Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
She giggles.
“You wouldn’t.”
I shrug and grin.
“I would. I’m not into the 24/7 constant partying either. Heck, I’m an old man. That whole “work hard play hard” motto is overrated because when do you sleep? All that happens is you end up burning out, not to mention the premature aging.”
She stares at me.
“OMG, I totally agree. I just get tired, and a lifestyle like that would be overwhelming. As a result, I take pottery classes to de-stress because it centers me and helps me be mindful.”
With approval, I nod, drawing her close.
“So what do you make in your classes?”
“You know, the usual,” Addy hedges.
“I don’t know, because I’ve never taken a class before. I’ve seen some pottery made on YouTube, and of course, there’s that movie Ghost where Demi Moore crafts pottery with her ghost boyfriend.”
“Oh you,” Addy squeals, slapping my arm playfully. “That’s a romantic scene!”
I quirk a dark eyebrow at her.
“Is it? Would you want your dead boyfriend to be rubbing his hands on you at a pottery wheel while Unchained Melody blasts in the background?”
She giggles again.
“It’s not romantic the way you describe it, but it’s romantic in the movie,” she says with a helpless laugh. “But I make a lot of different things: vases, bowls, serving dishes, and pretty much whatever else strikes my fancy.”
I whistle.
“Wow, sounds amazing. Can I see your work?”
Addy beams and pulls out her phone before flipping open Instagram. Then, she scrolls through different photos before alighting upon a lovely cream-colored vase. “This is one of my more recent projects. I made it for my friend to congratulate her on her new baby.”
I nod, studying the photo.
“That’s really impressive, Addy. It’s gorgeous.”
She giggles.
“Thanks! Here’s a pie dish I made, and a chips and dip plate. As you can see, I was feeling creative because there’s a mouse on the chip plate that’s pretending to nibble at something.”
I laugh, amused, as the pretty brunette shows me a few more photos of her work. Her pieces are very high quality, even to my untrained eye.
“You’re a talented artist, honey. I really mean it.”
Addy blushes. “Thanks. I like doing it because it’s fun, and helps me express my creative side. It’s a nice balance to my real job.”
I quirk a brow at her as we continue walking.
“Baby, I know this is intrusive but can I ask why you’re working at Valley Cryo then? It’s clear that it doesn’t do anything for you, and I saw that you’re selling your work on Instagram.”
Addy sighs and deflates a bit before shooting me a rueful smile.
“I guess it’s because life is expensive. I need to make money, and I can’t do it with my pottery because I sell about one item per month. Plus, I have to pay for the supplies and the classes I attend, and that stuff really adds up.”
I frown.
“But still, this is your passion and not working with potential sperm donors.”
She smiles gently.
“Yeah. I do love creating my vases and such, but I have to be realistic. Living in Millbrook costs a pretty penny, and I need to put food on the table. My dad used to help me out, but he actually recently got married and had a baby, so I don’t want to ask anymore.”
I frown for a moment.
“Did your dad have a late in life second marriage?”
She nods.
“Yeah, and it’s actually crazy too because he married my friend Janelle. Scandalous right? But actually, I’m super happy for both of them because they’re perfect for one another, and my new baby brother is adorable. Besides, I’m old enough. I get that my dad has a new family to take care of, and it’s time I start standing on my own two feet.”
I nod.
“That’s very mature of you, sweetheart. I know a lot of twenty year old girls who would make this about me, me, and me.”
Addy shakes her head.
“No, not I. My friend Janelle treats my dad way better than my mom ever did, and I can see how in love they are, so really, that’s all that matters. They’re happy and again, the baby’s adorable.” She smiles wistfully all of a sudden. “That’s all I want from life, actually. Someone who looks at me the way my father looks at Janelle. It’s sweet and I hope I find that some day.”
My heart contracts because gazing at Addy, suddenly I have a vision of the beautiful brunette with a big belly and a diamond ring on her finger. Would she want that? Would she be happy with my baby in her body, swollen and kicking?
Then I mentally slap myself. Where am I going with this? We literally just met, and sure, we get along great but that doesn’t mean I should be having visions of forever. Yet, I can’t help my protective instincts, and pull the gorgeous girl close.