Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 80892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Another new development over the past year.
“Get it done before my girlfriend comes down and you guys can have breakfast next door at Castle Coffee on me,” I offered impulsively, partly to spur them on but partly because I was just… happy. It seemed natural to share it.
“Don’t worry about it taking too long. It’ll go pretty quickly once we get it in place. The next few minutes might be a little tricky, but after that,” the man gave a nonchalant shrug and snapped his fingers. “Piece of cake.”
His partner threw me a cheerful smile. “And we’ll definitely take you up on that breakfast offer. Castle Coffee has the best pastries in town.”
I grinned, agreeing completely.
I couldn’t quite contain a frisson of nerves at the “might be a little tricky” comment. My gaze kept darting from the progress the two men were making with the sign to the second-story window where the bedroom I shared with Joanne overlooked the parking lot as I tried to quell my last-minute anxiety that something would spoil the surprise.
So far, though, there didn’t seem to be any lights on, so I was going to assume that she was still sleeping.
The sign finally rocked into place, settling against the building with a thud that I was certain must have rattled through the entire building. I winced.
Joanne was a sound sleeper, but if she’d managed to sleep through that, it would be a miracle. At least if she got up and looked out the window now, though, she wouldn’t be able to see the sign until she actually put clothes on and came downstairs… and that would hopefully buy me and the guys the extra time we needed to make sure everything was just right for the big reveal.
“Just a few more minutes,” one of the sign installers said, grinning over at me as if he’d been able to read my mind. “Don’t you worry. You’ll have your surprise ready and we’ll be off enjoying that breakfast in no time.”
I nodded, deciding to take the man’s word for it. After all, it looked like it was almost done. Maybe some of Joanne’s natural optimism had finally rubbed off on me, because for once, my naturally skeptical inner voice had actually shut up. I was just… excited.
A few minutes later, the men had finished bolting the sign in place, and I took a moment to admire the new sign, nearly bubbling over with anticipation as I tried to imagine Joanne’s reaction.
When I finally got the thumbs-up, I was back inside and taking the stairs to the apartment two at a time before they’d even managed to get back in their truck. I’d have to thank them later, but knowing they’d be enjoying some of Luca’s mouthwatering baked goods on me relieved me of any guilt.
Besides, at the moment, there was something much more important to take care of.
Joanne.
Chapter Forty - Brady
And just like that, as if my lover had been conjured by my thoughts, Joanne was standing in the doorway of the apartment, her brow furrowed in confusion as she blinked at me sleepily.
“Is everything okay?” The worry in her voice sent a pang of guilt through me, briefly tamping down my excitement… but only a little. “You weren’t in bed when I woke up, and then you weren’t here… I was just about to call your phone.”
“I’m sorry, babe.” I kissed her on the forehead. “Everything is good—great, actually. Really great. Whatever comes after great.”
My grin stretched my cheeks so wide they almost hurt, and I knew I’d been babbling, but I didn’t care.
“O-kay…”
Joanne was looking at me like I’d suddenly grown two heads. She clearly hadn’t been expecting my energetic response, but her lips started curling up in an automatic response to my enthusiasm.
“I promise,” I said, finding it adorable that she still looked confused.
But clearly—whether it was just due to sleepy confusion or the assumption that I wouldn’t have anything more than another pretty bouquet for her—Joanne wasn’t anticipating any kind of surprise. Not at this hour.
I laughed, too happy to contain it, and added, “It’s gonna be a good day. But I need you to get dressed and come downstairs for a minute, please.”
“What? Why?” The line in her forehead was so cute I had to kiss it, even though that only made the crease deeper when she looked up at me. “What’s going on, Brady? It’s like… seven in the morning or something crazy.”
I grinned. I knew how ridiculous it was to expect her to put clothes on and go down to the shop before she’d even had her morning coffee, but I also knew it would be so worth it. Assuming I could talk Joanne into moving her cute little ass, of course.
“I know, babe. Just trust me. You’re gonna want to come down pretty quickly.”