But he could see himself snuggling on the couch with Gwen, watching a movie.
Only question was . . . could Gwen be happy doing the same with him? She had a life back in New York.
Wishingbone, Montana, was a long way from New York City.
So it would probably be wise not to get attached.
Yeah, it might already be too late.
He blew out a breath and she turned to him, giving him a concerned look. “You okay, Cowboy?”
“I’m with you, aren’t I?”
“Is that a good thing?” There went that flash of vulnerability.
Shit. She was killing him. He didn’t really know why she was here in Wishingbone. If she was even really interested in him . . . although she’d certainly melted against him when he’d kissed her. And he couldn’t be sure whether she was a sub or not. Not that it was a deal breaker. But she had these moments where he thought she just might be.
Reaching out, he grabbed the back of her pants, pulling her toward him.
“Hey!” She stumbled, falling against him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her.
“It’s a very good thing,” he murmured in her ear. “I like being with you, Gwen. We may not know each other well, but I want to get to know you.”
“I’m only here for a short time.”
“Then I best move fast.”
“Shit,” she muttered. “You have all the smooth words.”
“There’re some advantages to being older. I don’t mess around. Life is too short.”
He knew that all too well.
He’d never been a man to overthink his feelings. There wasn’t much point in that.
“I can’t promise anything,” she warned.
“I appreciate you letting me know that, Shortcake. But all I’m asking for is a proper date. One where you don’t run out on me.”
“I suppose I could do that.”
“Good girl.”
“Oh!” The receptionist, Jenny, walked in from out the back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were there.” She practically melted in front of them. “You two are just the cutest. Isn’t Mr. Brand the sweetest?”
“So I’ve heard,” Gwen said dryly. She stepped forward.
“Oh, Mr. Brand. Someone dropped something off for you.” Jenny reached under the desk and pulled out a bag.
“Thanks, Jenny.”
“And here is your room card.”
He took the card she held out and handed over his credit card.
“There you are. All set.”
He was aware that Gwen was trying to sneak over to the elevators. He swore to God if he didn’t have a hand on her, she’d just wander off on him.
“See you, Mr. Brand.”
“Bye, Jenny. Gwen, don’t get on that elevator without me,” he warned.
She eyed him as he grew close.
“Big hurry, Shortcake?”
“You’re a popular man around here, aren’t you?”