Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
The front door opens and I lean against the counter waiting for Shepherd. He walks into the kitchen, carrying a few bags.
“That’s a lot of food for dinner.”
He places them on the counter, before turning toward me. “Your cabinets and fridge were nearly empty. I wanted to make sure you were fully stocked again.” He grins as he steps closer, resting his hand on my belly. “How are you feeling? How’s our boy?”
Our boy. My heart swells at the sound of those words.
“I feel good and he’s starving,” I say.
“Oh he’s starving, huh?” He reaches into one of the bags and pulls out a blueberry muffin. Not just any blueberry muffin, but one from Pour Some Sugar On Me. They make the best muffins around.
“You got me my favorite muffin?” I ask, watching as he puts it onto a plate for me.
“Of course I did. I’ve been paying close attention, even if you didn’t think I was.” He takes the muffin to the table and places it down. “Now sit and enjoy. I’ll get dinner started.”
This man continues to surprise me in the best ways possible.
He won’t allow me to do anything. He insists I rest on the couch while he stays busy in the kitchen. So after I finish my muffin, I get comfortable on the couch and text Emmie.
Hey.
Emmie: Hey, how are you feeling?
Good, it was Braxton Hicks, so I got the all-clear.
Emmie: Thank goodness. So, everything is good with the baby?
Yes, and that’s not just it.
Emmie: Oh yeah?
Shepherd came to the hospital and we talked and now we’re together like for real together.
Emmie: Finally! It was so obvious to everyone watching that you two are crazy about each other. I’m thrilled for you both.
Me too, thanks.
Emmie: Maybe I should try a friends-with-benefits thing and see how that goes.
LOL worked for me.
Shepherd steps into the living room with a cup of coffee that he places on the coffee table in front of me. “It’s decaf and not the strong shit I like.”
I stare at him and my body burns. I’m not sure that this incredibly hot man standing in front of me has any idea what he does to me. The way his muscles flex when he moves. The way his eyes seem to search my soul. The way his deep voice sends chills down my body. His sweet gestures, talented hands, and protectiveness have me in a constant state of being horny. I’m not even sure if it’s my hormones anymore. I think it’s just him.
“You okay?” he asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I smile, nodding. “I’m great, thank you.”
He goes back to the kitchen and I pick my phone back up.
I think I might be falling in love with him.
Emmie: I know, Felicity. It’s so obvious the way you look at him and I think he’s falling in love with you too for the same reason.
My heart pounds in my chest and I put my phone down, unable to keep the smile off my face.
I’ve been reading a book my mother suggested and I’m a little flustered knowing the kind of things she’s reading, but it’s a hot book. It’s not helping my situation at all.
The kitchen is filled with the sounds of Shepherd cooking—pots and pans banging, dishes clinking, and a knife hitting the cutting board. He's been taking care of me, constantly checking on my needs and wants. Despite how difficult it is to resist, I can't bring myself to invite him into my bed right now, no matter how horny I am.
But now, the smell of roasted chicken wafts through the air and I can't help but get up and make my way to the kitchen. The sight that greets me brings a smile to my face—Shepherd checking on the oven while a candle glows in the middle of the set table. Sure, there are dishes piled up in the sink and crumbs on the counter, but it doesn't bother me one bit. This is exactly what I've always wanted for a family—a messy kitchen with dinner cooking and a partner who genuinely wants to help out. In the past, I've pushed Shepherd away whenever he offered to help because it felt too good, too real. But now, I'm finally allowing myself to embrace it. "It smells amazing," I tell him with a grin. He looks over at me and his own grin widens. "It's ready. Take a seat and I'll dish us up." I offer to help, but he refuses - wanting to do everything himself out of sheer joy for being able to take care of me.
He steps up to me and kisses my forehead. A few inches too high from where I want to feel his kiss, but it’s sweet. “Sit your sexy ass down, Felicity.”
I laugh and do as he says. He comes over, placing two small plates down, and sits across from me. I glance down and see a mixed greens salad, topped with juicy strawberries, candied pecans, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. I take a bite and moan as the delicious taste invades my mouth.