Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 68882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Honey, your curves are kickin’.”
I grin at him. “I know. Now I do, anyway. I have no body issues at all. But back then, I was just a kid who didn’t want to be different. Not to mention, I grew up in the Montgomery family. We’re chocked full of gorgeous famous people. And it’s easy to be hard on yourself when you don’t see yourself in the same light. Mom and Dad got me counseling, and I’m fine.”
I sit back and blow out a breath.
“Wow, that was a lot of baggage to unpack on you on the first date.”
He smiles, and his eyes are full of so much kindness, it puts butterflies in my belly.
“I can handle a little baggage,” he says. “I have strong shoulders.”
Our meals are delivered, and when we’re alone again, he taps his fingers on the table.
“Question,” he says.
“Shoot.”
“Is this a healthy dinner? Like, am I blowing it up here?”
I take in his crab, shrimp, and potatoes with a salad, and shake my head.
“No, it looks great to me. I’m eating the same, minus the shrimp.”
“But, there’s butter.”
I grin at him. “And thank all the gods for it. What’s seafood without butter? It’s all in moderation, Ike.”
He nods in agreement and pops a potato into his mouth.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Okay, that’s enough about me for now. Tell me about you. All I know is that you play football—quite well, at that—and you’re from Oklahoma.”
“I mean, that’s pretty much it in a nutshell.”
I lick my buttery lips and shake my head at him. “Nope. That’s not even scratching the surface. Siblings?”
“One sister. She’s a teacher.”
“Parents still alive?”
“Yep, and still married.”
“If you hadn’t played pro ball, what would you have done?”
He goes very still, and I worry that I just asked the wrong question. But then he clears his throat.
“I probably would have ended up working on the family farm until I either died or my body gave out on me.”
The humor and fun banter from a minute ago is gone, and I can see that this is a sore spot for him.
“Football sounds like much more fun,” I say, trying to lighten the mood again, and he smiles now, his shoulders relaxing.
He doesn’t like to talk about home.
And that’s okay. We don’t have to.
“Have you been to Pike Place Market and the first Starbucks yet?”
He sips his water. “No, actually. I keep meaning to, but life’s just busy, you know?”
“Yeah, I get it. But, you live here now. You have to see it. They have the best tiny donuts ever, and they throw fish. It’s really something to see.”
“Great. When are you taking me?”
I can’t help the grin that spreads over my face. “Tomorrow’s Thursday, so it shouldn’t be too busy. Do you already have plans?”
“Any plans can be changed for you, sweetheart.”
“Okay, then. I live not far from there, so you can meet me at my place this time, and we’ll go from my condo.”
“I know we’re still on this date,” he says as he pulls some meat out of his crab leg. “But I can’t wait for the next one.”
“Are you sure you don’t know how charming you are?”
He just smiles, and I laugh.
“That’s what I thought. You totally know. But I like it, so it’s okay.”
He makes me laugh throughout dinner, and when I suggest we share a key lime tart, he agrees.
And holds my hand while we eat it.
I’ve never been the touchy-feely type. Not that I don’t like affection, but I’m not needy. I don’t need someone constantly touching me, and I’m not a huge hugger.
And yet, I’m already addicted to Ike’s hands.
His tucking my hair behind my ear, and holding my hand here, only makes me want more.
Much more.
But I haven’t decided if I’m going to give him more tonight. Or offer it.
Because it’s the first date, and Aunt Meg has always preached the value of the three-date rule.
It worked for her and Uncle Will.
“What’s going through that gorgeous head?” Ike asks.
“I’m wondering if I’m going to get that tour of your house.”
It’s sort of the truth.
“If you want it, you got it.”
“Yeah.” I finish the last bite of the tart. “I definitely want it.”
I don’t know what I’ll do when we make it to the bedroom, but I’ll play it by ear.
Because I’m absolutely not ready to go home.
Chapter 4
Ike
I pull back into my driveway and then walk around the truck to let Sophie out. She slides to the ground, a soft smile on her lips, and doesn’t take her hand from mine as we walk inside.
Suddenly, she stops short and almost pulls me to the ground.
“Shit.”
“What?” I quickly look around, trying to spot any sign of danger. “What is it? Call 9-1-1.”
“No. No, it’s not that. But, please, for the love of all that’s holy, tell me that your name isn’t Isaac.”