Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
"First, I don't do that..." She waves her arm in the air. "Hookups or one-night stands. At least that's never my intention. But I want to be upfront and honest with you since we'll be in the same house for another week."
I scratch my cheek, definitely not liking where this conversation is headed.
"Sure, of course." I keep my expression indifferent, the same I use when I tell women a similar talk. I'm rarely ever on this side of the conversation, and I don't like it.
"What happened last night can't happen again. It was nice, but I'm here on business, and—"
"Nice? I'm sorry, but did you just say getting five orgasms was nice? Puppies are nice. I think what we did last night goes a little above that threshold."
A blush forms over her cheeks before she purses her lips into a thin line again. "It was very nice, but regardless, it was still a mistake. We shouldn't have crossed the line when I'm leaving soon. I hope you can understand."
She looks genuinely sad, so I don't understand why she'd willingly waste the rest of our time together. But I don't fight her on it. Fallon's a grown woman, and I'll respect her decision.
"Sure, I get it. We just got caught up in the moment. It’s fine."
"Really? You’re not upset?"
"Fallon, what kind of guy do you think I am?" I press a fist to my chest, pretending to be wounded. Then I place a palm on her shoulder for reassurance. "If that's what you want, I'll act like it never happened, okay?"
"Just like that? Things won't be weird with me staying here?"
I rock my head back and forth with a grin. "Not any weirder than you showing up out of the blue and seeing me completely naked and spraying me with mace."
Her shoulders drop. "Are you ever gonna let me live that down?"
Bellowing out a laugh, I shake my head. "Never."
"So we're good?"
"Of course, Little Miss Seattle." I flash her a wink, then stand to find Dasher. "I'll be working most of the day, so help yourself to whatever. As if you need my permission."
"Ha ha. I'll probably drive into town and look around."
"Good, enjoy yourself and do some shopping. We're set to visit Bennett's Orchard Farm tomorrow, and then you're scheduled to meet with the mayor on Tuesday."
"Any updates from the furnace guy?" she asks, shivering.
"No, I suspect it'll be another few days. Don't worry, I'll chop some more wood so you don't freeze to death."
"Thanks. I appreciate that." She takes a large gulp of coffee. "You're not leaving me with Dasher again, are you?"
"No, I learned my lesson. He's coming to the farm with me." At the mention of his name, he trots over. "C'mon, boy. Time to go."
Dasher jumps up on Fallon and licks her face. "No, Dasher. Ew, stop it."
"Dasher, down." I snap my fingers, and he immediately obeys.
"How the hell do you do that?"
I wiggle my fingers at her. "It's all in the wrist, my love."
She rolls her eyes.
"Call or text if you need anything, okay?"
"Will do."
I grab my keys and wallet, then whistle for Dasher.
"Bye, Fallon," I call out as we head out the door.
"Bye."
And I walk out as if my heart isn't more bruised than it was this morning.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LEVI
DAY 8
I worked until dark yesterday, giving Fallon the space she needed. I kept myself busy and showed up with dinner like nothing had happened between us. She did the same, so now we’re pretending that night doesn’t exist.
“Ready?” I ask Fallon as we pull up to a rustic inn on Bennett’s Orchard Farm.
“This place is like my second home,” I explain as we climb out of the truck. We’ve had a strange energy between us all day that I can’t seem to shake, but neither of us mentions it. Instead, I continue to act as if we didn’t get lost together. It’s easier than getting caught up in the emotions I’m not used to feeling.
So I tuck it away and act indifferent.
Fallon studies the inn for a moment, focusing on the white building with dark shutters.
“I spent many summers here helping,” I say as Finn’s younger cousin, Silas, walks toward us.
“This your girlfriend of the week?” he blurts out. He’s tall with dark brown hair, and at a quick glance, he could be confused for Finn. But his smart mouth always gives him away.
Fallon gives him a weird look.
I clear my throat, interrupting the daggers she’s shooting at him.
“Silas, this is Fallon Joy,” I introduce, then explain what she's doing here.
“Ahh, a journalist. You know what they say about them?”
Fallon crosses her arms. “No, what do they say?”
“Nothing,” I blurt out before Fallon can give Silas a verbal beating.
“Only that they’re gorgeous,” Silas tries saving his ass. “And from what I’m seeing, it’s true.”
Fallon’s body relaxes, but she keeps her infamous scowl. “Are you a Christmas freak too?” Her gaze lands on his Christmas sweater peeking out of his unzipped jacket.