Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
She cleared her throat. “How was work?”
“Interesting. Had a customer asking Cal questions about you.”
Her eyes opened wide and her heart began racing. “Who?” She couldn’t imagine either of her parents showing up at The Back Door which left just one person and the thought made her nauseous.
“Preston Barrett III. He came in making threats, posturing and claiming you were his girlfriend and then fiancée.” Maddox’s voice sounded low, pissed, and if she wasn’t mistaken, possessive.
“What did you do?” Worry tinged her voice, and her throat grew dry, making her wish for the water she’d left in the kitchen.
His expression softened as he met her gaze. “I made sure he knew what would happen if he didn’t learn that no means no. I also reminded him you weren’t his girlfriend or his fiancée and he’d better leave you alone.”
“Thank you.” She breathed out the words, grateful for Maddox and his protection. “Does Preston know I’m staying here?”
He shook his head. “But he knows you hang out at the bar.”
He hesitated, obviously wanting to say more but holding back, and she narrowed her gaze. “What is it?” she asked.
He placed one hand on her shoulder. “Apparently your friends were in the bar one night when you were there helping. They saw you and that’s how Preston knew where to come looking.”
She nodded and though she ought to feel betrayed, she’d never believed any of the girls in her social circles were her real friends. “Thanks for telling me but I can’t say I’m surprised.”
He settled his free hand on her other shoulder and she leaned into his protective grasp. “You deserve better,” he said in a husky voice. “You should have people in your life you can trust.”
She swallowed hard at the sincerity in his voice, pushing back the lump in her throat. It wasn’t often she let herself think about what she was missing in her life. It wouldn’t do her any good. Her focus had always been on looking ahead and making sure she held tight to whatever convictions she could. Like standing firm against her parents’ desire for her to date and marry Preston.
“I have my grandmother. She knows where I am and she’d never say a word,” she murmured. “I have my sister. And now I have you.”
His eyes opened wide, his surprise evident. She understood. She wasn’t sure what had possessed her to include him in her tiny circle, but her gut told her it was true. He’d given her a place to stay, allowed her to help at the bar he managed, let her paint in his house, and most importantly, he’d kept Preston away. Not to mention, he’d threatened him on her behalf.
Yes, she could trust Maddox James.
She also wanted him. Wanted him to kiss her without reservation this time. Wanted to see his muscled, sexy body naked and aroused for her, and to feel his warmth on her skin.
She wanted him to take her virginity.
There was so much he could show her, teach her, and make her feel. Though she knew, even if she convinced Maddox to let himself go, this thing between them could only be temporary. He’d already listed his reasons he wasn’t right for her.
Even if she knew he was wrong.
Despite the obstacles, Gabby wouldn’t be deterred. She met his hooded gaze and saw the desire in his eyes. He was feeling the same need.
“Maddox? Are you going to push me away again?” she asked in a whisper.
A long moment passed, and she waited, anxious and nervous. She couldn’t handle another rejection, but she’d never regret putting herself out there. She sensed he’d be worth it.
A low growl sounded from inside him and he finally caved, lowering his head, his mouth inches from hers. “I want you, Gabby.”
Her heart exploded with happiness, and with the feeling of déjà vu inside her, she rose onto her toes and pressed her lips against his, sliding her tongue inside his mouth. The hands on her shoulders moved to her hips and then he was lifting her without breaking the kiss. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and somehow he walked them through the house and toward his bedroom, stopping only to lay her down on the bed.
He leaned over her and braced his arms on either side of her head. “And you’re right. You can trust me.”
She glanced up at him and knew she had to be honest. “Then you should know something before we go any further.”
He pressed his lips to hers, ignoring her words for a long kiss, one that almost had her forgetting what she needed to say.
“What is it?” he asked as he rose and lifted the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head, revealing the gorgeous, tanned chest she’d dreamed about touching.
She hoped her next words didn’t put an end to her daydreams. “I’m a virgin.”