Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 38445 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38445 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
"Okay," she says reluctantly. "But maybe next time, we should work first and talk later."
"What I'm hearing is that you want there to be a next time."
A blush creeps up her cheeks, staining them pink. "That's not what I said, Caleb."
I hook an arm around her waist, tugging her toward my body. Once she's pressed up against my chest, I tip her head back, meeting her gaze. "We both know it's what you meant, Sunshine. You fucking loved spending the evening with me. And we both know if I checked your panties right now, they'd be dripping. Don't try to deny it." I press my lips to hers in a hard kiss, squeezing her perfect ass at the same time. "Behave while I get these pumps installed."
Her annoyed little huff chases me from the room, making me grin. Fuck. I can't wait until this girl is mine.
Chapter Four
Sutton
I flop down on my bed in a mass of crumpled sheets and comforters, groaning. I've been out of sorts ever since Caleb arrived today.
Actually, that's not true. I've been out of sorts since he kissed me last night. I can't get the crazy man out of my head. I bury my face in the pale blue duvet, breathing in the fresh lavender scent. It doesn't help soothe my frayed nerves any, so I reach for my phone.
As I hit the call button, I can't help but feel a rush of relief knowing that I can always count on my mom. I need her calm guidance right now. The phone rings a couple of times before she picks up, her sweet voice instantly soothing me.
"Hey, sweet girl. How's everything going?" Her voice comes down the line crystal clear, warm and comforting. It's strange. Half of the freaking planet knows my mom as this powerhouse voice. She's a legend, with dozens of awards under her belt. But to me and my siblings, she's always been the voice of reason, the person we run to when we need comfort. She loves us like no one else.
Our dad is our protector. He would kill for us no questions asked. But our mom? She's the one who has always just quietly been there to help us sort out whatever we need, whenever we need her. She doesn't judge. She just loves us.
I need that right now.
I prop myself up on the mountain of pillows behind me, snuggling in.
"Hey, Mama. Everything's good," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant even though I know she can see right through me.
She lets out a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. "I heard about the leak, Sutton Diane. Your brother already called us. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Ugh. He's such a tattle tale," I complain, though I'm not surprised. There are no secrets in my family.
"How bad is it?"
"Horrible!" I cry, only being slightly dramatic. "The crawlspace is flooded, and half of the pipes have to be replaced. Insulation has to be torn out and replaced. It's going to take forever to repair all the damage."
"Oh no," she whispers. "What are you going to do?"
"I have a plumber working on it."
"That doesn't sound like much of a vacation."
"It's not so bad."
"Oh, really?"
My cheeks heat at her tone. She knows me far too well. "I mean, no one knows who I am yet."
"Uh-huh," she says, not buying my crap. "Does your plumber have a name?"
"Caleb Maverick."
"Hmm."
Hmm. What does that mean?
Before I can ask, Caleb taps on the open door to my room and pokes his head inside. "I've got the water turned back on again, but you may want to wait a little while before you use it for anything important, Sunshine. It's not quite clear yet."
"Okay," I whisper, fighting the urge to squirm when my mom's soft laughter floats down the line.
"Sunshine? Oh, dear," she says.
"Who you talking to, baby?"
I shoot him a death glare. "My mom."
His grin is wholly unrepentant. "Hey, Mama Reynolds. She's in good hands," he says, raising his voice to ensure she hears him.
I quickly slap my hand over my phone, trying to prevent her from hearing him, but judging by her sharp intake of breath, it's too late for that.
Oh! I'm going to kill him!
"Can you please go away?" I hiss. "Before I decide to drown you in the crawlspace?"
Why does he look so freaking beautiful when he's wearing that smug grin? It's a weapon of mass destruction. Just ask my panties.
"Sutton Diane!" Mom cries.
Caleb throws his head back and roars with laughter.
Oh, Christ on a cracker.
I did it again.
I squeeze my eyes closed, praying for the floor to open up and swallow me, bed and all.
It doesn't.
"Please leave my room," I whisper to Caleb.
"I'm going, Sunshine," he says. "But not until I see those beautiful eyes again."
I reluctantly crack them open, peeking up at him.