Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
I <3 Hellfire.
My door opening has me pulling my gaze away from the TV.
“Josie, it’s me. Can I come in? I come bearing presents.”
Presents? What kind of present does Sherry have? Maybe it’s a milkshake. I could really go for one of those right now.
Dane did send me donuts, so anything is possible.
“Yes,” I holler back.
A strange dragging noise has me shaking my head. What the heck is Sherry up to? But when I see what she’s holding, I’m well aware she has nothing to do with this because this present can only be from one person.
Dane . . . because who else would send me a six-foot trident?
“Do you have any idea who would have sent this?” She places it against the wall.
“I have a pretty good idea.” A laugh escapes me. The man is ridiculous.
“Care to fill me in?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” And I can’t really tell you without having to explain why he’s sending me this.
“Say no more. Have fun with your . . . is it a trident?”
“It is.”
This time, it’s Sherry’s turn to laugh. “Have fun with your trident.”
“Thanks,” I respond as she walks out the door.
The man is ridiculous, and I love it.
74
JOSIE
Of all the places for Dane to surprise me with as an outing, this wasn’t what I expected.
But as I stand at the entrance of the vineyard, I can’t help but smile.
I survey the little piece of paper in my hand, and I have to hand it to him. This is next-level grovel.
Dane Sinclair has created a scavenger hunt for me, and I love it.
In the early morning light, this venue looks nothing like it did that day. It’s so lush with a sweeping view of the hotel, banquet hall, and vineyard.
It’s absolutely beautiful.
Placing my hand on my hip, I look toward the location of the first clue.
Head to the scene where men cheer and scream, where Cups are on display, and you said no way.
A very pleased-looking Dane stands beside me, but of course won’t help me. That would ruin all the fun. His words, not mine.
“Well?” He places his hands in his pockets, his eyes dancing with delight. He’s really enjoying himself. Good, because he deserves it. He has spent every opportunity to be with me this week. He’s bent over backward to make sure I’m okay.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re so annoying?” I stick my tongue out.
Dane chuckles while he inclines his head down. “Yep. You. But you love me for it.”
I arch a brow. “Is that so?”
“Yep. And you know what?”
“No. But something tells me you're going to tell me,” I chide.
“I love you.” He’s said it every day since the day in the hospital, and I love it every time I hear it. The words have slowly wound their way around my heart, filling me with hope.
Despite my heart knowing the answer, I push it off. Not ready yet. We still need to discuss some things before I make that commitment. Once I say the words, I’ll give him my full heart to love and protect. He’s still holding something from me, and while that’s okay for now, since I need to concentrate on healing, he’ll have to trust me enough one day. That’s the only way we can move forward, but for now I’ll enjoy this time together.
“Back to the clue,” I say, needing not to think too much about the other stuff. Keeping it light until I’m better is my current motto.
“Any ideas?”
“There are two choices. One is the bar. The other is the banquet hall where I never went. My guess is the latter since the word Cup was specifically used, and since the Cup was there that night, I’m sure it is.”
“Then lead the way.” Dane extends his arm in the direction of the banquet hall.
As we walk down the gravel path, it feels like just yesterday when I chose not to go in this direction.
A fork in the road.
A fork? Or a trident?
A giggle escapes my mouth.
“What?” Dane asks from beside me.
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
After a few more steps, we’re standing outside the large mahogany doors. Dane pulls one open, and I step inside.
Looking around, I spot where the clue would be right away. He’s not even trying to hide it, which makes this whole thing even funnier. On a large table in the middle of the room is a large and very fake replica of the Cup.
By the time I make it over and pull the next clue off it, my belly hurts from my laughter.
Where rendezvous start and guests arrive. A tired heart, a key they will find.
“Off to the hotel.” I hustle toward the exit and in the direction I need to go. Dane follows, letting me lead the way but staying close enough in case I need him.