Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
“Thanks for bringing me here. I love making new memories with you.”
I bring our hands to my lips, then kiss her knuckles. “Thank you for joining me.” Winking, I lean in and thumb her chin until our mouths collide.
As we enter, my eyes trail over the unique décor. It’s a mix of rustic and floral. It’s a typical Southern bed and breakfast, and by the way Katie’s beaming, she’s excited to be here—which makes me extremely happy.
“Welcome, welcome. I’m Dolly. I’ll be glad to sign you in this evenin’.” A middle-aged woman finds our reservation, then asks if we’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday.
“Nothing specific, just a weekend away,” I explain.
“Oh how lovely. You two seem like you’ve been together for years.” She smiles, then leans in closer to Katie and loudly whispers, “I can tell by the way he looks at you.”
I grab our bags as she leads us to our room, sharing the history of the place and the generations of families who’ve owned it. I can already see the stress melting off Katie’s shoulders as she takes it all in with a smile.
“I haven’t been here in ages,” Katie admits. “My mom and I stayed here once when I was a kid and we were visiting my grandmother. Honestly, I don’t think much has changed.”
“Probably not.” Dolly snickers.
When she shows us our room, I step inside and spot the champagne and vase of red roses. From our balcony, the trees and river make for a perfect serene view. I hope being here allows Katie and me to reconnect and unwind.
“This is breathtaking,” Katie says as Dolly gives a short tour, showing off the loft area with a loveseat and coffee table.
“We’re definitely using that,” I whisper in Katie’s ear from behind as she stares at the soaking bathtub in the master suite.
She giggles and nods.
“Breakfast is served every morning from eight to ten, and there’s the dining room or outside patio seating. Please let me know if you need anything. “
“Thank you so much,” I tell her as she walks to the door.
“Hope you two enjoy your stay.” She grins, then leaves.
I wrap my arms around Katie’s waist and pull her into me. “Oh we will…” I muse before closing in on her mouth and tasting her lips.
“It means a lot to me that you planned this.”
“I'd do anything for you,” I tell her, cupping her face and slowly kissing her. “And as much as I want to do very bad things to you…” I groan at the willpower I have not to peel off her clothes. The past couple of weeks of not being able to touch her the way I want while I recover have been torturous. “We have a dinner reservation at Jesse’s.”
Her eyes light up. “We do? Oh my gosh, I haven’t been there in ages.”
“I hear they have great steaks and seafood.”
“The absolute best,” she confirms. “How long do I have to get ready?”
My gaze scans down her body, admiring every gorgeous inch. “You look great just how you are. What’re you talkin’ about?”
“Jesse’s is fancy. I can’t go like this.”
I chuckle, then check the time. “Alright, we gotta leave in twenty if we’re gonna make it.”
“Shit.” Katie grabs her bag and takes out a black dress. “Luckily, I packed this just in case.”
“Hope you know it’s comin’ off later, though.” I flash her a wink before she grabs her makeup tote and hurries to the bathroom.
Deciding I better change too, I put on a sleek black button-up and dark wash jeans. Eighteen minutes later, Katie emerges, and I nearly lose my ability to speak.
“Fuck me,” I growl. Her hair is curled, and dark eye shadow accentuates her eyes. “You’re tryin’ to kill me.”
She spins, showing me how perfect she looks.
“Screw it, we’re skipping dinner.” I pull her into me. “I’d much rather eat you.”
Katie giggles, pushing against my chest. “No, sir. You promised me dinner. Plus, I like the idea of you wining and dining me first.”
I lean down and kiss her ruby red lips. “I’d spend forever doing just that if it meant taking you home afterward.”
She smirks, and we leave.
“Can you imagine if we dated in high school?” she asks as we drive to the restaurant. “You tryin’ to impress me with your old beat-up Ford.” She chuckles.
“Rusty Ray? He was the shit!”
Katie snorts. “We had a lot of fun, though. I bet you hooked up with a ton of girls in the back seat.”
I raise a brow. “When? Between hanging out with you and working?”
She shrugs and nervously fidgets.
“What? I can tell you wanna ask me somethin’,” I say as I find a spot to park.
“Alright. I guess I’m just wondering how many women you’ve slept with.”
I chuckle, amused as hell that she’d be scared to ask. “You really wanna know?”