Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“If you already know that, then you're just being mean.”
My eyes narrowed, and I glanced over at her. “Are you trying to get spanked, angel?”
Marnie squirmed in her seat and whispered, “No,” with a little too much innocence.
“Not as effective if you’re begging for it,” I muttered. “Maybe next time, I’ll redden your cute little ass without letting you come.”
“You wouldn’t,” she gasped.
“Try me.”
She said nothing at first, then snapped, “Fine. I’ll wait patiently.”
“Good girl,” I crooned, taking her hand once more. “Only gotta wait a few more minutes anyway.”
We drove up to our house, and I parked at the curb in front because caution tape blocked the driveway. A brand-new portion had been added that morning, and it extended around the corner of the house, leading to a small lot that would hold another three cars.
“You widened the driveway?” she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Are you planning to start throwing a bunch of big parties?”
I laughed and shook my head as I opened the door and exited the vehicle. Quickly rounding the hood, I went to her door to help her out of the SUV. Even with the runners, it was a big step to the ground. Her baby bump was throwing her balance a little off lately, and I didn’t want to risk her falling.
“Nothing other than an occasional barbecue with the club.”
“Then why—”
“You’ll see.” I interrupted, putting her arm through mine and guiding her around the house.
Her eyebrows shot to her hairline when she saw a new door leading into the house. “What is that?” she asked incredulously. “You added a door to the outside in the new playroom?”
“Not just a playroom, angel,” I told her with a sly grin.
I pulled a key out of my pocket and opened the door, ushering her inside.
She stopped and gasped as she looked around, seeing how the space was set up.
“You…you built me a salon in our house?”
“Now, you can rest in our bed when you need to and get real food from the kitchen when you’re hungry.”
“But…” She looked up at me with conflicting emotions in her beautiful green orbs. “This is amazing, Hayes. But you promised to always be honest with me.”
Her eyes filled with tears, and I mentally kicked myself for forgetting how emotional she’d been lately. The pregnancy hormones made her cry at the tiniest things, and I hated it when she cried.
She’d known something was going on in this part of the house, but I’d managed to keep my surprise hidden by telling her that I was having a new playroom built. Since it was a construction zone, I had the perfect excuse for keeping her out of the space. Too many hazards. But while I’d omitted part of the purpose for the construction, I hadn’t lied either.
“I didn’t break my promise, angel,” I replied softly, guiding her across the room to another door.
There were tall windows in the wall on both sides of the entry, but the shades were down so she couldn’t see what was behind them.
I opened the door and gestured for her to walk in first. “Oh my gosh!” she exclaimed, and to my relief, excitement replaced her sadness.
The room looked like a simpler version of something you would find in one of those play places with the tunnels, trampolines, and even a shallow ball pit. There was also a little area surrounded by a short wall and a gate with a shelf full of toddler and baby toys. Across from that was a little reading nook with two empty bookshelves I knew she would enjoy filling.
“Now you have a place for our little ones to play if you have an appointment and I can’t be home. And any clients with kids can bring them so that you can have a more flexible schedule.”
I walked over to the tall, wide windows and pushed up the cordless shades. “I wanted to make sure that you and your clients had a clear view of the kids playing, but you can drop the shades if you want to put one of them down for a nap.”
“Hayes,” she breathed, hurrying over to stand in front of me. “This is amazing. I can’t believe you did this for me.”
I delved my hands into her silky dark tresses and held her head in place. Staring into her amazing eyes, I murmured, “You should know by now, angel. I’d do anything for you. I love you more than anything.”
“I love you so much, Hayes,” she uttered in a thick voice as moisture gathered in her eyes.
“Don’t you dare cry,” I scolded, scowling at her.
“Then stop doing sweet things,” she wailed as the tears tracked down her cheeks.
“Fucking hell,” I groaned. “Guess I’m gonna have to distract you.”
I gently tugged her out into the main area and over to the chair where she’d work on her clients.