Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
“Don’t kiss her,” he says, shaking his head ruefully. “I don’t need to see that. I’m an impressionable child.”
I snort. “Right.”
The doorbell rings while I’m still filling the dishwasher.
“I’ll get it,” Jake says and hurries for the door.
I can hear them chatting as he leads her back this way, and as soon as I see her, I want to kiss her like I did the other night. Instead, I smile at her.
“The gate just opened for me,” she says with a perplexed frown. “I didn’t even have to press the buzzer or anything.”
“I told them to let you in whenever you’re here. No need to buzz.”
“Oh, thanks. This kitchen is impressive. I see you went with white paint. That’s probably the smart way to go. You can decorate it with any color you want and change it out with the seasons and stuff.”
“We don’t really decorate much,” Jake says, making me grin.
Polly is nervous.
“Right,” she says with a laugh that has Jake frowning. “Of course. Bachelor pad, and all that. Most guys don’t change things out with the seasons. Hell, even I don’t change anything. I’ve had paint swatches on my walls for two years.”
“Don’t gag,” I whisper to Jake as I pat his shoulder and walk past him and simply pull Polly in for a hug. I tighten my arms around her and feel her shoulders droop in relief. “You’re here because I asked you to be. Don’t overthink it, okay?”
“Sorry,” she whispers with a shaky breath. “I don’t know why I’m nervous.”
“It’s okay. It’s just a tour of the house.” I pull back from her, smile gently, and trace my fingertips down her jawline, and then I turn to Jake, who’s watching us with curiosity. “Where should we start this tour, buddy?”
“Duh.” He turns to start out of the room. “In the theater. I want some Milk Duds.”
“The kid never stops eating,” I inform her as we follow behind him. “We literally just finished breakfast. He’s going to break me within a year.”
“Nah, he can afford it,” Jake says cheerfully and leads us down the hall to the movie theater. “This room rocks.”
“Wow,” Polly says. “You’re right, it’s impressive. You even have a popcorn machine in here. And a soda fountain.”
“It’s legit,” Jake agrees. “Sometimes we can get movies that are only playing in the theaters. Ryan has magical powers or something.”
I smirk and shake my head. “I just know people. Come on, there’s more to see.”
We walk through the gym, past several guest suites, and back to the kitchen.
“There’s more stuff out here,” Jake announces, leading us out back where there’s an outdoor kitchen and dining and living space. “And a pool.”
“You have a pool,” Polly says in surprise. “And it’s open.”
“The guy came last week,” Jake says proudly. I love that he’s at home here and that he’s proud of our place. “There’s a hot tub, too. And a fire pit. Ry, is the family still coming next weekend for a pool party?”
“Yep, and we’ll do s’mores. You should come, Polly.”
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude on family time.”
“You should totally come,” Jake says, nodding. “Everyone is chill. You know them. It’s our first party of the season. Ry said I could bring some friends, too, so it’s not just family.”
“Well, thanks. In that case, I’d love to come.”
I want to hug him. I love this boy and the fact that he’s so welcoming and genuine. It makes me want to hurt the people who hurt him all the more.
“Let’s go check out the office,” Jake says with a smile and heads back inside.
“He’s wonderful,” Polly whispers to me as we follow behind. “Just a wonderful kid, Ryan.”
“I know.”
Once in my office, Jake shows Polly the wet bar and where we usually have breakfast.
“Chase is gonna build us a table so we can eat at it in the morning,” he says with a smile and holds his fist out to mine for a bump, and I happily oblige him. “I’m fine on the couch, but I guess Ryan doesn’t want me acting like I was born in a barn or something.”
“There’s nothing wrong with sitting at the table to eat like civilized humans.”
“Sure.” He rolls his eyes, but he’s still smiling. “And that over there is his command center.”
I smirk, and Polly grins.
“I love that description,” she says. “It fits. Did you buy Antarctica from here or something?”
“Would you like to own Antarctica?” I ask her.
“No.” She laughs. “I bet some big things have happened in this room. Very cool. Now, I need to see the most important space in the house.”
“My video game setup?” Jake asks, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. “Talk about legit.”
“Nope, more important than that.”
“There isn’t anything more important than that, lady,” he says, making her laugh again.
“I want to see the closet in the owner’s suite.”