Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
At her age, most people aren’t homeowners or thinking of those plans, but my woman has already started her future and mapped it out. As I get her inside, I nearly trip over her dark-as-night feline, who goes straight for my feet. “Shit.”
As I bobble her in my arms, she wakes with a start. “Ah.”
“Relax. I’m not going to let you fall. Your cat nearly got stepped on.”
“Jinx, bad kitty.”
“Perfect name. Now, let me get you in bed. You’re exhausted, and I have an early start tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she yawns. I tuck her under the covers and head into her bathroom for a quick shower, so I don’t have to take one early in the morning. Once I’m out, I curl up with Lola in my arms. Of course, the cat tries to get in between us, but I scoot him from the room and close the door.
“Not while I’m around,” I growl. He just curls up on the floor outside the door as if he doesn’t care. Good, because I need my woman to get her rest. Sliding in bed beside her, I attempt to fall asleep, but my mind is still on today. I hadn’t missed Lola’s response to my mother’s question earlier. She’s afraid that I’m too good to be true, and I’m afraid that I’ll lose her because I can’t measure up.
Neither will happen, as far as I’m concerned. My future was decided the second she entered my world, and my ring would be on her finger before the new year was here. I’d ask her on Christmas, but she’d think I was insane. With that positive thought in my head, I let the exhaustion of the day win over and fell asleep.
****
Morning comes, and I slip out of bed and get dressed, trying not to wake my beautiful woman because it’s too damn early, but it’s too late because she’s stretching with an adorable smile on her face. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, sexy.”
“Trying to give me the slip?”
“Never. I just didn’t want to wake you up so early.”
“I don’t sleep in most days, but I will say I’m still a bit sleepy. I’m going to make some coffee. Do you want to take some to go? I have a basic black travel mug that I got as a White Elephant gift last year.”
“Sounds good to me.” I bend down with my knee on the bed and kiss her lips.
“I could get used to morning kisses.” She says, smiling so sweetly.
“Just morning?” I question intentionally being obtuse.
“All kinds of kisses.”
“Good, because that’s what you’ll be getting.” I slide back off the bed and stand, only to hear scratching at the door.
“Someone needs attention.”
“Greedy bastard,” I grumble. She giggles and climbs off the bed, meeting the kitten who loves the sweet attention she gives him. God, she’s perfect. My phone goes off, and I know I’ve got to get moving before I run late.
It’s Dennis, so I answer before he panics even though he knows I’m only five minutes from the mall. “Boss, I’ll be at the mall in twenty minutes.”
“Good. I’ll be taking a walk around before meeting with Sellers.”
“Do you have your coffee, or do you need me to grab it?”
“I’ve got one already. Thanks though. I’ll see you soon.” I end the call and then look for Lola, who’s playing with her black kitten, Jinx. The little shit meows and rubs all over Lola’s legs every time I pull her into my arms. He’s lucky he’s adorable; I’d toss him into the snow. I can’t believe how jealous I am of a cat.
“What time are you coming to the mall? I’ll take a lunch break.” I stare right between her thighs.
“I’ll be there at two, but since I’m sure you’ll be starving by then, how about I arrive at, say… twelve?”
“Make it eleven… I want to get my fill.”
“Eleven it is.” I grab her around the waist and pull her in for a brief kiss before rushing out and kissing her harder because I won’t want to leave.
The drive to the mall is a short one, and by the time I get there, my aching erection has finally softened enough to allow me to walk without looking like a sick fuck all day. The mall opens early today, so the crowds are already in line when I arrive, and I enter through the employee door, giving myself a head start before they flood the entrance.
“Good morning, Mr. Nicholas.”
“Call me, Trent. After all, we’re going to be brother and sister soon, Marianne.”
“Okay, Trent, are you ready for a rundown of the numbers this morning?”
“Give it to me.” She goes over yesterday’s figures as we walk through the mall. Everything turned out successful.
“Yesterday’s Santa visit went well, including the second televised one. We have been asked if we’ll be hosting Santa next year.”