Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“No.” To be clear, I add, “I’m talking about social settings with male friends or colleagues.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Her words are followed by a chuckle. “I don’t have any male friends.”
A satisfied grin tugs at my mouth. “Good.”
“You also said you’re possessive?”
Nodding, I explain, “I want all your attention. If I call you, I expect you to pick up. If I send a message, you need to reply quickly. When I’m in a committed relationship with someone, I expect the person to make me a priority.”
I don’t mention that part of the reason is trauma-related. That’s something I’ll tell her once we’ve been together for a while.
Instead of telling me it’s too much, Lillian’s smile widens. “As long as the same counts for you, I have no problem with it.”
“Of course. I’ll also make you a priority in my life.” My eyes rest on her gorgeous face as I add, “I also expect you to run things by me before you make decisions.”
“What kind of things?”
“If you’re planning to do something over a weekend. If you’re going to dinner or for drinks with friends.” Taking hold of her hand, I weave my fingers with hers. “I want to know where you are at all times.”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Is it because you don’t trust people easily?”
I shake my head. “No. It’s because I want to know you’re safe.” Chuckling, I admit, “I have control issues.”
Her features soften, and she looks a little emotional.
I shift closer to her and move my arm from the back of the bench to wrap it around her. Getting more comfortable, she leans into me and rests her head on my shoulder, which has satisfaction filling my chest.
Lowering my head, my voice is low as I ask, “Are you okay with everything I just told you?”
“Yes.” She tilts her head back to see my face. “Very okay.”
I stare into her eyes for a moment before I lower my head and press a kiss to her lips. Of course, a quick taste is not enough, and moving my other hand to her cheek, I claim her mouth with all the attraction I feel toward her.
Lillian’s fingers wrap around my forearm, and when my tongue sweeps through her mouth, she lets out a soft moan.
Christ.
The sound has me hardening at the speed of light, and I have to break the kiss before I give in to the urge to pull her onto my lap.
After all, we’re out in public.
Lifting my head, I drink in the sight of the dreamy expression on her face.
Without realizing it, a bubble forms around us, cutting us off from the rest of the world.
Not wanting to disturb the intimate moment between us, I keep my tone low as I whisper, “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
She looks at me with her emotions shining in her eyes.
I trail my fingertips over her cheek and along her jaw, memorizing how soft she feels.
Her voice is filled with awe when she asks, “Is this really happening?”
“Yes.” A smirk tugs at my lips. “This is happening.”
Now that I’ve tasted Lillian, my attraction for her has grown tenfold. Every free minute I have will be dedicated to getting to know her.
Chapter 19
Lillian
Sitting in front of my easel, I stare blankly at the painting. My thoughts are miles away, and I’m unaware of my surroundings.
I’m dating Callan Wright.
After our date last night, I Googled him, needing to learn as much as possible about him. Unfortunately, the articles were mostly about his business and how he’s the most eligible bachelor in New York.
The only two women he’s been photographed with are Harper or Eloise Torres. I know Eloise is the owner of one of the largest galleries in the city.
I keep replaying last night, over and over, in my mind.
It feels like a dream.
When I think of how he kissed me, tingles spread through my body, and my stomach errupts with a kaleidoscope of butterflies.
A smile plays around my mouth while my hand lies in my lap with the paint drying on my brush.
Letting out a happy sigh, I shake my head and try to focus on the piece I’m almost done with.
Suddenly my phone beeps, and I quickly grab it from the workbench. Seeing a message from Callan, my smile widens.
Callan: What are you doing?
My fingers rush to type out a reply.
Lillian: I’m painting.
I take a photo to show him.
Lillian: Almost done.
I watch as the message shows he’s reading it, and soon he’s typing.
Callan: You only have one left after this one is completed, right?
Lillian: Yes. What are you busy with?
Callan: Besides checking in on you? I’m approving the invites for the company’s tenth-anniversary function. Will you be my date?
Grinning like an idiot, I let out a happy shriek.
Lillian: Yes.
Callan: Good.
Callan: Do you miss me?
I feel giddy as I chat with him.