Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20136 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20136 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Hunter pulled something from his back pocket and handed it over to me; a Swiss chocolate bar with a caramel center. It sounded great, but I couldn’t help but mess with him. I looked between the large toy and the candy in my hand before teasing, “I feel a little short-changed here.”
The look on his face was priceless; his pretty eyes widened with panic and he ran his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry! I should have brought you something more, but I thought you’d enjoy this because of the caramel drinks you like.”
“Hunter, I’m just giving you a hard time,” I chuckled. Over the past three days, he’d spoiled me with flowers, cologne, and treats. This candy meant the most to me because he remembered something I liked. “I love this just like I’ve loved everything you’ve given me.”
Without thinking, I reached out and squeezed his hand. His eyes darted to our linked hands and before I could pull away, he wrapped his fingers around mine and brushed his thumb across my knuckles.
I should have broken our hold, but it felt so damn good that I let it be as I told him, “But you really don’t have to bring us anything.”
“I know, but I enjoy it,” he argued. “I love the way Brady’s face lights up and the way yours blushes.” As he said the words, I felt heat creeping into my cheeks. “Just like that,” he whispered. “You’re beautiful.”
My face felt like it was about to ignite into flames as I turned my attention to the floor. It had been so long since anyone had made me feel beautiful, appreciated, valued, and all of the other wonderful emotions Hunter sent tumbling around in my stomach.
“I really appreciate you hanging out with Brady,” I told him, keeping my head bowed. “He loves spending time with you and it has helped me out tremendously. I wish I knew how to thank you.”
“I know a way.” Hunter pressed his cool hand to my cheek and turned my head so that I looked into his pretty gold eyes. “Go out with me.”
“I…it’s just not a good idea,” I said for probably the twentieth time.
“But why?”
He looked so broken as I searched my brain for all of the reasons I’d told myself for years, but none of them seemed to fit Hunter. I had no valid excuse except, “I don’t have a babysitter.”
“Is that all?” he asked, his face brightening. “That’s not a problem; Brady is welcome to join us.”
“Really?” This man surprised me more every day.
“Of course. I enjoy spending time with him and I never want him to feel left out.”
The walls I’d built for so long crumbled around the edges. “I don’t know what to say.”
Hunter smiled sweetly and touched his forehead to mine. “Just say yes and make me the happiest man in the world.”
The corners of my mouth twitched up; I couldn’t help but smile around him. “Yes. I’d love to go out with you.”
He captured me in a tight hug and I melted into his embrace. His body was firm but welcoming, and his masculine scent drove me wild. I was in trouble; now that I’d experienced his touch, I didn’t think I could live without it. I could only hope that he didn’t let me down, but something deep inside told me that I didn’t have to worry about that anymore.
“May I take you guys out after your shift ends? You don’t think Brady will be sick of me by then, do you?”
“Definitely not,” I chuckled into his chest. “I don’t think that boy can get enough of you.” For that matter, neither could I, but I kept that tidbit to myself. The bell above the door jingled, signaling a customer, so I jumped away from Hunter, sighing at the loss of his warm presence. “I guess I’d better get back to work.”
“Just as well,” he shrugged with a wink. “I’ve got some monkey business to take care of.”
I snorted a laugh as I headed behind the counter to wait on my first customer. While I prepared the order, I looked over my shoulder to find the pair playing and giggling together, and my heart swelled a little more. Though I tried to fight it, I knew it already belonged to Hunter. I just prayed he took care of it.
Chapter Four
Hunter
“You’re all set, Mr. Monkey,” I told Brady’s toy gorilla as I clicked the seatbelt into its buckle. The boy insisted on bringing his new toy with us and asked that I make sure he was safe. Honestly, I had the easy part; I watched Lance install Brady’s car seat into the back of my SUV and it looked like a headache.
Lance offered to drive his car for our date, but I wanted to provide for him in any way I could. It was the only way I could soothe my lion half, which had been going crazy the past few days.