Total pages in book: 215
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1090(@200wpm)___ 872(@250wpm)___ 727(@300wpm)
Brody took a sip, then made a pained noise. “Hot. Hot. Hot.”
She couldn’t stop her giggle from escaping as he tried to fan his tongue. “Poor Brody-bear. Want some water?” She got up and grabbed him a bottle from the fridge. He took it gratefully, gulping it down. “Better?”
“Thanks,” he said huskily. He gently grasped hold of her chin as she stood next to him. “You’re looking better than you were earlier.”
“I’m sorry you had to leave work to come take care of me. Especially when you’re so busy.”
“Autumn, don’t. You know that you’re the most important person in the world to me. I would give up everything else in my life to be with you. To make sure you’re looked after and cared for.”
She gave him a surprised look. “Even your work?”
“Yes.”
“Your family?”
“No great loss.”
“Brody,” she chided. She knew he secretly adored his sisters. “What about your collection of limited-edition figurines still in their packages?”
“Now, you’re pushing it.”
She grinned. “What about your gaming? Could you give that up for me?”
He placed his hands on her hips and drew her between his open legs, a move that was quite forward for him, and then kissed her gently. “In a heartbeat. None of it means as much to me as you do. I’d give it all up for you, Tutu. And not regret it for a second.”
She could feel herself blushing. “Wow. Smooth move there, Brody-bear.”
“No one has ever called me smooth before.”
“People are dumb. But their loss is my gain.” She ran her fingers through his thick hair that desperately needed a cut. He was terrible at remembering to book appointments. She’d have to do that for him.
“That was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you.”
He smiled at her, red filling his cheeks. Then he cleared his throat, obviously searching for something to say. Sometimes he could say the most amazing things that took her breath away. Then other times, he was so completely awkward it was adorable.
She loved both sides of him.
“Your house is spotless.”
“Uh-huh.” Crap. He knew very well that she stress-cleaned.
“Something you want to tell me?”
“I was nervous about seeing Brad.”
He frowned. “And yet, you didn’t tell me.”
“Sorry, I thought you might insist on coming.”
“I would have.”
“I didn’t want you to be subjected to him. He’s a jerkface. And you’ve been busy.”
“I’m never too busy for you, Tutu. Next time, tell me. Promise?”
“I promise,” she said, slightly breathless at his firm tone.
“Go eat your soup,” he told her.
“Yes, boss.” She saluted him, then moved back around to her seat.
“Sorry if that was a bit bossy.”
“I think you’re cute when you’re bossy.” She ran her spoon through her soup. “I’m just not used to someone who cares about what I do. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
Reaching over, he squeezed her hand.
“You’re feeling better?”
“Yep.”
“Autumn,” he said warningly.
“I need some caffeine. Want a soda?” She moved to the fridge and pulled out a can, looking over at him. He looked like he wanted to say something.
“What is it?”
“I just don’t know if caffeine is good for your headaches.”
“It is. It helps them. There are studies to back this up. Lots of scientists have said that caffeine is the bomb. I gotta listen to the scientists, they’re smart.” She opened the can and gulped it down.
“A little caffeine is good. You drink a lot.”
He wasn’t wrong. But no one was coming between her and her caffeine. She’d slice a bitch over that.
“You look a bit scary right now.” He gave her a wary look.
“My soda. Mine.”
“I’m not saying give it up entirely. Just cut down a bit. For me?”
“Darn, those puppy dog eyes are lethal. I’ll consider it. No promises.”
He nodded, pointing at her food. “Eat.”
With a sigh, she sat again and spooned up some soup. Her tummy rejoiced. Whoops. She probably should have tried to eat something before going to that meeting with Brad.
“Tell me what happened today?” Brody had finished eating already. She’d never met someone who ate as quickly as he did. Mind you, she was the opposite. It took her forever to finish a meal. And to get dressed. Sometimes her mind was so busy, she found herself taking on three tasks at a time without managing to finish just one.
Sitting still had become hard since her kidnapping. She’d been taught all the etiquette on how to sit and eat properly. Yet, half the time, she found herself standing at the kitchen counter or eating over the sink.
A small rebellion against her grandparents?
Maybe.
She fidgeted on her seat, pulling a piece of toast into bits.
“That bad?” Brody asked with concern.
She sighed and told him all of it. Starting with how strange Brad was acting, the virus, Penny, and finishing with the NDA and walking out. She left out the part with her hero, even though she felt guilty about that.