Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Turning my head to the side, I peer at the alarm clock. It’s just after six. I don’t have to be at the studio until nine, but there is no way I’m getting back to sleep after that dream. Trust me, I’ve tried after each and every dream, and it never works. So not only am I sexually frustrated, but I’m also losing precious sleep.
Something has got to give.
Tossing off the covers, I gingerly climb out of bed and stretch my arms up high. I need to get out. I need to meet new people and stop staying held up in my apartment every night. The dreams have to stop. The constant replay of that night has to stop. I make a mental note to talk to Palmer today about places to go outside of Willow River. The last thing I need is to run into him. To be honest, that’s why I’ve been staying in, but that’s not me. None of this is me.
It’s time to take back my life.
I will not let a one-night stand control me.
Hottest sex of my life be damned.
***
“Thank you so much, Scarlett.”
“You’re most welcome. It was a pleasure to get to photograph this handsome little guy.”
Sara, my client, just beams down at her newborn son.
“We’ll call to schedule his appointment next month. I want a session once a month for a year to show his growth. I saw it online and loved the idea. Thankfully, Palmer is giving me a discount.” She laughs.
“Well, we will be here when you’re ready for us.” I walk to the door and hold it open for her as we wave goodbye.
The door closes, and I take a deep breath. The studio is silent for the first time all day. I’ve got to admit, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about studio photography when my heart has been with outdoor landscapes, but I really enjoy it. I love getting to work with the families and document special occasions and milestones in their lives. I was sure I’d be bored by now, but that’s not the case.
The chime above the door rings out, and I turn to see who it is. There’s a break in the schedule, so I’m not expecting anyone. I smile when I see Palmer with Remi on her hip. “Hey, you two. What are you doing here?” I ask my boss. She’s more than that. Palmer has become a friend in a very short amount of time. She’s so down-to-earth and easy to work for. Another aspect that makes me enjoy my job.
“We just had lunch with Daddy,” Palmer says, bouncing Remi on her hip.
“Remi, did you see Daddy?” I ask the adorable little girl. She just smiles as she chews on a small toy that looks like a banana with handles.
“Brooks has been working a ton of hours. He’s helping to cover for a coworker who just became a grandma for the first time. He’s worked the last three weekends because he took her shifts on.”
“That was sweet of him.”
“Yeah.” A soft smile pulls at Palmer’s lips. “He’s just a big old teddy bear. Right, baby?” She beams at her daughter, who is jabbering away as if she’s part of the conversation.
“Anyway,” Palmer says, looking up at me. “I know you’ve got things handled here. I’m not checking up on you.” She gives me a kind smile.
“Nothing wrong with it if you were.” I return her grin.
She waves her hand that’s not holding Remi in the air. “You know what you’re doing. I stopped to invite you over to our place this weekend. Brooks has been working so much I’m having everyone over for dinner.”
“Oh, I don’t want to impose on family time.” Although, I’d love to see Archer again. I wonder if he’s up for a repeat of our night together. We said a benefits arrangement, but I haven’t heard from him. Then again, I haven’t reached out either. A wave of desire hits me, and I shift my stance to alleviate that ache between my thighs. I’ve never had this reaction to just thinking about a man. I’m definitely going to need to convince him to go another round.
“Girl, the more, the merrier. It’s nothing fancy. I’m just going to order pizza. I was going to grill, but it’s supposed to rain and be cold tomorrow.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to refuse again, but I really do want to see Archer. Even if I can’t convince him to spend another night with me, the eye candy from him and his brothers will make my night. I was supposed to be asking Palmer about places to go outside of Willow River for a night out, but no way am I passing up the chance to see Archer and the entire Kincaid gang. The ladies are cool and, well, eye candy.