Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
The fact she felt the need to do it in person meant it was something big.
My mind conjured all sorts of scenarios. Was someone dying? Going to prison for a decades old crime? Were we secretly related to royalty? The possibilities grew more and more outlandish until I had to force myself to quit stressing. So, even though I was freaking out a whole lot, I' decided I just need to chill and let Mom talk to me in her own time.
Besides, I was looking forward to seeing her. I’d missed her terribly these last weeks, even if I had been enjoying my time in Ireland. Specifically, I been enjoying my time with Rhys, hanging out and getting to know him more.
Some nights, we sat up talking for hours. Yesterday, he’d told me all about his cousin, Shay, who was mute, and how Rhys and the rest of the family learned sign language for him. In return, I’d told him about the day the cops had come to our house to tell us Dad had died in a four car collision caused by a drunk driver. The worst day of my life. Rhys had sat next to me, quietly listening, and something about showing him the rawest parts of myself felt strangely freeing.
It was a little addicting to find someone who was interested in you just as much as you were interested in them.
Upending the bag, I let the black lace and silk fall onto the bed. Rhys inhaled sharply, a hint of colour rising in his cheeks. He rubbed his jaw and reached down, plucking up the panties. There was something about his large, masculine hand clutching the delicate, girly material that caused a rush of desire to flood my belly. My breathing grew choppy, and his gaze flicked to mine. The atmosphere thickened around us, and I swallowed the lump of need that had lodged in my throat.
“They’ll look beautiful on you,” he said, his voice somewhat gruff as he dropped them back on the bed. His eyes went to the bra, but mercifully, he didn’t pick it up. I wasn’t sure my libido could handle any more of him fondling my new under things.
“Maybe I’ll let you see me wear them,” I said, trembling and forcing a smirk I didn’t feel. I was nervous. He made me nervous. “If you’re lucky.”
Rhys chuckled low, his eyes warm on mine. “I’m already lucky just to know you, Charli. Everything else is a bonus.”
Air caught in my lungs, my heart pounding fast. I didn’t know what to say, and then Rhys stepped forward, his eyes darkening as they wandered from my throat to my lips then up to meet my gaze. My breathing turned shallow, and his expression seemed to ask permission. I found myself nodding, and then moments later, his lips crashed to mine. His hands cupped my face as his tongue plundered my mouth like he’d been hungering for me.
All week we’d been spending time together, but Rhys had still been recovering, and there’d been too many people around. I’d wanted to kiss him so many times, had found myself daydreaming often about the kisses we’d already shared. I’d begun to wonder if he’d ever kiss me again.
I moaned quietly when his tongue caressed mine, his thumb brushing along my jaw. The backs of my knees met the mattress as we moved closer to the bed, and then—
“Rhys! Where are you, mate? We’re heading to the beach now.”
Hearing Tristan call out, we broke apart, both breathless. Rhys shot me a reluctant expression, and I knew the interruption had been unwelcome. He rubbed his fingers along his mouth like he could taste me there. “I better go. Will I see you on the beach?”
I nodded, trying to gather my composure after that mind-blowing kiss. “Sure. I just want to take a quick shower first. I’m all sweaty from the shopping trip.”
Rhys inhaled an unsteady breath then released it. “Okay, see you in a bit.”
With a final heated look, he left, and I flopped down onto the bed. I remained there for a few minutes, my heart racing, before I finally found the wherewithal to drag myself into the shower. By the time I got out and dressed in some jean shorts and a loose fitting T-shirt, word had gotten to Nuala about the beach party because she flounced into my room full of chatter and excitement. I noted she’d showered, too, currently dressed in the prettiest lavender skirt and a flouncy white top. I slipped on some flip flops, put my wet hair into a braid, and off we went.
Nuala linked her arm through mine, talking about how legendary the town’s beach parties were as we walked across the strand. In the distance, I could see a large gathering of teenagers. There were crates of beer and other booze being passed around; not to mention, someone had lit a small bonfire. It almost reminded me of the beach parties back home, and I felt an unexpected rush of homesickness. I missed my friends and my mom and had to remind myself I didn’t need to be sad because I’d get to see her in two weeks.