Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
She warned me this might happen.
CHAPTER
TWELVE
Scarlett
I smile when I pull the camera away and view the screen. I got the perfect shot of Rushton kissing Crosby’s belly. Her face is lit up as she smiles down at her husband. The love that the two of them share bounces off the screen.
When Palmer asked me if I minded working today so she could help her mother-in-law and her sisters-in-law with Crosby’s baby shower, I quickly agreed. She tried to offer to pay me, but I refused. It’s not like I have a wild social life. Besides, I might not be a permanent resident of Willow River, but I’d like to think of Crosby and the rest of the ladies as friends or really good acquaintances, at the very least.
I went ahead and told her to pencil me in for Ramsey’s shower in a few weeks as well. They’re not combining the events because they said both new moms need to have their special day, and I happen to agree with them.
“Can I see?”
I know that voice. I don’t even try to hide my smile as I turn to look at Archer. “I was wondering if you were ever going to come and say hi.”
“This is for the ladies. We were outside manning the grill.” He nods to the patio door where all the men who have ladies inside are sure enough congregated around the grill.
“All of you?” We both know it doesn’t take all of them to man the grill. I just like to tease him.
He shrugs and nods to the camera. “Whatever you were looking at made your face light up.”
“Oh.” I turn the camera so he can see. Archer apparently doesn’t think that’s good enough. He steps in close, sliding his arm around my waist, as he leans over my shoulder to look at the back of my camera.
“Wow, Scar. You’re really talented.”
“Nah, you don’t have to have talent when you have good subjects.” I flip through a few more images slowly so he can see. Part of me wants to show off because I’ve gotten some really good shots, and the other part of me just wants to keep him close to me for a little longer.
“You got plans after this?” he asks.
He still has his arm around my waist, and he’s looking at pictures as I move even slower to flip through them. To anyone watching, it looks like we’re only looking at pictures.
“Nope. I’ll probably go home and work on editing these so I can get them back to Crosby.”
“Does that have to be done tonight?” he asks. His hot breath fans across my cheek, and it’s taking everything I have not to show him how he’s affecting me.
“No, it doesn’t have to be done tonight,” I finally answer.
“Come somewhere with me.”
“Where are we going?” I don’t know why I’m asking. I’m going to go no matter what he says we’re doing. I’ve been craving time with him. Not just my body but my mind too. I’ve been stubborn and not willing to reach out because I like his company too much.
“I’m taking you fishing.”
“Fishing?” I turn to glance at him over my shoulder. That puts our mouths just a breath apart, and I’ve never wanted to kiss someone so badly in my entire life. He’s right there. I could just lean a little closer. Just a quick peck, a taste after weeks of nothing from him.
“Yeah, Firecracker. I want to take you fishing.”
I swallow back my desire. “Why haven’t you called me?” I ask, turning back to my camera. I keep my voice even, and I’m hoping he can’t see the need in my eyes. This man… he’s addicting.
Dangerous.
“Work has been brutal. We’re on a job that’s about an hour and a half away right now. We’ve been working long hours trying to wrap it up. We’re supposed to be starting a new elementary school in Harris after this. They just got a grant approved.”
“So you weren’t avoiding me?” I ask, still flipping through the images. I’m pretty sure I’m already on my second run-through of all the ones I’ve taken today.
“No, Scar. I’m not avoiding you.” He pauses. “I can’t stop thinking about you.” His lips press against my ear. “About the feel of your pussy choking my cock.”
I cough and try to step away from him, but his hold on me is strong. “Archer,” I hiss.
“You going fishing with me?”
“Is fishing code for… something?” I ask.
He smirks. “Only if you want it to be. But no, I was planning on going, just relaxing, and I also want to see you. Two birds, one stone.”
“I’ve never been fishing.”
“Really?” He grins. “Bring your camera. I have a feeling you’re going to want it once you see where we’re going.”
“Done.” There’s no point in pretending like I don’t want to go. “Where should I meet you?”