Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
He rips his list off the pad and hands it to me.
I take the paper and lean down, offering him my lips. ‘And what do I get in return for delivering all this sweet stuff?’
Placing his lips on mine, he grins. ‘I’m cooking you dinner, woman. What more could you want?’
‘I’m sure I can think of something.’
His grin widens. ‘A sleepover?’
I recoil, a little surprised. ‘A sleepover?’
‘She’s staying at her parents’.’
To fall asleep with him and to wake up with him? I push my lips to his hard, intending for it to be a forceful peck, but Jack soon turns it into more, pulling me down onto his lap and coaxing my mouth open with a few nudges of his tongue against my lips. I open up to him and lose myself in a few minutes of his mouth’s attention.
His groin flexes upwards into my bum, making his hard-on known. ‘You’d better go before I take you back to the bedroom for some more affection.’ He says it like that’s a problem. I hold on tighter to him, my way of telling him that I’m totally cool with that. ‘Come on.’ He taps my bum and tries to usher me from his lap, ignoring my grumbles of protest.
‘How about dessert now, dinner later?’ I try, pushing my chest into his and nibbling at his ear, making a point of breathing heavily into it. I’m all worked up as a result of that smouldering kiss. He needs to take responsibility for the condition he has me in.
He laughs, forcing me to my feet. ‘Can I use your shower while you’re gone?’
‘Sure,’ I mutter moodily, making my way to my bedroom to throw on some clothes.
‘You’re walking funny,’ he calls, amused.
I ignore him and try to shrink the need that’s wedged itself between my thighs . . . making me walk like my knickers are up my arse.
After collecting everything on Jack’s shopping list, I make my way to the checkout. I quickly snatch some magazines from the nearby stand and toss them on the conveyor belt, as well as a chocolate bar, then head to the other end and start packing as the cashier rings it all through. After paying, I pull out a magazine, hang the bag from the crook of my arm and start wandering home. I flick through the pages as I chew my chocolate, not looking where I’m going. The weekly gossip mag holds my attention, leaving everyone else to sidestep around me.
‘Annie!’
I look up and see Lizzy jogging across the road, looking all sweaty in her running gear, her short hair tugged back in a haphazard ponytail and a Frappuccino in her hand. I shove the magazine in my bag and chew rapidly as she makes it to me. ‘What’s with the sports get-up?’ I ask.
‘Wine. That’s what. I either need to stop drinking it or try to counteract it. I must have gained eight pounds while me and Jason were split up.’ She reaches forward and pulls the side of my bag open a little. ‘Been shopping?’
‘Just some milk.’
‘Milk and sweets?’
‘I’m having a bumming day.’
‘I thought you were at your mum and dad’s today.’
‘Work took over.’ I hope I look better than I feel when I lie, because I feel like a million bags of shite. ‘I have an exhibition next weekend in Liverpool.’ Let’s get that in while I can. ‘Lots of prep.’
‘Oh well.’ She sounds as interested as I hoped she would: not interested at all. ‘Hey, come on, give me all the juicy details.’ She starts jogging on the spot, grinning. ‘Are his thighs still as impressive?’
I straighten my lips and shake my head. ‘He’s nice, but . . .’
‘Urghhhh,’ she groans, dropping her head back in despair. ‘You’re a hard woman to please, Annie Ryan.’
My mouth forms a tight smile. That’s not true at all. I just want Jack. ‘How’s Jason?’
Her eyes sparkle, and I relish the sight. I just hope the twat doesn’t fuck up his chances. ‘He’s being so attentive and romantic. I know you guys are unsure, but he’s trying really hard.’
‘Then I’m happy for you.’
‘I know you are.’ She kisses my cheek and starts towards the road. ‘Lunch tomorrow? Nat’s up for it.’
‘Sure.’
‘Call you in the morning!’ Lizzy disappears around the corner, and I carry on my way home, ignoring the guilt rising after lying to my best mate. Again.
Jack’s waiting for me in the hallway when I walk through the front door, freshly showered and looking edible. His hair is wet and floppy, his scruff bordering . . . well, scruffy, and he’s back in his boxers. His eyes light up when he sees me, but instead of seizing me and saying hello, he swipes the bag from my hand and virtually shoves his head in, his big body on the verge of shaking with excitement. ‘What do I have to do to get a hello like that?’ I ask, watching as he rifles through the bag.