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)
I slowly make my way to him, my stomach fluttering with each step. “They’re exquisite.”
“They’re flowers. You’re exquisite. New appreciation for the purple.”
The fluttering intensifies and my heart soars. “Thank you.”
“It’s me who should thank you.”
His double meaning hangs in the air and self-consciousness kicks in. “This wine is delicious.”
“Not a wine guy, but the Powers know their shit.”
That’s why I recognized it. From Harley’s wedding. Major’s family owns part of a winery. “I think it’s my new favorite.”
“There’s a wine fridge filled at the house. Any time you want some, help yourself. Or let me know and I’ll bring it to you.”
“You this charming on all your first dates?”
Darkness flickers in his eyes, disappearing so quick I could have imagined it. He places his beer on the counter, hooking his arms around my waist and inhaling deeply. “You smell incredible. Like sunshine and seduction.”
A thrill races down my spine like a rollercoaster pummeling through my nerve endings. “Not sure about seduction, but it’s my summer scent.”
“I’m sold.” He runs his lips across my jawline to my throat. “Although it’s impossible for anything not to be sexy with you.”
My breath catches when his teeth nip at the skin below my earlobe. “To answer your question, I’ve never been referred to as charming in my life. But like the other night with the kiss, this is your last first date, Rowan, and it has to be perfect.”
The smoky suggestion in his voice causes flutters to swarm in all directions, and I fight to remain standing.
I’m in so much trouble.
My trip on the Ford Whitman high nosedives when he drives into the lot, parking between two recognizable black trucks.
“Rowan?”
“Tom’s?” I croak.
His calculating gaze doesn’t help the weighty pressure on my chest. Without a word, he gets out, rounds the truck, and opens my door. I stay still, unable to move.
“I have no problem carrying you.” He unclips my seatbelt, linking an arm under my knees.
“Wait, I don’t feel well.”
I swear there’s a ghost of a grin before he lifts me.
“Really, Ford, I ate too much. We should go home.”
He ignores my plea.
My anxiety rachets at the sight of the door. Memories of the last time I was here replay in my mind.
“I’m going to be sick.” The delicious Italian meal is now churning in my stomach.
He stops, running his lips over mine. “You’re safe with me.”
“Not feeling very safe right now,” I mumble.
He doesn’t hide his smile, setting me on the ground and linking his fingers with mine. The minute we step inside, my nerves spike into overdrive. I watch the floor, having no choice but to let him drag me through the crowd. He stops suddenly, causing me to tumble into him.
“Baby.” He gently cups my chin.
I don’t have to peek around to know where we are. The exact place of the most humiliating incident of my life.
“Came through the back door and knew I was fucked. Months of watching and waiting, knowing it was for the best. Major’s warning was nothing compared to the reality. With one fucking glimpse of you in that dress, those shoes, hanging with your friends, smiling—gorgeous. Watching you strut your fine ass across the room, men gawking like they had a chance. Jealousy raged inside, testing my control. Let it get to me. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life standing right here in this spot.”
I quit breathing, his beautiful face going blurry as tears well.
His hands thread through my hair, tilting my head. “Can you help me remedy my mistake?”
“Another do-over?” I croak, my throat suddenly bone dry.
His eyes flare, transforming into a translucent green. “Another do-over.”
The scene comes back, and I place my hand on his chest, tipping on my toes, recalling my words. “Thank you. Ford.”
The instant my lips touch his, everything changes. There is no hesitation. His tongue plunges into my mouth, twirling with mine. The kiss is urgent, him demanding control. My hand clutches at his shirt as my knees threaten to buckle. His fingers dig into my scalp, angling my head to give him deeper access.
I lose myself in him, forgetting everything around us and letting delicious warmth tingle through my body.
“Are you shitting me?” a rough voice booms, causing me to jump.
Ford rips his mouth from mine, a fire blazing in his eyes when he cuts them to the side. My already racing heart fears for whoever the voice belongs to.
“I already got two of you who won’t stay out from behind my bar. Now I have to patrol for sex in hallways?”
Oh my God—Tom.
I can’t stop the giggles as I faceplant into Ford’s chest.
“There a reason you’re standing there?”
“You’re blocking the head.”
At this, I lose it, erupting until my sides ache. “We… um… it’s not…” There’s no use in trying to form a sentence.
“Save it, Hollywood.”