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)
* * *
Dear Tyler,
The seniors are putting together a Pumpkin Ball to raise money for our class trip in the spring. It’s Friday, and as much as I wanna go and be with my friends, I’m the only one without a date. Well, technically I have one, Ben Bernard, whose boyfriend lives in Texas. Since we can’t take the people we want, we’re going together.
He’s a great dancer, so it’ll be fun at least, but I still wish you were here. I feel like it’s taking forever for June to get here. The countdown on my phone isn’t moving fast enough. It’s labeled “graduation,” but really, it’s for the day you’ll be home. Everyone always says not to rush growing up, but this is the worst kind of torture. We’ve been writing letters for almost four years, and at this point, it’s like the day will never come.
To keep my mind busy, I’ve started cleaning out my mom’s cottage behind my house to make it a space of my own. It’s filled with her paintings. I love them all, but my favorite is the morning glories watercolor. The pinks and purples are super vibrant, and it has so much detail that it almost seems real. When I’m able to move in, I’m gonna frame a few and hang them on the walls. I can’t wait to show you when you’re here.
Everleigh told me you called her the other day and that you sounded really good. Though I wish I could’ve heard your voice, I imagine it every time I read one of your letters. I hope you’re safe and staying healthy wherever you are right now. Watching the news makes me so damn worried about you, but I don’t mention it to Everleigh because she’s concerned enough. I’ll just be so relieved when you’re back in the States.
Oh, I’ve included a picture of me in my dress too. It’s orange, my favorite color, but I think it makes me look like a pumpkin. I was surprised my dad approved because it’s strapless, and I can’t wear a bra with the low back. Hopefully, I can wear it for you in person.
Until next time,
Gemma
P.S. 226 days!
* * *
A few weeks into our relationship, Gemma modeled that dress for me. I also stripped her out of it and kissed every inch of her body afterward. I’ve thought about that orange gown for years and wonder if she still has it hanging in the back of her closet. The way it hugged her breasts and showed off her smooth skin had me hard as fuck.
We chat between customers and tasks, then eat lunch together. Once I’m done for the day, I head to the gym and train Luke. I shower in the locker room and change into shorts and a T-shirt to get ready for my session.
“Hey,” I greet as soon as I see him standing by Ruby.
“You ready?” I ask, tossing him some gloves. “I’m about to whip your ass into shape.”
“Uh-oh. Blackwood’s in a mood.” Ruby cackles.
“Aw, shit.” Luke’s eyes widen, and I laugh.
“Nah, don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you, kid.” I pat his shoulder. “At first, anyway.”
Luke and I practice for an hour straight, and by the time we’re done, he nearly collapses on the floor.
“What’d you do to him?” Ruby stands over him, offering some water.
Sweat drips down my chest, and I wipe it away with a towel. “Made him into a man.”
Ruby snorts and holds out her hand to Luke. She pulls him up, and he chugs the entire bottle before coming up for air.
“You gonna make it?” I shoot him a grin.
He nods, his face red and splotchy. “I need a shower. Same time next week?”
“You got it. Stay hydrated.”
I grab our gloves, then stuff them into my bag so I can wash and sanitize them at home. Checking my phone, I notice it’s almost seven, but there are no missed calls or messages.
“So what’s new?” Ruby moves to the front counter, and I follow her. “How’s your sister?”
“Ha-ha.” I roll my eyes. “She was just complaining that there are no eligible men in town, so hey, you might have a chance after all.”
“Don’t mess with me, Blackwood.”
Laughing, I shake my head, then look around. I was hoping Gemma would actually take me up on my offer and stop in tonight. I’d love to teach her how to take that asshole down in five seconds.
“Are you waiting for someone?” She peers around the empty gym.
“Huh?”
“You keep glancing at the door.”
“Well, I offered Gemma a lesson, but I guess she’s gonna chicken out.”
“Gemma, huh? You sure that fiancé of hers would let her off his leash?”
I smirk and shrug. “Sure do, considering she called it off.”
“Ahh. Now it makes sense.” Ruby’s full-on laughing as she moves around the desk. “Swooping in as soon as the ring’s off her finger.”