Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79360 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79360 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
As I scanned the area, I wondered if the sound had just been a figment of my imagination. However, within thirty seconds of having that thought, another set of motorcycle pipes filled the night air of my neighborhood, bringing my attention to the street right outside my house.
I frowned, looking at the single headlight drawing closer as if it were a puzzle that was too complex for my still sleepy brain to figure out.
Then the man riding the motorcycle got off, shut the bike down and stood to his full height.
I realized who it was within thirty seconds.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as the man approached the window, heart pounding. “And when are you leaving?”
Sean’s lips twitched as he walked up to where I was standing, placing his large hands on either side of the window pane.
His large, bulging biceps dominated my vision, and it was extremely hard to not stare.
Even in the barely lit night, the moon in early stages of waning, I could see the play of his muscles as he did nothing but stand there.
Those rough fingers gripped onto the brick as he stared at me through the darkness.
“I’m here because you’re here,” he answered simply. “And I’m not leaving until you do.”
I frowned.
“What’d you just do?” I asked, referring to him leaving and then coming back.
He let one of his hands up from the window and traced a large, blunt finger down the line of my jaw.
“I found out where you were, no thanks to you, and rode straight here.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to ignore the way that single touch made me feel.
My belly clenched, and his lips twitched.
He knew what he did to me.
I narrowed my eyes.
“I don’t want you here.”
He moved, pushing me forward with a large hand to my chest as he maneuvered his hulking frame through the window.
I stared at him as he towered over me at his full height, no longer separated from me by the window, and wondered what he was going to do now.
“If you don’t want me here, then I’ll leave.”
My heart started to pound at his words, and it took everything I had not to shout in denial.
I was lying to myself.
I didn’t want him to leave. Not even a little bit.
But my mouth wasn’t linked to my brain, and I spouted off when I was nervous.
“I don’t want you here,” I repeated.
His eyes locked on me, studying my face, and he grinned.
“That ‘come hither’ look you have going on is enough to make me call bullshit,” he informed me, his hand moving up to cup my jaw.
Such a gentle touch from such a large man had my head whirling. He didn’t look like he’d be capable of such tenderness.
“I don’t know what look you’re speaking of,” I lied. “And you should really be ashamed of yourself, leaving my window open. My mother would curse you if she saw.”
His eyes went to the window, which was still wide open, and he dropped his hand.
My heart started to twist as I thought he was leaving, but he did nothing more than pull the lower panes down and twist the lock above it before turning to look at me.
“I missed you. And I’m an asshole,” he announced simply.
My shoulders slumped. He had given me the opening that I needed to apologize in person.
“I’m an asshole, too,” I said. “I wanted you to be there, but I didn’t want to come off as that needy girl that you just met. I didn’t want you to feel sorry for me, either.”
He sighed, then surprised me by removing his shirt.
When he started on his belt buckle, my heart started to untwist as blood started to pump through it.
Although I couldn’t see him perfectly, my mind went back to the time when I could see him perfectly. His abs, his large bulging biceps. His strong jaw, and tapered waist.
Those large hands that did nothing but sweet things to my body.
And then there was his mouth.
That sweet, delicious mouth.
Chapter 14
Sean: Am I adopted?
Dad: Not yet. I haven’t found anyone who’s willing to take you.
-Text from Sean to Big Papa
Sean
I wrapped my arms around her back and pulled her in tight to my chest.
With her tiny body pressed against mine, I had the distinct impression that she was still reluctant for me to be there.
“I’m sorry.”
The words weren’t enough. I knew that.
I’d taken the hurt I’d felt when she’d left me in the dark for a week, and nursed it until it was unhealthy. I’d taken it out on her and repeatedly punished her for making the decision not to include me in her life.
I had no right to do that.
All I could say at this point was that I was sorry. That I wouldn’t be that dumbass guy anymore.