Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49348 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49348 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
“Shit, I guess I need to call the insurance company. Not that it’ll do any good, but it has to be done.” Her voice is full of defeat. Fuck that, not when I’ve got the tools, the knowledge, and the ability to take care of shit.
“Babe, I own a tow truck and an auto shop. We don’t specialize in bodywork, but you’d need a whole new frame as it is. While I can’t fix your car to drive again, I can do other stuff to help you out. I’m gonna hook your car up, take it to the shop, and you can deal with the insurance once I’m able to pick up a spare phone. The question I have is if you want to ride with me or if you want to stay here. Grandpa Bernie is itching to get out of the house and see you with his own two eyes. It’s up to you, hang out here with Gramps or ride with me?” I pick up her legs, sitting down on the coffee table while placing her feet on my lap. My woman has stolen my socks, too. She refuses to ask me to kick up the heat, and honestly, when I’m not in the house, I wouldn’t mind doing so. Carsynn only asks for help to start the fire and stays near it when I’m outside. My winter clothes are too big for her, or no doubt she’d be wearing them and helping me tackle the few chores I have to do around here. Mainly chop firewood to keep her warm, a task she watches from the window the entire time, especially when I get hot and my shirt comes off.
“Umm, tow, a phone? What am I missing here, Gabe? I know you can help me out with the tow truck. A favor I will be paying back once the insurance company reimburses me. As for the phone, well, I’ll have to purchase another one. No way, can I go too long without one. If you give me a ride to the store, I’ll pick one up.” I knew she’d have a hard time accepting my help. I’ll have to persuade her another way. My hand goes to her foot, massaging her instep, staying silent for a few minutes until she’s more relaxed. She has only mentioned little blips from her past, but from what I gather, it hasn’t been an easy life.
“I’m not buying you a brand-new phone, fairy. These are replacements the guys use when needed. If they take the tow truck, technically, they’re on the clock, so they need a phone. We’ve got a few old ones at the shop. We’ll pop out your SIM card and put it in the replacement. Good as new, another item taken care of, and you don’t have to worry about it. As for the towing of your vehicle, that’s fine. Don’t strap yourself when I was going to handle it already.” Her head drops back, eyes closing, and a long sigh escapes her sweet-as-fuck mouth. Her whole body relaxes, and it seems my hands on her body help her not overthink and overanalyze every single thing. I love that she’s independent to a point, but I hate that she won’t let me shoulder some of her burdens.
“Gabe, I don’t really want Bernie out on the roads, let alone you. Can I go with you to pull out my car? There’s probably stuff in there that I should clean out. I can do that another day, though.” Her eyes open, but she doesn’t lift her head to look at me. I’m liking where this is going. She’s not saying no, she’s not saying yes, and while she’ll have to go through her car, it doesn’t have to be today. Plus, it's damn dangerous with the amount of glass and metal. I’ll make sure I’ve got the time to help her do it, which sadly won’t be today.
“I can do that. I’ll pick you up when I’m through with work, or if the roads are better and you feel comfortable with Bernie driving you, he can bring you back here.”
“Oh God, Gabe. It’s kind of hard to think when you do what you’re doing with your hands.” Her voice is soft and dreamy, enjoying my massage.
“Want me to do more? The couch you’re on hasn’t been broken in yet,” I tease, my hand going past her socks, meeting the smooth bare skin of her legs.
“No, well, yes, but maybe later?” She lifts her head off the back of the couch, amber eyes meeting mine. I can see the hunger in them, and damn it, I want nothing more than to take her right here. This morning clearly wasn’t enough for both of us. “As far as Bernie driving me home, I’d rather you do that. I’m sure he’s going stir crazy, too.” She takes a deep breath, emotion building in her entire body. “I don’t want anything to happen to him. I’ve never had anyone like you or Bernie to care about or to care about me, and the thought that something could, it makes my stomach sink to my toes.”