Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
I flash them a grateful smile. “Any chance you can do a quick inventory check and restock the cooler?”
“You got it.” Harlow grabs the black leather binder beneath the counter and heads toward the cooler with Penny in tow.
While they tackle that task, I slip into the back room to grab another roll of floral tape, only to hear the bell above my door chime.
My heart lurches in a moment of fear. I worry the customer has arrived early for their order until I hear Harlow greet the newcomer.
“Oh, hey, Gunnar.”
Relief floods through me, allowing air back into my lungs.
“Hey.” Gunnar’s deep voice sends a flutter through my belly. It’s the same voice that’s been whispering naughty things to me all week. “Where’s Elle?”
“Right here.” I step out front with a smile that falters when I get my first look at him.
Clad in dark wash jeans and a simple black shirt, he stands just inside the doorway. There’s nothing different about him. His unruly dark hair, honey-brown eyes, and amazing jawline are all the same, yet the mere sight of him leaves me breathless.
How I managed to stay friends with him all these years and not jump his bones is a mystery I will never solve.
“Hi,” I finally speak, then clear my throat when I hear how embarrassingly gruff I sound.
It doesn’t go unnoticed. A knowing smirk spreads across Gunnar’s handsome face. “Hey, Elle.”
I match his smile, our gazes locking in an unwavering embrace as moments from the past week surface between us.
I get the urge to leap over this counter and kiss the ever-loving hell out of him, but quickly remember we aren’t alone.
Looking over, I find Penny and Harlow watching us, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.
I quickly gather my composure as I make my way up to the counter.
“So, what brings you by?” I try for nonchalance, but know I’m not fooling anyone, least of all Gunnar.
Amusement gleams in his eyes, dancing with the secret we both harbor. “Came by to see what time you’re off tonight.”
Since he could have texted that, I’m hoping it means he missed me last night as much as I did him.
“Thanks to Penny and Harlow, I should get out of here at closing time.” I gesture toward my friends, acknowledging their help. “Why, what’s up?”
“I want to take you out.” His tone is casual, but the dark promise in his gaze is unmistakable.
Butterflies spring to life in my belly, the flutter of excitement making my pulse race. “Really? Where?”
“It’s a surprise.” A mischievous grin spreads across his face, heightening my curiosity. “I have a few things to get first, but how about I pick you up around eight?”
I nod, finding myself unable to do anything but smile like a silly schoolgirl.
Before leaving, he strides over to the cooler where Harlow and Penny stand motionless, their mouths slightly agape, reflecting their shock.
A frown creases my brows as he gently pulls a single white magnolia from the bucket Penny holds.
“Can I take this?” he asks her, his voice warm and disarming.
She nods, her eyes wide.
I watch in bewilderment, wondering what he’s doing until he walks over and places the delicate flower in front of me along with a twenty-dollar bill.
“For your hair tonight,” he says.
My heart completely melts, the simple gesture filling me with warmth before he leans down closer.
“Don’t worry about dressing up,” he adds, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur. “It’ll be just the two of us, and clothing won’t be necessary for long.”
All the warmth that melted my heart seconds ago pools low in my belly, igniting a blaze of heat.
“Okay,” I croak, my voice portraying every bit of the effect he has on me.
With a smirk playing on his lips, he pushes away from the counter and heads for the door.
“Bye, ladies.” He bids Harlow and Penny a casual wave then exits the store, leaving me with the promise of a night I can hardly wait for.
My two friends turn to me, their expressions resembling a pair of deer caught in headlights.
I consider playing the whole thing off but decide it’s time they know. Next to Gunnar, they are my best friends. “I have something to tell you guys.”
“No shit,” Harlow fires back.
I laugh at her outburst, but there is no denying the nerves shadowing the sound. I’ve yet to tell anyone else this and I pray they aren’t upset I’ve kept this baby plan of mine from them for so long.
Without further hesitation, I lay it all out, starting from the very beginning. I share my decision about having a baby and the countless options I researched over the past year. How I eventually approached Gunnar, asking him to be a donor, which led to an argument at his shop, before finally revealing our agreement to conceive the baby the old-fashioned way and seeing where our friendship ends up in the process.