Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
“I didn’t care for it. I got homesick a lot and never felt like I belonged.”
“I find that hard to believe. You’re easy for people to talk to.”
“Thanks.” I turn, dropping a few dishes into the sink. When I turn back around, I run into a wall of a chest. For a big man, Saint can move without making a freaking sound.
“Did someone hurt you?” There is no missing the edge in his voice.
“No, I just didn’t click with anyone. I belong in Winter Falls. College only proved that to me. There is nothing wrong with wanting to live in a small town.”
“I didn’t say there was. I’m finding I rather like it here too.”
“I think I like having you here in Winter Falls, Saint. Even if you do call and make complaints often.”
“Why wouldn’t I when they send you out every time I do?” I let out a small gasp of surprise. Did he really call in hopes that it would be me that came out? The timer on the oven starts to go off. “Let me get it.”
Saint steps back, taking all of his heat with him. He grabs the oven mitts, putting them on before he pulls my baked ziti out.
“I got a degree in social work because I do a lot of work with the food pantry in town. It’s all volunteer work, but no one has any real training. I thought it might be helpful. And it has been.”
“You really are pure goodness, aren’t you, Marley?”
“No, I’m nosy, remember. I have my vices.” I fight a smirk. “Sheriff Benjamin needed a deputy so he asked me. I don’t actually go on calls that might be a threat. The truth is Winter Falls got a grant so they needed to hire someone for the spot. I’ve actually really enjoyed it. It allows me to help people in different ways. My favorite part is when I get to go to the schools.”
“So I’m not too much of a bother?” Saint reaches up into one of the cabinets and grabs us some plates.
“We actually get a lot of odd calls. Last week I had to go help Mrs. Rainey program her new alarm clock. Mr. Berks had me come and find out why his house was beeping. I ended up changing out the batteries in his smoke detectors. You would be surprised how many of those types of calls we get.”
“That get old?”
“No,” I say truthfully. “I’m happy to help if I can.” Saint sets the plates down and heads back toward me. He doesn't stop until he presses up against me. I’m trapped between him and the counter. “Saint?”
“There is something I need you to help me with, Marley.”
“What?” I lick my suddenly dry lips. His eyes drop to them.
“Been dying to know if you taste as sweet as you are,” he says before his mouth is on mine. I somehow know I’ll never be the same after this kiss.
5
Saint
Of course she’s sweeter than I thought she would be. Everything about Marley is always so much more. I peel one layer back only to find another. I think my girl sees herself as being simple, but she’s far fucking from it. She feels for everyone around her. Even me, the asshole who grunts at her most of the time.
I might prefer to keep to myself, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t met people from all walks of life in my line of work. Marley is different from anyone I’ve ever met. I knew it from the second our paths crossed. I was a goner from that point forward.
She has a rare sweetness that I want all for myself. I should let her go, but I can’t. I want her more than my next breath. She needs someone to protect her from all the other assholes out there.
I sweep my tongue across the seam of her mouth. Her lips part for me, letting me in. So innocent and naïve. As much as it pisses me off how easily she let me catch her, I’m just thankful I’m the first to get my hands on her. She went and let herself get caught in my trap, and I’m playing for keeps.
Fuck she tastes good. My cock strains against the zipper of my pants. Her little moans aren’t helping the situation. I lift her off her feet without breaking our kiss. Her legs wrap around me, causing her pussy to rub against me.
“You kissed me.” Her blue eyes are wide.
“And I plan on doing it again.” I lean in to catch her mouth again when another timer starts to go off. I’d say fuck it. Whatever it is can burn, but she’s been in here cooking up a feast for us, and I want to taste all of it. “This is far from done,” I tell her, setting her back down on her feet. I grab the oven mitts again and open the other oven and pull out a fresh loaf of bread.