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)
“Is this ‘some kind of way’ a good thing?” he asks, raising his brows.
“Yeah, Popeye, it’s a good thing.”
“Good.” He pops a kiss on my nose and settles me onto the kitchen island.
“So how do we make this culinary excellence?” I ask.
“Two cans of chicken, drained, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and pasta.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep. It’s basically buffalo chicken dip, which is one of my favorites. I just added pasta because I needed more sustenance than chips and dip.” He laughs.
“So you thought this up on your own?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he says proudly.
“I’m excited to try it. I love buffalo chicken dip.” My mouth waters just thinking about it.
“Something we have in common.” He gives me a smile that is boyish and sexy at the same time. Heat rushes between my thighs. At the same time, my heart races for how quickly I’ve become attached to him.
“That thing is lethal.” I point to his smile, which only makes him smile wider.
He leans in, puckering his lips for a kiss. He looks ridiculous, but I indulge him anyway.
“Are you sure I can’t help?” I say after a quick peck.
“Nah, I’ve got this. Tell me something about you that I don’t already know.”
“Hmm….” I tap my index finger against my chin. “Oh, Butter Pecan Ice Cream is life,” I moan at the thought of a big ole bowl right now.
“Damn, that’s a deal breaker.”
“What?” I ask, my mouth dropping open.
“Nah, I’m just messing with you. It’s going to take more than that to pull me away from you.”
“Mean.”
“What else?”
“I used to hate my red hair when I was little. I was made fun of all the time at school, and I begged my parents to let me dye it. My mom always smiled and said one day, I would grow into it. She was right. I love it now.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Kincaid.”
“Not flattery. It’s honesty.”
“You’re refreshing.”
“How so?”
“I don’t ever have to guess what this is between us. You’re not afraid to talk about the hard stuff. You’re open and honest, and that’s rare these days. I’m used to men who want to play head games or sleep with me and move on.”
His eyes darken. “Idiots,” he mutters.
“There haven’t been many. In fact, I was nineteen when I lost my virginity.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’d just lost my mom. There was a guy I worked with at a local coffee shop while taking photography classes. I was hurting, and one thing led to another. It wasn’t memorable, and I hated that I made the decision when I was hurting.”
“What happened to the guy?”
“Turns out he was moving. He’d given his notice that day, and I didn’t know it. He dropped me off at my place, and I never saw him again. I cried myself to sleep that night, but it wasn’t just about him. I missed my mom.”
“He didn’t deserve that gift.”
“You’re right, but I was alone and grieving and seeking any kind of contact I could get.” I pause before blurting out what’s on my mind. “I wish it had been you.”
He stills. “Scarlett.” There is so much in the simple muttering of my name. Longing, pain, pity, and so much more that I can’t even name.
I shrug. “Live and learn, but I can’t help but think how you would have made sure I was okay.”
He drops the spoon he was mixing the chicken with. He dries his hands on a hand towel and cradles my cheeks with his large hands. “Always, Scarlett. I know you’re leaving. I know you’re chasing your dreams, and that’s what I want for you, but I want you to listen to me, baby. Can you do that?” I nod. “I don’t care how much time has passed. I don’t care where you are in the world. If you ever need me, you’ve got me.”
“That’s a big promise, Popeye.”
“And you know that I don’t break my promises.” He kisses me tenderly. His lips are soft as they press against mine. It’s a chaste kiss compared to others we’ve shared, but no less intense. It makes me question everything I thought about my future. Could this man be a part of it?
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
Archer
I thought the day Ramsey married Deacon was the happiest I’d ever seen her. That was true up until today. My little cousin, only in size, not in age, as we’re the same age, is glowing. She hasn’t stopped smiling all day, and Deacon, her husband, his smile rivals hers.
I’m happy for them.
I’m not sure when baby showers started being co-ed. Apparently, it’s the in thing now. That’s what Scarlett tells me. I don’t know much about baby showers. My brothers keep having babies, and when I’m invited, I attend. Of course, I do. They’re my brothers, and that baby is my niece or nephew, or in this case, little cousin, but it’s the same situation. Ramsey is like a sister to me.