Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 76541 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76541 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
“Not budging on that, Hannah,” I tell her firmly. “It’s what you’re paid now, and what you’ve given me has been worth ten times as much.”
“Orgasms aren’t worth that much,” she says dryly.
“You know fucking good and well I’m not talking about orgasms,” I say quietly. “Just accept the offer as is and let’s move on, okay?”
She nibbles at her lip. Of course, that makes me want to fuck her again. But I wait patiently for her answer. An idea seems to strike her. “Maybe I could still clean you place on the weekends or something?”
One of my eyebrows arches, and I just stare at her.
“Okay, maybe not,” she amends.
“Just say yes,” I order.
“And if I don’t?” she challenges, a spark of defiance in her eyes that turns me on.
“You get the palm of my hand,” I tell her ominously.
“Then I most definitely will not say yes,” she says with a smile, and that’s all I need to hear. I crush my mouth to hers, pulling back to bite at her lip.
“Going to redden your ass good,” I promise.
“God, I hope so,” she purrs in return.
CHAPTER 24
Hannah
I pull a hanger holding a lavender-colored shift dress that I’ve had since before Hope was born out of my closet. I think I bought it to attend a spring picnic at Nelson’s company.
I’m fairly sure the style is still relevant, and it’s in decent shape since I’ve only worn it a handful of times over the years. Incredibly lucky to have lost all the weight I’d gained with my pregnancy, I don’t bother to try it on. Instead, I move to the bed and lay it across the top of the pile of clothes I’ll keep.
I’m moving this weekend to a new apartment. After which, I’ll start my new job at Knight Investment Group on Monday. I’m terrified and thrilled at the same time. And it’s sad to say, but at the age of twenty-seven, I’m finally feeling like a full-fledged adult. I’m single momming it with Hope and I’ll be working in a professional job, which gives me a nice boost to my self-esteem. Another thing I’m grateful to Asher for.
“Mommy,” Hope says as she comes into my bedroom, holding up one of her dolls. “I can’t find her pink dress with the sparkly stuff on it.”
“Hope,” I say in a stern voice as I turn back to my closet. “You’re supposed to be putting your toys into the boxes.”
My daughter walks to my bed, finds a space without clothing, and flops down dramatically. “It’s so hard to pack. Can you help me?”
Since my back is to Hope, I can let loose the amused smile that comes to my face. I really didn’t expect her to do much, but I thought it was good to give her some responsibility in helping with the move.
But bottom line… she’s five and would rather play than pack, and that’s something I’m cool with. I don’t want her growing up too fast on me.
“I’ll help you finish tomorrow as it’s getting close to your bedtime,” I say as I pull out a floral-print skirt in pastel colors. How did I end up with such light colors in my closet? Was I a sweet and timid woman, which is how this clothing is making me feel?
I personally feel like I’m more edgy.
Definitely sexy after some of the clothing that Asher has had me wear to The Wicked Horse.
Still, I put it in the “keep” pile. I need to have as many “work” clothes as I can because I can’t afford a new wardrobe.
Turning to Hope, I say, “Go brush your teeth and get your jammies on.”
“Okay,” she chirps and hops off the bed. She clutches her doll under one arm, the pink sparkle dress completely forgotten.
“Thanks, honey,” I murmur as she runs out of my room. I’m not sure if all kids are like this but Hope always seems to run to wherever she’s going, especially if she’s on a mission. Perhaps that’s a sign of motivation.
I pull out a few more outfits, deem one to be worthy of keeping and put two into the donation pile. It’s a pain in the ass to have to pack up this house, but I’m using the opportunity to purge a lot of stuff. I’m lightening up because I’ve got a fresh start.
The apartment I found is incredible. It’s about ten minutes from my new job and fifteen minutes closer to Asher. It’s in a great school district and by all reviews, it’s quiet and safe.
Leaving my packing, I head down to Hope’s room. I like to get her to sleep by eight, but it takes a bit of unwinding so I have her jammied up and teeth brushed by seven thirty. Our bedtime ritual is always the same.
My daughter scrambles under the covers and I pull them up to her chest, tucking them in tight around her.