Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
“Strong and thick, baby,” he groaned, flexing his hips and sliding in farther.
“Then reel me in.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
MILA
By two the next day, I was exhausted. Nick kept me up most of the night, and he was out for a run by six. I did some writing, but once he got back, he’d wanted to spend time with me, and we had gone nonstop all day. I showed him everything. We went to the beach, the cliffs, the town, and even the Hub again. He loved the entire scope of it. We walked the streets, and I pointed out which house belonged to whom. Since it was a nice day, lots of my relatives were out in the gardens or on their balconies and porches. He met more people and chatted with the ones from the impromptu dinner the night before. Everyone was friendly and happy to see us. He was endlessly curious, asking questions, seemingly delighted in my answers, given the number of replies he found amusing.
“This place is amazing,” he enthused. “I’ve never known such great people. Your family…” He trailed off and shook his head. “I can’t describe them.”
“Nosy is one word,” I said dryly. “Starstruck and curious are a couple of others.”
He laughed, slinging his arm around my shoulders. “Welcoming and nonjudgmental are two more. Friendly and loving.”
I had to agree. And I was thrilled how well he seemed to fit in and how they accepted him just as Nick.
“Did you tell your parents about us before I got here?”
“I told my mom more. She talked to Dad, then he and I talked. I told him we had a relationship and I wanted him to give you a fair shot. I think I told him to stay calm.”
“He was great.”
I had smiled. “He is.”
I poured a cup of coffee and sat down, hearing Nick and Sammy talking. She came into the kitchen. “Oh good, I thought I smelled a fresh pot.”
“Yeah, I need it.”
She grinned as she filled a travel mug and carried it to the table. I knew she was leaving soon to head into the production studio to work on her piece.
“Where is Nick?” I asked, surprised he hadn’t followed her.
“He went for a run.”
“Again?”
“Energizer bunny.” She winked. “Lucky girl.” She chuckled. “You look exhausted, though.”
“We, ah, were up most of the night. I have no idea how he is still going.”
“And chatty. So exuberant about being here. About the movie—everything really. Very upbeat.”
I nodded, something twigging in my brain, but I couldn’t place it.
“He certainly loved Mom’s pie yesterday. And the Chinese food. He said it was the best he ever tasted.”
“He said everything smelled better here too,” I mused.
“Yes, he said that to me as well.” She grinned. “I’m going to spend the rest of the day working at the studio. I’ll probably stay overnight in Toronto since it’ll be late and I want to work on Luke’s piece tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Sammy.”
She smiled. “At least I won’t have to keep the volume down when I video-call him naked this time.”
“You didn’t last time either,” I said with an exaggerated grimace. “Thank God for headphones.”
She laughed. “Oops, my bad.”
Then she left, and the house was quiet.
When Nick returned, I was sure he’d be tired, except he was anything but. By the time ten rolled around, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I headed upstairs, getting ready for bed. Nick followed, a book in hand.
“That’s one of mine,” I said.
“I know. I haven’t read this one.”
“How many have you read?”
“All but two.”
“Wow. I had no idea.”
He smiled. “I fell in love with your words and imagination, Shortcake. I think somehow my heart fell in love before we ever met you. I think we were waiting for you.”
I felt tears fill my eyes. “Nick,” I whispered.
He cupped my face. “I fell in love with your heart once we met. With all of you.”
“Me too.”
Then I yawned. Wide and loud. He chuckled. “Let’s get you to bed. You look ready to fall over.”
“You should too. You ran twice today.”
“Not being on set, I have lots of restless energy.”
We moved around, getting ready. It was incredible how comfortable we were with each other. How easily he fit into my space. I liked seeing his things around. His shirts hanging in the closet, his toothbrush beside mine in the holder.
I crawled into bed, and he wrapped himself around me. I kissed the tattoo over his heart. A beautiful rose with one red drop of blood caught on one of its thorns.
“What is this for?”
“In memory of my mom. Her name was Rose.”
I traced the ink. “It’s beautiful.”
“MJ was furious when I had it done. She didn’t want me marring my skin.”
“None of her business.”
He chuckled. “That’s what I told her. Plus, I reminded her that is why there are makeup artists on set. So far, it has never been an issue. I wouldn’t remove it even if it were.”