Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
“Are you sure, Gloria?” Elyse asked as she shot me a look.
“Of course. Go out and have some fun,” Gloria assured her, and Elyse pressed her lips together.
“Gloria, this is Ryder. Ryder, this is the owner of the store and my friend, Gloria.” I took the offered hand and kissed it as Gloria raised an eyebrow.
“Keep this one. He’s a rare find,” Gloria smiled.
I stood at the front of the store looking at the bestsellers and classics as Elyse got her coat and purse.
“She’s right, you know,” I assured Elyse as I led her down the street to my car.
“What?” Elyse queried as I chuckled and took her hand.
“Gloria said I’m a keeper.” I laughed as she rolled her eyes at me, a smile wide on her face.
“So, what are the plans? I’m glad you went casual, since I was working tonight.” She smiled as I opened the car door, leaning in to press her mouth to mine. She tasted like fruit, and I fought the urge to suck her lips between my teeth. I kissed her softly for a moment before pulling away, struggling to breathe.
“I thought we could catch a movie at that new theater. They serve dinner and drinks, and anything your heart desires,” I suggested.
“That sounds relaxing and perfect.” I kissed her one more time before making sure she was settled in the car and walked around to my side. I got in and started the engine, breathing in the citrus scent that she was wearing tonight.
We selected a new comedy for the film and took our seats in the luxury theater. I offered her a menu, and we picked an appetizer and two entrées along with some iced tea to drink. I settled back once the waitress left, slipping an arm around Elyse as she stared into my face. “This is great.”
“It beats where I used to see movies as a kid.” I stroked her cheek and watched as her eyes fluttered closed. “You look beautiful tonight, Elyse.”
“I was working. How could that be? I got sweaty unboxing books for an hour.” She laughed, and I ran a hand through her silky hair.
“You always take my breath away. You have since the first time I saw you,” I murmured as her eyes widened. “I couldn’t wait for tonight to come. I thought about it all day.”
“So did I,” she admitted as she reached an arm across my stomach, shifting around before she finally let it rest. Elyse rested her head on my shoulder and breathed in slowly. “What’s happening here?”
“Something fast, but I don’t want you to worry. We can take this slow and get to know each other,” I promised her and kissed her hair. “I promise that to you.” The words of the sheriff played through my head, and I fought the urge to ask her what he meant by it.
The previews started, and we got our food. We left the armrest up and cuddled together as we ate, laughing throughout the film. When it ended, a girl picked up the plates, and I paid the bill before looking at Elyse. I couldn’t help but kiss her, more than the little ones we’d been sharing throughout the last couple of hours. I heard her moan as she pressed closer, tucking herself into my chest. The kiss deepened as voices filtered through the room, but we were lost in our own world as our tongues danced together. A throat cleared, and I glanced over to see a guy watching us with a trash can by his side. “Sorry about that.” I stood and held out my hand to Elyse. We left, and she giggled as we walked to the car.
“I feel like a teenager,” she murmured as I tried to imagine her younger. I thought she must have driven the boys crazy and broken a few hearts along the way. “My heart is going to beat right out of my chest.”
“Thank God we’re not teens,” I muttered, getting another laugh from her. I got us into the car and looked at her as I started the engine. “What now? I know it’s a bit late for most things, but I’d like to spend some more time with you.”
“Come to my place,” she suggested before slapping her hand over her mouth. “Oh, God. Not like that. Not for that.” Her cheeks flushed, and she looked like she was about to go into a panic attack.
“I meant what I said earlier. Promise.” I kissed her nose once I removed her hand and started in the direction of her home. I parked on the curb and got out, leading her to the door as another officer cruised slowly by us. “You are safe here. That’s the second one I’ve seen.”
“They like to make sure everyone is safe. They act like my father sometimes.” Elyse laughed as she pulled her keys from her purse. “Well, a better version of him, anyway.”