Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 59000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
I glanced down at her, noticing the small vee between her eyes which indicated she was thinking too hard about something. Worried.
I pulled her to the chair beside me once we climbed the steps.
“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, Sweet Pea?”
“Your mother says you didn’t fall in love with me for my uterus.”
I lifted my eyebrows in surprise. “Well, I’m not sure how that topic came up, but she’s right. The first time I saw you, ‘Wow, I bet she has an amazing uterus,’ wasn’t what crossed my mind. Pretty sure your spectacular rack made the first impression.”
That made her laugh, and her shoulders lost some of their tension. She told me what Ava had said and her reaction.
“I didn’t plan on talking about it with your mother and sister. It just came out.”
“I never thought to mention Van. His kids are simply that—his kids. My cousins, for lack of a better term.” I took her hands in mine. “Paige, there’s no rush. We don’t even have to talk about this again until you’re ready. And if you never are, then we’ll figure out our next step. You are what is important to me. You and Lucy. Getting to know each other now. Enjoying life together now.” I met her eyes. “I’ve never tried to get someone pregnant. For all I know, I’m shooting blanks. Would you love me less because of that?”
“No.”
“Then relax. Let’s enjoy now, and let the future take care of itself. Can we put it aside and enjoy this evening?”
She smiled and cupped my cheek. “Yes.”
“Good. I am starving, and that pot roast smells like heaven. Feed me. Please.”
She stood and went into the house. I followed her, ogling her ass. I always liked her ass.
“You know, I think the first day I met you, your ass might have appealed as much as your breasts. Both left an impression,” I mused out loud. “I do remember wanting to grope them equally.”
She burst out laughing. “Such a way with words, Liam.”
I shrugged with a grin. “It’s a gift.”
She muttered something about incorrigible Callaghans.
I kissed her neck as I reached around her to grab some plates.
“You like me incorrigible.”
She rolled her eyes, but she didn’t deny it.
I switched off the TV and tossed the remote on the table. It had been a great evening. Paige was relaxed and happy. After a delicious dinner, we took another walk on the beach. We waved at Bentley and Emmy, spoke with Nan and Pops, who were out for their nightly stroll, and studiously ignored the dim light coming from my parents’ bedroom as we walked past their house. I just couldn’t think about that. Ronan was in Toronto with Beth, and we called and talked to Lucy, who informed us she was having fun and that wings were now her favorite food. Mr. Teddy apparently thought so as well.
“Momma, Mr. Teddy needs a bath. He went headfirst in the sauce.”
Paige laughed, her voice patient. “I’ll give him one tomorrow.”
“Otay.”
I knew Paige felt better once she talked to Lucy. She told me she wasn’t worried but felt odd.
“I’ve never been away from her for the night. Not once.”
“We can head in. I’ll sleep there,” I offered.
“No. She’s fine, and Beth will call me. It’s just…new.”
I slipped my arms around her and hugged her. She held me tight.
“I’ll have you home before she wakes up.”
“Thank you.”
I kissed her. “Anytime.”
I glanced over at her. She had drifted during the movie, leaning against me, snuggled into my side. “You want to go to bed?” I asked.
“No, it’s too early.”
“How about a bath?”
Her eyes lit up. “In that huge tub?”
“You have to share.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “I was planning on it.”
I held out my hand, and she took it. “I’ll lock up. You go start it filling. It takes a while.”
I made my rounds, checking the doors and windows. It was something I always did. Our houses were safe, the compound gate locked and the crime rate here next to nothing, but my dad had always “made the rounds” and checked to make sure his family was safe, and I did the same thing.
I heard the water running and headed to my room. I pulled off my Henley and undid my jeans as I sauntered over to the bathroom door. Paige was topless in front of the mirror, pinning up her hair. Her pretty neck was on display. She’d told me what my mom had said about her shoulders, and I realized she was right. They were lovely. Smooth and round, her collarbone clearly defined and the elegant arch to her chin—she was gorgeous. Her arms were toned as she lifted them, the movement causing her breasts to sway. I crossed the room, standing behind her. She watched as I lit a couple of candles I had placed on the vanity earlier and flicked off the overhead light. I pressed a kiss to her shoulder, sliding my hands to the front and cupping her, slowly letting my fingers tease her nipples.