Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“So what’s on the docket for us today?” I asked Mitch, reaching out and lacing my hands through his. “We could go full-blown romantic and give each other massages before having wine at home alone. Or we could go raunchy and I’ll try on that new jock strap you got me.”
“Okay, first of all, we are definitely doing all of those things,” Mitch said. “No reason to choose just one.”
“I fucking love the way you think,” I said.
Mitch swallowed hard, squeezing my hands a little harder. “But also…” he said, trailing off. I could tell he was slightly nervous about something all morning. I’d thought maybe he’d just been stressed about the shelter being busy today, but our shift was over, and he was still biting the inside of his cheek and tapping his foot on the ground.
“You all right, babe?” I asked.
“Yes!” he said quickly. “I mean, of course. Um—Evan, you know I love you, right?”
“What’s up?” I asked. “Spill. No secrets.”
“I know, I know,” he said, letting out a nervous laugh.
“Oh no,” I said. “Did something bad happen? You didn’t catch one of my students doing drugs by the dumpsters or something, right?”
“What? Of course not. These kids are angels,” Mitch said.
“You’re right. They really are,” I said. “So… why are you acting so skittish?”
He released my hands, digging in his pocket for something. I watched as he brought out a small velvet pouch, handing it over to me.
“I wanted you to have this,” Mitch said, finally looking up to meet my eyes again. “It’s not much, but I wanted it to be yours. I think I picked one you’d like, but I’m really no good with style—”
I poured the contents of the pouch out onto my hand. A simple ring fell out, along with a silver chain.
“You can wear it as a ring or a necklace, whichever you like better.”
“Mitch…” I said softly.
“I know it isn’t a proposal, and I know it’s not time to be talking about engagement yet. I’m not quite there, even though I’m a lot closer than I thought I could ever be. But I still wanted you to have something. Something that shows how deeply I care. Where you can think of me every time you put it on.”
I gripped the jewelry in my fist as I wrapped my arms around Mitch, crushing my lips to his in a kiss. “Mitch, this is the sweetest fucking thing, holy shit,” I said, kissing him again before looking down at the ring. It was silver, and had a simple heart engraved on the inside.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t think it was too cheesy.”
“Nothing is too cheesy for me,” I said. “Okay, maybe the pizza at Tito’s. But not this.”
Mitch smiled wide, squeezing a hand on my side. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, M. This day just got so, so much better.”
I ran the silver chain through the ring and put it around my neck, holding it against my heart. “I love this.”
The sound of a bellowing bark came from behind us, and we turned back to see that Magnus the St. Bernard had ventured out into the outdoor enclosure, with Cookie the sausage dog right by his side.
“It’s so adorable how they’re always together,” Mitch said.
“An unlikely duo.”
“But maybe that’s the best kind.”
Mitch wrapped his arm around me, squeezing me tight as we watched the dogs run around together.
“You know what I’ve been thinking?” Mitch said softly, pressing a kiss to the side of my head.
“I hope it’s something about how badly you want your cock in my mouth, because you are getting an epic blow job when we get home.”
“Mmm,” he hummed, squeezing me a little tighter. “It’s safe to assume I’m just always low-key thinking about being naked with you. But no, I was thinking about something much less scintillating.”
I nuzzled closer to him. “What’s that?”
“I’ve been thinking that maybe it’s time to finally restore the fence in the backyard, and maybe we can bring Magnus and Cookie home with us.”
A smile spread over my face. “No way.”
“Yes way. I’m ready. And I think Tricky could use a canine friend or two.”
“Zach is going to flip,” I said. “And Magnus and Cookie? You think your household is going to be a two-dog, one-cat home?”
“There’s no way I’m splitting up that pair,” Mitch said, looking at the dogs. Cookie was currently rolling around on her back while Magnus ran circles all around her.
“I think that’s an amazing idea.”
“You won’t think it’s so amazing when I go grab a bunch of two by fours tomorrow and make you help me fix the gaps in the fence.”
“You know I’m not good at DIY projects,” I said.
“It’s easy. You’ll see.”
He kissed me once more and we piled into the Jeep.
“Damn,” I said as we took off down the road back to the house. “A ring and talk about dog adoption in one day? You must be really ready for some changes.”