Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
“Yes,” he answered in the affirmative, his voice almost a whisper, as if whatever Mike was about to say or ask him, he wanted it regardless.
“Since you seem to enjoy reading. Did you know that Edison has a library in his house?” Mike winked at Edison, cueing him to chime in.
Rayne’s long lashes fluttered as he appeared to pull himself together. “Um, no, I didn’t.” He turned toward Edison, who was already buzzing in his seat, always eager to talk books and fiction.
“The library needs to be expanded now. I don’t think another book will fit in there.” Bishop smoothed his big palm over Edison’s back, and Mike couldn’t help noticing how quickly Rayne looked away.
If only Mike could give Rayne what he wanted. After he educated himself on Rayne’s disease, he was going to try. He always relished a challenge because nothing good was ever obtained with ease.
“I have a huge collection.” Edison peered around Bishop.
“Anything on yoga or mindfulness? I’ve given him all I have on the subject, but he reads too fast for me,” Chelsea added.
Yoga, huh. Mike filed that information away for later. He knew nothing on that subject either. But he was about to.
“Reads too fast.” Edison gasped while shaking his head. “There’s no such thing.”
Mike was relieved when Rayne laughed. And it was crazy that he could already notice when Rayne had his mask on and when he didn’t.
“But shoot. I don’t think I have any instruction books on yoga, but I do have a couple on meditation and mindfulness.” Edison was already pushing his plate aside and standing. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
“That would be great.” Rayne stood, picking up his half-empty plate.
“Yeah. Let’s see it.” Mike got up as well.
The knowing smile Rayne cast his way made his stomach flip.
“Yeah, let’s,” Wood sneered, standing his big ass up at the same time, looming over Rayne.
“Well, that’s the last we’re going to see of them tonight,” Bishop rumbled as he reclined in the plush patio chair and rubbed his flat stomach. “Trent, you wanna play me in a quick game of 2k before Edison makes me do the dishes?”
“Fuck yeah.” Trent clapped his hands together. “Damn all this talk about books and shit.”
Mike agreed with all of that. He didn’t need his sons to follow them. If it was just the five of them back there, it would give Mike an opportunity to observe Rayne and maybe even make a move.
Chapter Eleven
Rayne
Chelsea stood close to Rayne as Edison walked them around one of his guest bedrooms that he’d converted into a library slash workout room. He was so animated and proud of his cozy home that his mood was infectious. But it wasn’t Edison’s pleasantness and hospitality that had Rayne feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. It was Mike he could sense in the room, even though his attention wasn’t on him.
Edison went toward a bookshelf near the far end of the wall and fingered over the spines until he found what he was looking for. He had to stretch his arms high over his head to reach the books on the top shelf, causing his University of Virginia T-shirt to ride up on his round belly. The skin looked smooth and supple to the touch, covered with fine blond hairs. Goddamnit. Rayne shifted his gaze away, feeling ridiculous for the chub pushing against the front of his tight jeans. He was positive that it wasn’t Edison bringing on such wanton feelings—it was the man lurking a few feet away who was stoking a flame to life that Rayne had successfully kept smothered for months.
“Here you go, Rayne. This is all I have on meditation.” Edison handed him two books that were thick enough to occupy his mind for a few days. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything on yoga. I’ve tried it a couple times at my gym around the corner, but I don’t think I’m built for it.”
“Yoga isn’t for skinny people,” Chelsea butted in with her hands on her ample hips. “Because my downward dog looks damn good, thank you. So God blessed whoever’s mat is behind mine.”
Edison’s laugh was full and loud. “I know it’s for everyone. I should’ve said that it’s just not for me. I’m more into cardio and fast-paced stuff. I like upbeat music when I exercise. All those nature sounds and serene humming makes me sleepy.”
“Cardio is for the body. Yoga is an exercise for the mind, Edison.” Rayne took the mindfulness book and was already flipping through it. “We need both.”
“Now you sound like my assistant, Mila. She’s addicted to yoga and Barre.” Edison snapped his fingers as if he’d just had a great idea. “You should go on YouTube. There’s an abundance of information and videos—”
Chelsea made a sound like a game show buzzer indicating a wrong answer as she browsed a historical title. “A sex addict exploring videos on the internet is just as bad as an alcoholic popping into a bar at happy hour. Neither needs to be there.”