Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“So that’s a no?” I tease.
“Brooks,” she warns.
“Fine. Kiss me, and I’ll leave you alone.” I can’t get enough of her.
She leans over and presses her lips to mine before grabbing the curtain and pulling it closed, making me laugh. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” I tell her.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she fires back.
Shaking my head, I leave her to shower and decide I need one too. Moving to the bathroom in the hallway, I turn the water to hot and step under the spray. I hate that I’m washing her scent from my skin, but that thought alone makes me sound like a fucking creeper, so I lather up without further deliberation.
“Good timing,” I say, walking back into my room wearing nothing but a towel. Her eyes roam over my exposed chest, and she licks her lips. I point at her. “Stop. We just got cleaned up.”
She grins. “I know, and I really need to get going.”
“What?” It feels as if she knocked the wind out of me. “I thought you didn’t have power?” And I just assumed she’d stay over tonight. She never does, and wouldn’t it figure the one woman I want to stay with always seems to have one foot out the door.
“My neighbor just texted me and said it’s back on. I have clothes in the washer, and I’m sure every light in the place is on.”
“We can run over and check it out, then come back.”
“Brooks, that’s not a good idea.”
I want to pull her into my arms and tell her it’s the best fucking idea I’ve ever had. Instead, I nod. “Let’s get dressed, and I’ll take you back.”
“What crawled up your ass?” Ryder asks as I slam two more rocks down next to Archer.
“Nothing.” That’s a lie, and we all know it. I’ve been surly all damn day. I slept like shit last night. My sheets smelled like her. My entire fucking house smelled like peaches.
“What gives, bro?” Sterling asks. “You’ve been in a pissy mood since you climbed out of your truck this morning.”
I expel a heavy breath. “I’m fine.”
“Clearly,” Rushton says dryly.
“Anyone need a drink?” I ask.
“No, but pick up a better attitude while you’re gone,” Declan calls after me.
My answer is to raise my hand in the air and flip him off. I love my brothers, but I’m not in the mood today. I know I’m being an asshole, but I can’t seem to stop. Stepping into the house, the cool air hits me, and it’s a reprieve from the outside temperatures this late in the summer.
“Uncle Brooks!” Blakely rushes toward me, and I know from experience that she’s about to launch herself at me, knowing that I’ll catch her. She does it to all of us.
“How’s my girl?” I ask her, lifting her into my arms. She places her arms around my neck and gives me a sloppy kiss on my cheek.
“I’m getting ice cream!” she says with all the excitement of a four-year-old.
“You are?”
“Yes! Rams is coming to get me.”
“What kind of ice cream are you going to get?” I ask.
She taps her index finger against her chin, pretending to think about it. I’ll give it to her. She’s always getting something different. When I asked her one time which was her favorite, her reply was “Uncle Brooks, it’s ice cream. All of them.” Did I mention she’s smart as hell?
“I think I’ll get swirl with sprinkles.”
“Good choice.” I press my lips to her temple as the front door opens. I hear my mom greeting Ramsey. Pushing my bad mood down deep, I carry Blakely to the living room to say hi to my little cousin. When I round the corner, I freeze. Ramsey is talking to my mom, and standing next to her is Palmer.
“Ladies,” I say, my mood suddenly a hell of a lot brighter.
“Hey, Brooks.” Ramsey steps forward for a side hug, tickling Blakely, who reaches for Ramsey. She doesn’t hesitate to take her from my arms.
“Palmer.” She waves and leans in for a hug too.
She’s out of my arms all too soon, but her familiar scent washes over me. It’s as if seeing her and smelling her is a balm for my pissed-off disposition. “You ladies are getting ice cream?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. I’m just trying to stall to keep them here a little longer.
“That’s the plan,” Palmer replies, glancing over at Ramsey and Blakely as they talk to my mom.
I lean in close to her, pretending to look behind her and whisper, “I missed you last night.”
“You saw me,” she whispers back.
“I slept like shit without you there.” It’s a confession I didn’t plan to make.
“Brooks.” There is so much she’s saying from the tone of her voice. Longing, desire, and if I’m not mistaken, a little regret. She wanted to stay. The look in her eyes last night and here right now tells me she did.