Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
My eyes meet his, and he looks nervous, as if he’s unsure how I’ll react to what he did without telling me. Honestly, until this moment, I wasn’t sure myself, but as I watch my daughter smiling because she’s so happy and proud and excited, the only thing I can feel is gratefulness toward the man who goes out of his way to make my daughter and me happy every chance he gets.
“Thank you,” I tell him when I reach him. “This is amazing.”
I give him a quick kiss on his cheek, and when I step back, he asks, “You’re not mad?”
“No. If you had asked, I would’ve said no. Which is exactly why you didn’t.” I shrug, and he smiles, knowing I’m not wrong. “And while I don’t even want to know how much you spent on all this”—probably as much if not more than the amount of the prize—“I know you did this for my daughter and me. You’re a wonderful guy, Pierce, and we’re so lucky to have you in our lives.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
KELSIE
“Good morning, what can I get—” I glance up from my notepad where I take my orders and am met with hazel eyes that I’ve recently come to know all too well.
“Hi,” I say dumbly when Pierce smiles at me. Today, he’s freshly shaved, and when that sexy dimple pops out—not for the first time begging me to lick it—I giggle to myself at the face Pierce would make if I actually acted on it.
“What’s so funny?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.
“Huh?”
“You laughed.”
Oh, shit! Did I laugh out loud? Jesus, I need to get a grip.
“It was nothing,” I mutter. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure of you showing up here?” I ask, changing the subject. “Was babysitting, putting up a house full of lights, and then spending the evening watching Disney movies not enough for you?” I joke, remembering the way he fell asleep on my couch last night halfway through Cinderella. I felt bad waking him up, even though he had to get Tilly home. She needed to get some sleep and get ready for school this morning, since the heating system has been fixed and they’re returning to school.
Pierce’s features turn smoldering as he leans in and cups the side of my face. “If you’re implying that it’s even remotely possible that I could be sick of you, you need to get that shit out of your head right now.” His lips brush my own, and my stomach knots at the small yet intimate gesture.
He presses his forehead against mine and sighs. “Who needs coffee when I get to taste you?”
For a brief moment, I forget we’re in a public place, surrounded by people who know Pierce and will no doubt be talking—until I open my eyes and find Dorothy knowingly smirking at me.
“Oh God,” I moan, closing my eyes. “Everyone just saw you kiss me.”
“Good,” Pierce says. “Now they know you’re mine. So, all those guys who’ve been eyeing you will know they don’t stand a chance.”
I lift my head and shake it, having no clue what the hell he’s going on about.
“Are you here for coffee or just to make a public display of affection?” I try to glare at him, but I know it doesn’t hit its mark when he simply smiles at me in amusement.
“Both,” he says with a nonchalant shrug. “I’ll have the breakfast special, coffee with a hint of milk and sugar, and you on the side.” He rakes his gaze down me, and I playfully push away from him.
“One breakfast special coming up… minus the side of me.” When he pouts, I laugh. “In case you didn’t notice, I’m at work.”
Without giving him a chance to argue, I walk away, putting a little more sway in my hips to mess with him. When I hear him groan, I know it worked.
“Have dinner with me.”
“Tonight?” It’s day two of Pierce visiting me at the café, and as much as I want to be annoyed, I can’t help but feel a little special.
According to Dorothy, Pierce never hangs out at the café—which is something I figured since I’ve never seen him during any of my shifts, until now. Also, from what several patrons have told me, Pierce never seeks out or talks to any women either…until now.
I don’t know what about me has him suddenly wanting more, but I won’t question it. The more I get to know him, the harder I fall. I’m still scared shitless, but I’m starting to think Pierce is worth the risk.
“Yes, tonight,” he says. “I was thinking you and Jordan could come over to my place, and I could cook. Afterward, we can hop on my golf cart and ride around, looking at lights. The battle has started, so everyone’s lights are up.”