Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
I shook my head. I had lots of time left. I would enjoy it.
I was determined.
DANTE
I came downstairs, my mood slightly improved. The house smelled delicious. Even in my office upstairs I had heard Brianna’s voice at times, and I had enjoyed it. The sound of her singing relaxed me. In the kitchen, I saw her cake on the counter, and I stared at it for a moment, taking in all the details.
The flowers, the trellis, the tiny leaves that looked as if they wrapped around the posts. Roses, lilacs, daisies, all sorts of blooms were featured on the cake. Each one was lifelike. Some piped, some molded, all perfect.
She was an artist, using icing as her medium. I had to snap a couple of pictures. I began to chuckle when I saw the small bowl and the note beside it.
Leftovers.
Please don’t destroy the cake.
I sampled the contents of the bowl, the buttercream rich and decadent. There were enough crumbs of the cake to make me want to cut a piece and devour it, but I resisted.
I looked out the terrace doors, spying Brianna sitting at the table. She was staring at the water, and I wondered what she was thinking. I took a bottle of white wine from the chiller, grabbed a couple of glasses, and headed outside to join her.
She smiled at me as I sat down. “Found the taste tester?”
“Delicious,” I replied, “but how did you know?”
She leaned over and ran her finger along the edge of my mouth. “You missed a bit.”
I captured her hand and licked the icing from her finger. “Incredible now.”
I loved how the color crept up her cheeks, and she glanced back at the pool. “Would you really teach me how to swim?”
I pushed a glass of wine her way. “Yes.”
“Can we start tomorrow?”
“We can start anytime.”
“Tomorrow is good.”
“I had Gia take out some steaks for dinner. I’ll grill.”
“I’m getting spoiled,” she murmured.
“Good.”
“I texted with Carolina, she’s fine,” she said, surprising me.
“What did you say?”
She pushed her phone my way. “Read it yourself.”
I read her texts. “You shut her down quickly.”
Brianna shrugged. “What did you expect me to do? Tell her the truth? You’re right—we’re past that now. I’m here, and I wasn’t lying. I’m fine. I’m happy and I’m baking.”
I tugged her chair closer. “I’m glad you’re here.” I cupped her head and kissed her, ravishing her mouth. “I’m glad you’re happy.” I kissed her again. “And I’m fucking thrilled you’re baking.”
“Potty mouth,” she mumbled, but she smiled.
We were quiet for a while. That was something else I adored about Brianna. She didn’t chatter. Try to fill in silence with unneeded conversation. Unlike many women her age, she was comfortable with the quiet. Being in the moment. She tilted her head back, the sun playing on her dark hair. Unable to resist, I lifted one heavy pigtail. “You have lovely hair.”
“It’s long and brown. Dull.”
“No,” I protested. “It has reds and golds in it. The sun highlights the colors. It’s very attractive.”
“Hmm,” she responded, noncommittal.
“Do we need another lesson in front of the mirror, Little Bee?”
Her fast inhale of air made me grin. I had enjoyed our little mirror time. Next time, I’d get her to ride me. I’d enjoy that.
“No, thank you,” she said in her prim voice.
I leaned over and kissed her neck, feeling her shiver. “Liar,” I whispered into her ear.
I was rewarded with her glare. I loved her fire, especially when it was directed at me. She came to life, and I wanted to stoke her passion.
“I’m going for a swim,” she said.
“Are you?” I asked, amused. “Need to cool down?”
She stood, shaking her head, heading upstairs.
I watched her, my amusement growing, knowing the explosion that was going to happen in about five minutes. Maybe less.
I sat back, sipping my wine, and waited.
She didn’t disappoint. She reappeared in front of me, still in her overalls and pigtails. She slammed her hands on her hips, the fire an inferno now as she glared. I assumed she thought she looked tough and furious.
Instead, she looked delectable and sexy. It made me want to grab those straps and haul her to my lap and fuck her. But I wanted to hear her scold me. I’d do nothing to change what she was angry about, but I did like to hear her tell me off.
“Why are all my things in your room?”
“I had Gia move them,” I replied calmly.
“I didn’t agree. You didn’t even ask!”
I rubbed my lip as I regarded her. I was certain she was mentally sharpening that stinger of hers, ready to have a go at me. Her color was high, and she was gearing up for a good argument. One she would lose, but she wanted it.
I stood, towering over her. “It’s my home. I told you I wanted you in my bed, and that is where you will be from now on.”