Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“I love you,” he tells me as his slick hands admire every inch of my back from shoulder to arse. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too.” I tip back and kiss his jaw. “Don’t get my hair wet or you will be sorry.”
His brow raises defiantly as his hand grabs the shower head and twists it so the spray is hitting me face on.
Arsehole.
Chapter Seven
Sasha: August nineteenth, my birthday, we’re going to Alton Castle in Windsor and there’s nothing you can do to get out of it.
I sigh heavily and move to the right when Emily throws her breakfast spoon at me. It hits the wall, spraying porridge everywhere.
“Maybe if you weren’t staring at your phone you’d have been able to prevent that.” Nathan wipes down the wall as I pick up the spoon with my free hand, my other hand responding to Sasha’s message.
Gwen: That actually doesn’t sound so bad.
Sasha: Good! I’m so excited!
I smile at my friend’s enthusiasm but it quickly vanishes when I notice Nathan scowling at me. Wincing, I point to my phone. “It’s Sasha. It couldn’t wait.” He looks unconvinced. “She wants us to go to Alton Castle for her birthday.” He looks repulsed. “It’ll be fun! I haven’t been to a theme park since before Dillan.”
After a moment’s deliberation he finally bites out, “Fine, but only because you seem so happy about it.”
“Yes!” I fist pump and snatch Dillan from the ground. “We’re going on some big rides!”
“Beeeg wide,” he mimics, staring intently at the toy train in his pudgy little hands. “Chooo choo. Beeg wides!”
Nathan kisses my temple and removes his nappy clad daughter from the highchair. “No hotdogs though.”
My eyes roll so quickly I almost lose them in my head. “You’re so predictable. I mouthed those very words as you said them.”
“Hotdogs aren’t food.”
I pat his cheek lovingly and condescendingly. “Be quiet.”
“Beee carrot,” Dillan mimics, making us both laugh. Emily laughs with us simply because we’re laughing.
I love my family.
“I have to go,” I softly say, feeling the weight of having to leave them rest on my heart. “Make sure you finish packing your bags today. They’re basically done, just toothbrushes and more nappies.”
Nathan nods and follows me to the door, both kids following closely behind. “It’ll be sorted before you get back.”
“I don’t want you to go.” I lean against the door frame after opening the door and Nathan presses his body against mine. “I’m only going to have an hour with you in the morning before you leave.”
“I’ll miss you more, trust me.” His hands rest on my hips and his mouth touches my own.
“Morning,” our neighbour calls from across the fence as he enters his garden.
“Morning.” Nathan and I smile back as I slide free of Nathan’s heat. I lean into him and touch my cheek to his. “See you later.”
“Bye.” He waves before battling both kids back inside. As I climb into the car, the front door to my house closes.
I know I was resigned to Nathan leaving for this trip but it’ll do both of us good. Time apart will only make us stronger and the opportunities this trip could bring are too big to miss out on.
“Kerim,” I call over the noise of the kitchen. He swiftly moves around his station, throwing salt over fish in a pan before moving on. His arm raises and he crooks a finger for me to follow him. “Can I have a word?” I shuffle around two co-workers in my attempt to keep up with his speed.
“Outside,” he says and nods to the back doors before yelling, “HAROLD, COVER.”
“Yes, Chef.” Harold responds and I follow Kerim outside.
He snatches a dish from the side on the way and the second I step outside he presents it to me. I recognise the creamy scent immediately. “This is beautiful,” he compliments. “On Tuesday I want you to make me more just like this.”
“Sure.” I watch as he dips a piece of bread into it before presenting it to my lips.
“Eat.”
I open my mouth. I don’t have another choice and my stomach doesn’t protest either; it lets out a demanding growl.
“You’re hungry?” His accent is heavy and his brows furrowed. “I’ll make you something.”
“That’s not…” I run a hand over my hair to make sure it’s still in a neat bun. “I actually want to ask you if I can take the day off on August the nineteenth.”
He blinks slowly and stares at me for the longest moment. “Day off?”
“Yeah, it’s my friend’s birthday and we’re going to Alton Castle.” I can’t contain my excitement.
He smiles and I can’t recall ever seeing him smile. It’s nice. I’m steadily feeling more comfortable. “I’m sure we’ll manage without you for one day.” The tip of his finger taps my nose. “Come, let’s feed you before you waste away. My mother would be sorry at what little meat is sitting on your bones.”