Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 61160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“You’re just saying that.”
“I’m not.” He walked over to me, sitting on the edge of the couch. “Everyone agreed. Except Hazel, of course.”
“Of course.”
“She's starting to suspect that I like you.”
“Is she wrong?”
“Yes.” He trailed a finger against my mouth. “I more than ‘like’ you, and she’s months late with her assumption.”
“Define more than like.”
“It’s another ‘l’ word I swore I’d never say.”
“Loathe?”
“Close.”
“Lust?”
“I felt that way from day one.” He smiled. “Those are your only guesses?”
I shrugged, not daring to utter the other one.
“Love, Chloe,” he said, looking into my eyes. “Pretend you didn’t hear that so I can make it more dramatic weeks from now.”
“I love you, too…” My voice cracked, and he kissed me.
“Are you pushing the gala back, too?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Absolutely not.” He shook his head. “I’d rather get that and these godforsaken London trips out of the way, so I can stick to the office. I should’ve never agreed to go back. I’m not ready to return.”
“I’m sure your brother and sister will be happy to see you at their birthday party,” I said.
“If they’re not, the pictures will make it seem that way.”
“And weeks later, your grandmother will be happy you were at the jubilee.”
“She’s legally blind and borderline senile, so doubtful.” I smiled. “Don’t tell anyone I told you that.”
“I won’t.”
Smiling, he picked up two children’s books from the coffee table. “Which of these do you want me to read to the children tonight?”
“Whichever one you’ll read without your unwanted commentary during the chapters.”
“So, neither?”
“Could you at least wait until the end of the book to give your thoughts?”
“No.” He opened a Dr. Seuss book. “If an author gets to make up words just to make them rhyme, my children need to know how full of shit they are in advance.”
I laughed and lay back, and he caressed my stomach as he read to the three of us for the rest of the night.
One More Kiss
Chloe
Seattle, Washington
24 weeks & 1 day pregnant
Gala Night
Bright lights flashed outside the Emerald Center as I stepped out of the town car.
The “red carpet” bore a royal blue “Rogue” pattern of paperback books, and a security guard stood in front of every window.
I caught sight of my reflection in the glass, admiring the bump under my chiffon mint colored dress.
“Your invitation, please.” The host held out her hand.
“I don’t have one,” I said. “But I have an employee badge.”
He sighed and shook his head, taking out a tablet. “What’s your first and last name, Miss?”
“Chloe March.”
He tapped his screen a few times, and then he spoke into a mic in his jacket. “One of Mr. Carrington’s VIP guests is here. Can you escort her inside, please?”
Within seconds, a man in a black tuxedo appeared and reached for my hand. He smiled and led me past the line, walking me right inside the massive ballroom.
My heart fluttered as I saw my sketches come to life in every bit of decor. I spotted a few authors I adored laughing by the seven-tiered S’mores & HEAs Forever bar, and others were taking selfies by the Dirty Fairytales & Dinner tables.
“Oh, wow!” Sandra stepped in front of me, smiling. “You made it out after all, and you’re absolutely glowing!”
“Thank you, Sandra.” I gently tugged at her silky red sleeve. “You look good, too. Is Mr. Carrington here?”
“Yeah.” She pointed across the room, and my breathing slowed at the sight of him in a custom black suit and grey and mint tie that matched my dress.
“He’s being more approachable than ever, too.” She showed me phone. “I took a picture with him. You should get one, too.”
“I’ll consider that,” I said.
The DJ began to play a new song, and she set down her drink.
“I’ll catch up with you after this! Bye!”
She disappeared into the crowd and I moved toward Tyler.
He was talking to Tasha in Accounting, but when I was halfway to him, his eyes remained on me.
“You look good, Chloe,” Tasha said, smiling. “You’re carrying so damn well.”
“Thank you.” My eyes were on Tyler. “Do you mind if I borrow Mr. Carrington for a moment?”
“Not at all.” She patted my shoulder and walked away. “Tyler, I—”
“Meet me in the coat check closet in five minutes,” he interrupted.
“You can’t talk to me out here?”
“Not unless you want everyone in this room to know how I really feel about seeing you in that dress.” He reached out to touch me, but he sighed. “You should leave first.”
“Fine.” I turned away and returned to the lobby, following the signs for the coat check.
Stepping inside, I shut the door and waited.
Several minutes later, I heard a couple of deep voices and then Tyler walked inside.
He looked me up and down, a smile tugging at his lips.
“I could’ve sworn I told you to stay in bed,” he said. “Give me one good reason why you insist on doing the exact opposite of what I say.”