Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Babe, you did. Soon as the fireworks were done, your ass was in your car, your taillights blazing a trail of fire out of the ‘hood.”
“I had to get home.”
I study her, giving her that play. “You’re cute when you lie.”
“I’m not lying.”
“You’re cute when you’re flustered.”
“I’m not flustered.” She props a hand on her hip, narrowing her eyes.
“I stand corrected. You’re fucking hot.”
“Ford!” Her hands fly in the air. “I am not hot!”
“You are to me.”
She looks at the ceiling, shaking her head. “What is happening here?”
I take advantage of her distraction, hooking my arms around her waist, yanking her close, and kissing along the column of her neck. “On second thought, maybe we should have this conversation now. Fuck the yard full of people.”
She stiffens. “Why are you kissing my neck?”
Her mouth snaps shut as if she didn’t mean to blurt it out.
“Because you’re irresistible.”
“Okay, this is weird. What is happening?”
“I’m apologizing for being a massive dick, fucking things up, and letting you walk away.”
“Ford—”
I shut her up by brushing my lips over hers. “You want to know why I acted like a massive dick?”
“Why?”
“Because for months, every scenario that came to mind, none of them included kissing you in a crowded bar. None of them included men hitting on you right before my eyes, thinking they had a chance because I hadn’t made it clear you are taken. Having you finally in my arms threw me off so much I fucked it up. It’s a shitty excuse, but my brain didn’t catch up to what was occurring until it was too late.”
“I don’t know how to respond to that.”
“Tell me you forgive me.”
“Did you apologize?” Her question is laced with light sarcasm, but the gleam in her eyes gives her away.
“In my way.”
“The words are simple, Ford. Say them with me… I’m sorry.” She sounds out the last part.
“Apology accepted.” I steal another kiss before she can argue.
She huffs, trying to wiggle away. “What exactly do I have to apologize for?”
“Running out on me after the fireworks, not giving me a chance to talk.”
“You pushed me away at Tom’s. I was crushed. It took every ounce of courage to even come to your party, and you had another woman in your arms when I walked outside!”
“Tera means nothing to me.”
“I know that now.”
“Timing sucks, but there’s something else you need to know and understand. I don’t see you as a victim, and no amount of ugly in this world could change the way I think about you.”
Her jaw drops, opening and closing a few times before she spouts, “How did you know?”
“I have a specialized skill of reading lips. Usually, I tune it out because everyone deserves their privacy, but today, my focus was lasered in on you.”
“That is intrusive.”
“It is, but I needed all the advantages in my corner.”
“Do you read minds, too?”
“No.”
She purses her lips together, mumbling something.
“Can’t interpret gibberish either.”
Her mouth curls into a small grin. “Any other superpowers?”
“When the time comes, I’ll let you be the judge of that.”
A flush creeps up her cheeks and she drops her forehead to my shoulder.
“Mega-hot when you’re flustered,” I repeat.
“We should probably get back outside before people talk.”
“Let them talk. This is my do-over.” I cup her chin, bringing her face back to mine. “I think you mentioned something about the best two out of three?”
This time she’s ready, tipping up to give me access.
“Consider this your last first kiss, Rowan,” I growl down her throat, sealing my lips over hers.
“This shit is even better the next day.”
“Talon, if you don’t leave some for me, I’ll hurt you,” Jewls warns.
“It’s all men for themselves.”
“I’m pregnant and eating for three. It’s not even nine a.m.”
I round the corner to find the kitchen filled. Jewls sits at the bar, her usual tea in front of her. Major is at her side, his face filled with amusement. Carson and Addie are seated next to her, both grinning. Talon is on the other side of the island, inhaling what looks like leftover macaroni and cheese.
Carson casts a glance over my shoulder. “Are you alone?”
“Who would be with me?”
“A sweet as hell blonde who is a culinary master,” Talon answers for her.
“She went home last night. You know this.”
“She could have come back. With your private entrance, no one knows.” Jewls’ eyes glitter at the possibility.
“Gross. Stop. I adore Rowan, but I can’t handle the thought of my brother having sex and the sight of Talon ingesting pure saturated fat this early in the morning.”
“Aww, Addie, don’t worry about me, sweetheart. This body burns calories faster than the speed of light.” Talon flexes his bicep and then looks at me. “Man, did you know your woman can cook? If you don’t make it official, I’m stepping in.”
“Wipe your chin.” I ignore his bait.