Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“It’s seriously great in the winter,” I agree. “But it’s cold. Like, cold.”
“We’ll have to come in the winter,” Mom decides. “And this condo! London told me it was fancy and more than comfortable, and she was right. This place looks like it should be in a magazine.”
I’ve always loved how my mom gets excited about beautiful things, as if she and my dad couldn’t buy one of these for themselves.
It probably stems from where she came from. Mom was a foster kid and was dirt poor. She definitely doesn’t take anything about her life with Dad for granted.
“I’m gonna try out that huge tub in my bathroom tonight,” Zoey announces as she reaches for a grape. “It’s insane.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll show you all of Bitterroot Valley, and, if you’re up for it, Remington’s mom would like to have you all out at the ranch for dinner. The whole family will be there. I think you’ll like them.”
“I totally want to see your ranch,” Zoey replies. “And maybe a cute cowboy. It’s a yes for me.”
“Same,” Mom echoes, just as there’s a knock at the door. “Minus the cute cowboys, of course. I can’t wait to see the ranch.”
Dad saunters over and opens the door, and there’s…Remington. Standing tall and hot in the doorway.
And he doesn’t look happy.
“Hey, what’s wrong? And how did you know where the condo is?”
“He called me before you got here,” Dad says. “I told him where to find us.”
“You drove off by yourself,” Remington says. “You’re supposed to take Bruiser with you, or me.”
“I was just coming to see my family,” I reply with a frown. “I made no stops; I just came here.”
“We have an understanding,” Remington insists, and I notice my mom’s face go all gooey and starry-eyed.
“I like you. Bring it in.” Mom walks around the island to hug Remington. “I see why she calls you Grumpy, but I like you. Thanks for looking out for our girl.”
“Rem.” I take a deep breath, trying to keep my temper down. “I appreciate the caution, but it’s my family. I knew I was going to be here until I had to get the kids, and Bruiser doesn’t want to just hang here while we talk and joke around. That’s a waste of his time.”
“I’m Bruiser’s boss, and I decide what’s a waste of his time,” Remington counters, and my dad smiles.
Smiles.
“I see that you’re enjoying this.”
“Hey, I’m on his side. The most important thing is keeping you safe.”
“I’m safe,” I mutter and grab a cracker. “I was excited to get here and see them, and it didn’t occur to me that it wouldn’t be okay to do that.”
“Under literally any other circumstances, it’s perfectly okay to do that,” Remington says.
“He’s kind of hot,” Zoey whispers, loud enough for all of us to hear, and Remington’s mouth tips up in a smile. “Just saying.”
“I’m sorry for making you worry,” I say. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
Mom smiles up at Rem. “Your town is beautiful.”
“Yeah,” he says with a nod. “It is. Did Erin mention that my mom would like to invite you all out to the ranch for dinner tomorrow?”
“She did, and we would love to accept that thoughtful invitation,” Mom replies.
“My brothers might make fools of themselves,” Remington warns them. “They’re fans.”
“I’m not worried. There’ll be plenty to talk about, then,” Dad replies with a shrug. “Does that mean that you’re not a fan?”
“No, I am. I just don’t make a fool of myself.” Remington shrugs and smiles at my dad, and that makes everyone laugh, putting us all at ease. “You stay with your family,” Rem tells me. “I’ll get the kids from school. Let me know when you’re on your way home, please. Since you’ll be riding alone, I want to make sure you arrive safely.”
“Ten-four, good buddy.” I offer him a salute, and I’m pleased when that makes him grin. “I’m sorry you worried. I’ll walk you out.”
“See you tomorrow,” Dad says with a wave as Remington and I walk out the door and down to his Jeep.
“Thanks for grabbing the kids,” I say when we reach the Jeep. “I appreciate it.”
“It’s no problem. I want you to have a blast with your family while they’re here. Take tomorrow off, too.”
“Oh, you don’t have to—”
“I can handle it,” he interrupts and cups my cheek in his palm. “Don’t worry about us. You’ve more than earned some time with your family.”
His eyes, those gorgeous hazel eyes, are soft and kind and not grumpy at all, and it makes me swoon hard.
“Thank you.” I boost myself up on my toes and give him a quick peck on the lips. “You’re the best boss ever.”
He smirks. “Do you always kiss your bosses?”
“You know, I think you’re the first one, actually.”
His smile spreads. “That’s good to know. Now I’m going to kiss you, but not as your boss.”