Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Do I know that?
There was a time where I believe she did, but I think that time has come and gone.
Her expression relaxes. She wraps her arms around me and pulls me in for a hug.
“Keep your face away from my dress,” she says, reminding me that even in this moment, our priority is her career.
She leans back and looks into my eyes, and I can see that she’s concerned about me. “Just be careful, okay?”
As worried as she may be about me, I know she’s also worried about how this would blow up in her own face.
“I will.”
It’s clear my words don’t bring her any comfort.
“Let’s get to it then,” she says before grinning. A forced smile. The story of our family.
When we get into the Audi Q5, my phone vibrates. Despite how upset I am with Tim, I’ve been waiting for him to reach out.
And when I check my phone, I’m relieved to see it’s from him.
Thank God.
TIM: How late is your thing tonight?
ME: Nine.
TIM: I need to talk to you.
ME: We’ll be home around ten thirty.
TIM: Can I meet you at your place?
ME: I already told Mom I’d stay here for brunch tomorrow.
TIM: Then I’ll meet you there.
He needs to talk to me? But he wants to either meet at my place or here?
I know what this is. It’s a breakup.
He wants to call it off.
Tears rush to my eyes, and I know I can’t cry right now because I’ll fuck up my makeup and look like fucking Frankenstein, but the harder I try to keep from crying, the more I want to break down. I turn to the window so Mom, who sits beside me, won’t see how upset I am.
At least she’ll get her fucking wish.
Don’t do this to me, Tim. Don’t do this to us.
When we finish up at the benefit and return home, I pace in my room, wondering what Tim’s going to say, planning out my arguments. I’m not letting him out of this. He’s come too far with me, and if he’s going to let one thing destroy us, then he’s got another fucking thing coming.
It’s driving me nutty, and when I get a text from him to let me know he’s near, I text him back and tell him to creep around the house.
I sneak into the closet with our security system and remove the DVD from the security cameras—something I got real good at doing in high school. Then I creep into the cellar. The house is big enough, no one’s going to notice.
I open the cellar door, and Tim hurries in.
“Feels so dangerous,” he says, a broad smile across his face, his eyes lit up as he looks at me.
I’m ready to fight him. Ready to remind him of what we have when he moves quickly toward me, kissing me. He shoves me back against the wall and wraps his arms around me. My thoughts scatter as my body erupts with pleasure and excitement. It’s like everything in me is just relieved he’s not going to tear his magical touch away from me.
I don’t know what’s come over him, but his kiss lets me know that whatever it is, I don’t have anything I need to worry about.
27
TIM
I was so fucking happy to see his pretty face that I couldn’t control myself.
Couldn’t resist having his body against mine.
Fuck words. Fuck apologies. I’ll have time for that in a minute. Right now, I’m just glad he’s letting me stick my tongue down his throat.
I slide my hand under his shirt.
My body’s missed him so much.
I pull away and gaze into those gorgeous blue eyes.
“I was thinking I was gonna spend tonight keeping you from breaking up with me,” he says.
He might have needed to if it hadn’t been for Nanna.
“I’m not going anywhere, Mark. All I needed was for Nanna to knock some sense into my brain.”
“What was wrong?”
“That shit that happened fucked me up. I realized that you and this life that I live…they can’t go together.”
His expression shifts to concern.
“No, no. Not like that. I mean, they can’t, but I know which one has to change. I want you, Mark. And I want to be a better person. I’ve never wanted to be a better person so much in my entire fucking life, and I’m willing to do whatever I need to make that happen. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with you.”
“I’m falling in love with you, too,” he says.
And his words feel so good as they hit my ear.
“I’m sorry for pushing you away.”
“It’s fine.…Well, now that you said you’re fucking falling in love with me.” He winks.
“Oh, you’re kinda conceited now that you know how I want you.”
“Yes, I am,” he says, beaming.
“I like you like this.”