Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
“What about before? Did you cook only for yourself then?”
“In Vegas, yes. When I was with Maddie and Liam, I was in the kitchen a lot. It helped the slow days go by as we played the waiting game. Maddie was a dancer in college and always sucking down protein smoothies, so I tried to help her break that habit.”
“I bet she loved it.”
“Oh, she did. Then when I stayed with them for a few weeks after I got out, I spoiled them with breakfast and dinner a handful of times. At first, it felt strange, but it’s like riding a bike. Plus, it helps that I can follow directions.”
“Well, if this meal is any indication, I think so too.”
Gemma and I talk and laugh through the rest of dinner, then decide to save dessert until after the movie since we’re both stuffed.
“You sure you’re ready to watch this? It’s a scary one.”
“Do I have a choice?” she mocks, curling up on the couch with a blanket.
“It’s not scary scary…more a psychological thriller.”
“If I have nightmares tonight, I’m blaming you.”
“Oh, don’t be a baby. Jack Nicholson is amazing in this film.”
“Hmm…we’ll see.” She smirks as I press play and then plop down next to her.
“Just by his expressions, I can tell he’s crazy as hell,” she says after a while.
I wrap my arm around her and pull her against my chest. “Here, I’ll protect you.”
Gemma beams, then snorts. “Smooth.”
“Hey, gimme a break. Like my cooking skills, my game is a little off.”
Gemma bursts out laughing until tears form in her eyes. “How do you always make me smile? After the past couple of weeks, I should be in a sour ass mood. But I don’t think I’ve been this happy in months.”
“You should always be laughing and smiling, Gemma. It’s a beautiful sight to see and sound to hear.” I turn and brush my thumb over her jaw, then pluck her bottom lip from between her teeth.
“Thanks for being here.”
“Thank you for agreeing to hang out.”
“No, I don’t mean just tonight. I mean, for coming back. I know you didn’t do it for me, but I’m glad you’re home.”
“I wasn’t sure it would be the right choice, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in years.”
She stares at my lips, and I battle with my head and heart on what to do next. Before I decide, a loud scream comes from the TV, and we both jump.
“Jesus.” She rests a hand on her chest. “That scared the shit out of me.”
I chuckle and take it as a sign. Tonight’s not the night to cross that line.
We finish watching the movie, and when the credits roll, Gemma curses me out for the ending.
“You really thought it’d have a happily ever after like one of your cheesy romance films?” I tease as I cut the cheesecake.
“Well, I was holding out hope.” She crosses her arms.
“Alright so, besides that, what’d you think?”
“It was…interesting. Not something I’d ever watch again, though.”
“That’s fine because you have fifty more to choose from.” I smirk.
“I need a break before suffering through another, okay? Like maybe something with Patrick Swayze.”
“Let me guess, Dirty Dancing?”
“Yep. One of my favorites.”
“I remember,” I say softly. “You and Everleigh went through a whole phase when you were like thirteen and played the soundtrack on repeat.”
“Oh my God, that’s right.” Her eyes light up with excitement. “We tried to learn all the steps, just like Baby and Johnny.”
“I wanted to bash my head into a wall. That was probably why I started going to the gym and taking out my frustrations on a punching bag.”
“Very funny.”
“Oh, I’m serious. Y’all were always so loud, singing the lyrics at the top of your lungs.”
“We were teenagers,” she defends.
“Exactly and, at the time, extremely annoying.” I chuckle. “But don’t worry, I only think you’re a little annoying now. So that’s progress.”
She scoffs with a small smile.
“Alright, let me add the toppings, then we can dive in.” I slice the strawberries, then add whipped cream.
“You ever thought about working as a chef, like for real?” she asks.
“Maybe, but I’d rather get my hands dirty and sweaty in a ring. Perhaps, getting hired at a restaurant will be my plan C.”
“Must be exhausting to have so many talents,” she teases, stealing a piece of fruit.
“It is,” I say dramatically. “Good thing I’ve been celibate for the past five years. Wouldn’t wanna be a complete show-off.”
Gemma chokes and gasps for air. For a split second, I worry she won’t be able to catch her breath, but then she swallows and chuckles.
“Jesus, are you okay?”
She wipes the tears from her eyes as she continues grinning. “Yes, but I think you’re trying to kill me.”
“I didn’t realize you were so sensitive.”
“I wasn’t expecting that!”
With a smirk, I shrug. “Sorry. Next time, I’ll make sure you don’t have any food or beverages near your mouth.”