Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Making my way to the blanket, I grabbed it and opened the lid of the chest. Bingo. There was a pillow, some sheets, and more blankets in there as well. I grabbed the pillow and walked over to the sofa. Kicking off my shoes, I sat down, tossed the pillow down, then set an alarm on my phone to check on Wes in an hour.
I set my phone on the coffee table, grabbed the blanket, and laid down. My mind spun with everything that had happened this afternoon and evening. Meeting Alex and having him smile at me the way he did made me feel good. It was nice having a man pay such attention to me like he had. He had asked me out to dinner, and I hadn’t been sure I wanted to go. I gave him my phone number and sent him a text so I would have his. Then I told him I’d check my schedule to see if I was free.
Letting out a small laugh, I shook my head. I was more than free. Something had kept me from saying yes. Had it been Wes? Was my stupid crush on him keeping me from going out with Alex?
My fingers touched my lips again and I squeezed my eyes shut. He didn’t want me, he wanted Mandy. And no matter how amazing that one single kiss was, it hadn’t meant anything to him. He had basically said it was a mistake two seconds after he kissed me.
Reaching back for my phone. I opened the text I sent to Alex.
Me: I’m sorry this is so late, but I would love to have dinner. Are you free tomorrow night?
Setting the phone back down, I pulled the covers up and closed my eyes. Using some breathing techniques to clear my mind, I finally drifted off to sleep.
Wes
Fake Dating and Coffee Shops
Leaning against the doorframe of my bedroom I stared at Clare asleep on the sofa. She looked so damn beautiful, and the fact that she stayed the night because she was worried warmed my insides more than it should.
I slowly let out a breath and made my way to the kitchen. I needed a cup of coffee like I needed my next breath. After making a cup, I walked over to the sofa only to find Clare was still sound asleep, so I made my way back to my bedroom and out to the balcony. It was a cold morning, but the fresh air felt good and eased the pounding in my head.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see it was a text from my mother.
Mom: Wes! I met the most amazing young woman last night and I told her all about you. I really think you would like her. She does the same thing as you! Stocks! I gave her your number. She should be calling you today!
Groaning, I closed my eyes. “Why, Mom? Why?”
Since I’d been back in Boston, my mother has introduced me to at least a dozen women, all with the hopes that her oldest son will settle down. I’d already been on three blind dates simply so my mother would get off my back. She was hell bent on saddling me down like my two younger brothers.
I wasn’t sure how long I sat on the balcony. My coffee had long ago turned cold, and it was getting to the point where I couldn’t feel my own fingers and toes. I slipped back inside, and the smell of something amazing instantly hit me.
When I made my way back into the living room, I saw Clare in the kitchen. She was moving about like she had cooked in my kitchen a million times. Sensing me, she glanced over her shoulder.
“You made it through the night.”
I smiled. “You didn’t have to stay and check on me every hour, Clare.”
“How did you know I was checking on you?”
Laughing, I slid onto the stool at the kitchen island. “Your phone alarm went off every hour and woke me up. Then I could feel your creepy presence standing over me. Did you put your hand in front of my face once to check for oxygen? Was a mirror under my nose next?”
She laughed and it sent a shiver through my entire body. “I did! I wanted to make sure you were breathing. You called me Chanel last night. I figured you hit your head harder than you realized.”
The fact that she hadn’t brought up the kiss wasn’t surprising. Especially after the shitty thing I said after it happened. But I had to say something to douse the fire that was building between us.
“I think it was more alcohol than anything. What are you doing?”
She focused back on the skillet. “I made an omelet. I hope you don’t mind. I have to eat breakfast or I’m dead to the world. I made one for you as well.”