Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“Did you pretend to marry me yesterday? I remember very vividly both of us signing those papers and saying, ‘I do.’”
“No.”
He reaches over, takes one of my hands in his, and lifts it to his lips for a kiss. “Give us some tunes, gorgeous.”
I nod, and with one hand, I scroll through his music app and pick a playlist. I settle on country because this man has me all up in my feels. He knows it, too, which is why he changed the subject.
Does he not realize the way his thumb traces over the back of my hand is turning me on? Does he not have any idea what a simple touch from him does to me?
Shut it down, I tell myself.
I push all my thoughts and the desire I feel for this man way down deep. With my free hand, I scroll through the playlist, changing the songs. I sing along and pretend like it’s just me in this truck. We have a little over three hours to get to where we’re going. I need to come up with a plan of how to resist my husband.
“Wow. The pictures online don’t do this place justice.” I lean forward to get a better look at the cabin that will be our home away from home for the next few days.
“I bet the view from up there is incredible.” He points to the top balcony. It’s three floors, and each floor has its own balcony.
“Why did we get such a huge cabin for just the two of us?” I ask.
“It has an indoor pool, a hot tub, a movie theater, games, a pool table, and a whole list of other things to do. I wanted to make sure we didn’t go stir-crazy if the weather gets bad and we get snowed in.”
“You think that will happen?”
“I’m not sure. I know we’re pretty far up the mountain, but my truck is four-wheel drive. Even if we do, we have enough supplies for a week.”
“That’s why you were tossing all that food into our cart.”
He smiles. “Just making sure I’m taking care of you. I have to think of all eventualities.”
“I’m a big girl, Legend. Just because you’re my husband, it doesn’t mean you’re responsible for my well-being.”
“Okay.”
He says it to appease me. We both know he’s not going to stop going out of his way to give me what he thinks I want or need. It’s a shame he doesn’t let others see this side of him. He keeps this sweeter, softer side hidden. The man who is usually the life of the party, passed out on a donut raft, is going out of his way to show me that he’s a man of his word. He promised me he would take care of me, and he’s taking that promise to a level I never could have imagined.
When he made that promise, I thought he meant keeping a roof over our head while we’re married, maybe keeping the oil changed in my car. And while I have no doubt he will do both of those things, I also know he’s going to keep making me cheesy eggs and ensuring that I’m not eating soggy toast.
My heart swells and feels as though it’s too big to fit inside my chest.
“Come on. Let’s go check it out, and I’ll start carrying everything in.” He holds his hand out for me, and I take it, allowing him to lead me inside.
We go from room to room and floor to floor, checking the place out. It’s incredible and far too much for just the two of us. “We should bring everyone back here. Like, a friends’ vacation. Do you think you all can get away from the shop for an extended weekend?”
“Yeah, I think we could make that happen. We have Drake and Lyra now to answer phones and keep things running even if we’re not doing any ink. We should plan something when we get home. I’m sure Rome and Em would like a short trip before the baby gets here.”
“Maybe, or we could plan it for after. I know Em won’t want to leave the baby, but they can bring him or her with us. We can all take turns babysitting, giving them a break.”
“You plan it and tell me when and where I need to be.”
“A girl could get used to getting her way all the time.” I laugh.
“Good.” He kisses my temple. “Which room are we taking?”
“Um, I don’t care. Just pick, and I’ll choose from what’s left.”
He stops walking and turns to face me. “You’re my wife.”
I smile up at him, holding up my hand and wiggling my engagement ring and wedding band. “I think that’s what these mean,” I tease.
He bends so his forehead is resting against mine as he places his hands on my hips. “My wife sleeps next to me.”