Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
I’d moved to the city to get away and try something new, but my dream even as a little girl was to one day have a family of my own in Reindeer Valley. Each year I spend away is a year I’m losing with Grams. And if I face the honest truth and actually level with myself, the real reason I ran from here was to give myself space from Knox.
I knew I needed distance to get over the silly, consuming crush I’d had on him. I thought I had somehow allowed myself to fall for what I believed was the wrong kind of man. Something I told myself I’d never do. That was a habit my mom had and one I didn’t want to inherit. So I left. I had to or I’d have thrown myself at the rich asshole who’d shred my heart and break me into a million pieces.
The door creaks open only a smidge, and Greasy takes full advantage and slips in. He comes over to the bed and jumps up, making himself right at home on my lap. He purrs loudly as he gets comfortable.
“Morning, beautiful baby.” I pet him. He quickly rolls over, giving me his tummy.
A soft knock hits the door seconds before Knox opens it to reveal himself in all his glory. When I see him standing there shirtless in low hanging sweatpants, I want to fling myself at him and beg for a repeat of last night, but I somehow manage to keep it together. Thank God this cat is in my lap, or it might be a different story. How does he look so damn good first thing in the morning?
“You always look this hot when you wake up?” he asks, leaning up against the doorframe.
I snort a laugh. “Yeah right.” I start to try to smooth down my hair. I bet I’m a hot mess and he’s trying to be nice.
“I’ll come over there and prove how hot I think you are.” He reaches down and openly adjusts his cock.
“Knox!” Heat blooms throughout my whole body.
“As much as I want to spread you wide on that bed right now, I also want to feed you before you go into the bakery.”
“Crap!” I pick Greasy up from my lap to quickly get out of bed. I kiss his little head before putting him down. “What time is it?” I hurry over to my suitcase. I don’t even reach it before Knox snags me around the waist and pulls me into his giant body. His mouth comes down onto mine. “Morning breath,” I whisper when he breaks the kiss sooner than I actually wanted.
“You taste sweet to me.” He gives my ass a squeeze. “Put some pants on. You’re killing me here.”
“Okay, then let me go.”
“For now,” he agrees and releases his hold on me so I can get dressed.
When I come back out, he’s pouring me a glass of orange juice. Two full plates of food already sit on the oversized dining room table.
“Do you entertain a lot?” I asked.
This home is not only built for entertaining but a family too. He had to have that in mind when he had it constructed.
“No.” He chuckles, pulling my chair out for me.
He’s now dressed in jeans and a simple black shirt that stretches across his broad chest. I swear he looks hot no matter what. I’d only tossed on another pair of yoga pants and a festive holiday shirt. It’s nice not having to get all dolled up or put a suit on for work.
“But this house is like a showplace. Perfect for the holidays.” It’s decorated for Christmas so prettily it’s like a professional elf did it. I can’t help but picture having other couples come over for game night or movies with your little ones snuggled up by the fireplace.
“Never been my thing, but if you want to throw a holiday party or something you can. You can have Merry over too if you want. I know you two are close. I want you to be comfortable here and treat it as if it’s your home.”
“Thanks. I’m sure Merry would love to come over.” I smile at him. I love that he brought up Merry and remembered how we were so close in school. I’ve managed to keep up with her here and there, and she’s the only person from town besides Grams I still talk to on the regular.
He once again takes the seat next to me and not across. “I’m starting to think you paid more attention to me back in high school than I realized.”
“You have no idea.”
“Then tell me,” I encourage him, hoping he’ll give me something.
“Maybe one day. Right now, I’m still trying to get you to fall for me.” He winks as he pours syrup over my pancakes.