Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Remi chuckles, nudging me with her shoulder as she takes a sip of her drink. “Only if you promise to give me your famous back rubs often.”
“That’s easy to agree to. I’ll do just about anything to touch your luscious body. Matter of fact, I’ll give you one of my famous back rubs every single day if you stop stalling and agree to move in with me.”
“That’s a very tempting offer.” She glances up, swallowing. “And now that I know Uncle Jasper approves, I think I’m going to take you up on it.”
Fucking hell. Happiness flows through me as I pull her curvy body close. I kiss her sweet lips, celebrating.
“I’ll help you pack and start moving after work tonight.” I’m not going to let the grass grow under my feet.
“It will have to wait until this weekend.” She throws a monkey wrench into my plans. “I have to work on two different websites this week, so I can’t take the time to move. Not if I’m going to make my deadlines.”
It’s hard to be patient, but I’m getting what I want most—my little Cookie living under my roof. “Okay. We’ll plan to move your things this weekend.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” She smiles up at me, and I realize it’s been a long lunch.
As much as I’d like to lounge here indefinitely, the guys have been working hard, and I know they’re probably eyeing the clock for signs of impending lunch salvation.
Time shifts subtly, and as the last of lunch is wrapped up and tucked back into the bag, reality calls.
“Thanks for breaking up the midday monotony,” I note, though the sincerity in my voice says more than my casual words do.
“You’re welcome,” she responds, her hand brushing mine. There's a tiny pause, the world slowing when her gaze meets mine as a familiar spark flickers in her eyes.
It’s almost instinct now the way we lean toward each other. Her silky lips touch mine, igniting my blood. The kiss starts off gentle but quickly turns scorching from the chemistry swirling around us.
We pull back as the world comes back into focus.
“I should get back,” she says, hopping off the tailgate with a nimble grace. “Are you up to dinner with Uncle Jasper tonight at six? I promised him I’d take the time off each night to eat dinner.”
“I’ll be there, Cookie.” I give her soft lips one more quick kiss before standing and stretching. “I’ll do just about anything to spend time with you.”
“Even deal with Uncle Jasper and Winston?” she teases, rolling her eyes.
“Even that.” I chuckle, noticing my crew scattered about, still working hard on manicuring the lawn to perfection. “I need to call the guys over for lunch before they faint from hunger.”
“Okay. I need to get back to work, too. I’ll see you tonight. I love you,” she tells me as I walk her over to her little red car. Fuck. I’ll never tire of those words leaving her lips.
“I love you, too.” I kiss her soft lips before she slides into her car. I close her door and step back as she drives off, leaving me with nothing but a hint of the engine purr and an afternoon that suddenly seems much longer.
“Lunch time!” I holler, signaling the official start of their lunch break. “There’s plenty to go around, so grab something and get off your feet for a while.”
They don’t need to be told twice, flocking toward the truck eagerly. I pass out the drinks and sandwiches, catching snippets of gratitude.
Chapter 8
Remi
I step out onto the back deck and breathe in the fresh morning air, the anticipation of moving into Piers’ home bubbling through me. I worked my rear end off finishing those two websites a day early so I could concentrate on packing my belongings. Today is about freedom, about squeezing every drop of good out of life. And the next chapter is about to unfold with Piers.
After a quick shower, I grab my phone, looking for Piers’ daily early morning text. Sure enough, his message flashes across the screen.
Piers
Good morning, beautiful. I can’t wait to wake up with you in my arms.
Me
You don’t have to wait long.
Piers
Good. I miss you.
Me
You saw me about six hours ago.
Piers
Six hours too long.
Me
Love you
Piers
Love you, too. I’ll see you after work.
I send him a thumbs-up emoji followed by a pink heart and toss my phone aside before diving into packing with renewed enthusiasm. The morning light streams through the window, but there’s no sunshine bright enough to overshadow the excitement of finally moving in with Piers. I can’t shake the giddiness from my chest, imagining lazy mornings and shared evenings.
As I heft open another box from the stack, Winston comes barreling in like a tiny tornado. The mischievous ball of energy zips past me and heads straight for the pile of socks I stacked on my bed.