Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“More,” I breathe. There’s that damn word again. The one that’s both exhilarating and scary at the same time. Both exactly what I crave and am afraid of.
“Yeah, I want more,” he says.
I nod in understanding and untwine my legs. He reads my silent request and puts me down. “I…” I swallow thickly. “I don’t know what I’m capable of giving you,” I admit truthfully. Sure, the kiss stirred something deep inside me, made my heart pick up speed, made those damn infamous butterflies appear, and I have no doubt I’ll be spending some time with B.O.B. later tonight, thinking about this kiss, but I also felt like this about Brody a few days ago. I told Lacey earlier I wanted more, but the truth is, I’m not sure if I’m ready or if I’m even capable of more.
“Until this week, I hadn’t really dated in over four years, and before that, I was with my husband for almost ten, and he was my first real boyfriend… my first and only everything. I want to put myself out there, but I need to take things slow.”
Hayden nods. “I just want a chance to get to know you. See where things go. We can take it slow, no commitments or strings. Keep it casual.”
I find myself relaxing at his words. “That sounds good.”
CHAPTER NINE
BRODY
“Where the hell have you been?” I ask, glancing up from my laptop as Hayden strolls through the door with the biggest Cheshire cat grin spread across his face.
“Out to dinner at Lush…with Bree.”
That gets my attention. I slam my laptop closed and cross my arms over my chest. “What were you guys doing there? Celebrating her signing away her coffee shop?”
“Fuck you,” Hayden quips, his smile disappearing.
“Wait a second.” I stand, suddenly pissed off and jealous, but mostly pissed off. “Are you telling me you went on a fucking date with Bree tonight?”
“And if I did?”
“Then I’d say you’re a dick because you know damn well this isn’t going to end well.”
“I’ll figure something out,” he says with determination in his voice.
I shake my head and scoop up my laptop so I can head to my room. Before I get halfway down the hall, he calls out my name, so I turn around.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think she got your calls and messages.”
I quirk a brow.
“She mentioned you tonight. Didn’t say your name, but I knew she was referring to you. Said the guy she went on a date with and thought she hit it off with, never called her. When I was asking her about herself, she tried to keep it light and not mention her kids, but it slipped, and when I asked her why she tried to hide them, she said she thought maybe shit got too deep too quick with you because you never called, so she was trying not to make the same mistake with me.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.” I called and texted, and she never responded. “Why are you telling me this?” I ask. “You obviously like her, and now that I know, you know I’m going to go to Heart’s and talk to her.”
He nods. “Yeah, I know.” He sighs. “I really like her, but it was clear in the way she spoke that she really liked you too. Yeah, I want her, and tonight was amazing. She kisses like a fucking dream. And she’s so damn sweet and sexy.”
“Yeah, I know,” I agree. “I tried to play it off like her not answering me wasn’t a big deal, but the truth is, I haven’t been able to get her off my mind. It’s taken everything in me not to go to Heart’s and ask her what went wrong because I honestly thought everything went perfectly.”
“I get it,” Hayden says. “And after hearing her tell me about her late husband, I would give anything to be the next guy she gives her heart to, but I want her to choose to give it to me. To give it to the man she’s fallen in love with, and if that man is you, I couldn’t live with myself knowing the only reason she didn’t choose you is because of a miscommunication.”
“So you’re okay with me going there and asking her out on another date?”
“Yeah. I told her we’d take shit slow. She was with the same guy for years, so she needs to date. She deserves to get out there and find herself, find the man who she wants to be with.”
“And if it’s me?”
“Then I’ll be happy for you.” He shrugs. “But it might be me.”
“Until she finds out that you’re trying to steal her coffeehouse from her,” I point out, joking but also serious. “Then I’ll be there for her.” I wink playfully, lightening the mood.
Hayden chuckles. “And when she finds out that you’ve known all along?”