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)
“We’re only waiting for a few more things to arrive. Smith, today I’d like you to finish working on the juice bar. Noah, if you can start assembling the equipment, that would be great.”
He hands me a piece of paper. “This is the floor layout showing where each one needs to go.”
A smile hits my lips. “Looks like a good plan.”
“If you have any questions, let me know. I’ll be working on the boxing ring.”
“And I’ll be micromanaging,” Gemma says around a mouthful.
Tyler presses a kiss on her lips and laughs. “While looking as pretty as ever.”
It causes me to chuckle as I move toward the equipment. I’m thrilled to have something to keep me busy. Considering there’s so much, I imagine it’ll take me all week to get everything put together. I move the boxes closer to their final place to make it easier. Some of it is heavy as hell, and I have to ask Smith to help me a few times.
“You been doin’ okay?” he asks after we set down a rack of bench press weights.
“Yeah, feel like my old self again, but it was a struggle not being able to do basic things.”
He nods. “Can’t imagine. Must’ve had an angel lookin’ over you, based on what Gemma said.”
“I did. Grateful to be alive right now,” I admit, knowing just how lucky I was to walk away from that accident.
After everything’s moved, I read the instructions and begin the assembling process. Katie texts me a few times, but we’re both so busy, we can’t talk much. By the time I lift my head, Tyler’s asking me if I’m going on lunch break.
“Yeah, I was thinking about getting a burger and fries. Want me to get you something’?”
“No thanks. I brought leftovers because Gemma will blow a gasket if we waste any food. Do you know how hard it is to cook for just two people? I’ve been eating meatloaf for four days straight.” He lifts a brow and grins. “Married life.”
“Can’t wait,” I say with a laugh reminiscing on how it felt to hold Katie through the night and wake up with her next to me.
Tyler’s expression softens, and he looks down at his cell. “Better get that burger before the lunch rush ruins it.”
“You’re right,” I say, then go and wash the grease from my hands. On the way to the diner, I text my girlfriend.
Noah: What’re you wearing?
Katie: Wish it were you.
Noah: Damn girl, gonna make me stop by that bank for a loan, if you know what I mean.
I fantasize about bending her over her desk and listening to her soft moans as she tries to hold back her screams.
Katie: So…what are your plans tonight?
Noah: Was hoping to devour you.
I enter the diner and order a combo to go. As I wait for it to cook, I step outside and soak up in the warm sunshine.
Katie: That sounds like a solid plan. Owen was asking when he’d get to see you again, so I was wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner? :)
Noah: Honestly, I’d love that.
Katie: Good! He’ll be really excited about this.
The thought warms my heart. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss seeing him. Though they visited a lot while I was taking it easy, I’ve already grown attached to him. There’s an internal desire to protect him and Katie from the world because I’ve seen how ugly it can be.
Noah: Great! I’ll pick up a cake for dessert. And ice cream. Maybe we can watch a movie after dinner? I did promise to watch the first Avengers with him.
Katie: As long as he’s in bed by 9pm at the latest.
Noah: Deal. It’s a date!
After I’m given my food and pay, I walk back to the gym. I quickly eat, then spend the rest of the afternoon bolting things together. By the time my shift ends, my muscles are sore, but it feels good. Dad picks me up on time, and I ask him to take me by the bakery and the grocery store on the way home. I run in and grab a half-gallon of vanilla Blue Bell ice cream, then we go to the bakery.
It’s almost closing time, but Jackie still greets me with a smile.
“What’s the special occasion?” Dad asks when I return with a big ass chocolate cake.
“Owen invited me over for dinner,” I proudly tell him as we make our way home.
“You can use the truck tonight. Belinda’s gonna come over when her shift ends, so I don’t need it.”
I thank him, and soon, we’re pulling into the driveway. I put the ice cream in the freezer, then jump in the shower to wash off the day. Once Katie texts me that she’s picked up Owen, I get dressed and make my way over.