Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Like they already know, at some basic instinctive level, which makes me feel like even more of a shitty villain.
My throat hurts.
“I think he’s had enough. We should go warm up,” Patton tells him when they reach the top of the hill. “You ready, little man?”
“Moooom.” Arlo tugs at my hand. “Do we have to?”
“If Patton says it’s time to break, then yes, it’s time.” And I want to leave just as much as I want to stay. Talk about difficult.
“There’s cocoa waiting in the car. The good stuff from my mother,” Patton says, and Arlo sprints off at top speed.
His enthusiasm for the snow is only rivaled by his chocolate addiction.
I head back to the SUV stubbornly even though it feels like Patton wants to say something else. The steel wool lodged in my throat probably makes my face look weird, and I don’t want him asking why.
Then there’s no hiding the tears.
“Hey,” Patton says, surprisingly gentle. “Are you feeling okay? You look a little frozen.”
“Me?” My voice cracks. “Oh, no, I’m good. This wind just sucks, it makes my eyes water after a while. Totally the cold. Guess I’m more sensitive than I thought.” Yes, I’m babbling, but I don’t know how to stop. “It’s nothing to worry about. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you—”
When the world starts tilting, I don’t have time to gasp.
My heel skids on an ice patch and I’m spinning.
There’s just a second of panic, my arms windmilling, a squawking noise leaving my mouth.
Patton catches my arm right before I hit the ground and heaves me into him.
Into his arms.
I hold on before I can think what I’m doing, before my brain catches up.
Before I even realize I’m clutching Patton’s strong shoulders and his hands are on my waist, holding me steady.
Holy hell.
This whole thing would be easier if he didn’t feel so solid and warm under my fingers.
If his face wasn’t so close.
If his eyes weren’t so bright.
Our foaming breath swirls between us in the messiest moment of my adult life.
I’m hot and cold and winded.
So is he.
There’s a red patch on his cheeks, probably from the scouring wind, which has really picked up in the last few minutes.
Yes, the wind, I decide. It must be.
That’s the safest explanation. Because if it has anything to do with the fact that we’re still holding each other tight, or the fact that I don’t want to let go—
We are screwed.
These thoughts alone are beyond dangerous.
But his breath spirals against my lips and the only thing I can hear is my heart thudding as Patton stares at me. His tongue runs over his lips for a second.
Breathe, Salem.
Oh my God, breathe.
My breath catches.
For one glorious heartbeat I think he might do something crazy like kiss me until I melt through the snow.
It’s been so long, but I remember how it felt. The heady desire, coming in waves, heat blooming through every nerve.
From the way his eyes ignite, like the sun catching summer waves in scintillating shimmers, he remembers too.
How do we even begin to deal with that?
“Mommy, what’s for dinner?” Arlo cuts in, and Patton releases me so fast I almost lose my balance for a second time.
“Oh.” If I once had sane thoughts, I’m not sure where they went. “I don’t know, sweetie. I’ll look when we get home.”
“Can we do pizza?”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Awwww.” He pouts. “That means no.”
“I know a great pizza place,” Patton says. “I’d be happy to take you. My treat.”
Good thing, too, because I know what sorts of places he likes if the coffee shop is any indication. High-end places that run a wine tab that costs more than my rent.
“I appreciate the offer,” I say, trying to force a smile, “but Arlo’s been spoiled enough for one day. Honestly, so have I.”
“Aw, Mom!” Arlo juts out his bottom lip.
“Maybe next time,” Patton says.
I don’t meet his gaze again.
It’s just easier.
“I’ll have the notes from Evelyn back to you by Monday,” I say. “Plus, more data from The Cardinal surveys. If you’d like, I can get a start on researching the northern Minnesota markets…”
“As long as it doesn’t ruin your weekend.” He nods, accepting the shift back to work. “I appreciate it, Salem.”
“Mr. Rory?” Arlo says. “Can we have chocolate now?”
“Sure, kid.” Patton gives Arlo a smile and opens the car door. A burst of glorious heat greets us. Like any decent newer vehicle, he was able to remote start the heater. “But we have to drink it outside, okay? Those seats hate sticky stuff.”
I accept my cup gratefully after Patton pours one for each of us. I sip slowly as I listen to Patton and Arlo talking about superheroes.
Nice Patton came with his best game today.
If only I could decide if Nice Patton is really worse than Grumpybutt.
Patton catches my eye and smiles while Arlo continues a long lecture on the virtues of Spider-Man, who had it rough from the start because he was bitten by a spider.