Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
“These look good,” I say as I put them in a bowl.
“You look good,” he growls as he comes up behind me. I grin as he slides his big hand into my robe and cups my bare breast.
“After the waffles, Mister,” I say with a laugh. “We don’t want them to burn.”
“I’m burning for you,” he says as he gives my breast one last squeeze before pulling his hand away.
I guess that’s how it’s going to be from now on—living with a gorgeous man who can’t take his hands off me. That doesn’t sound too bad at all.
When our late-night snack is ready, we bring it to the table and sit down to eat. Waffles with homemade whipped cream, freshly cut strawberries, and nice warm tea. I couldn’t be happier.
“My brother Leo has a big truck that I can borrow tomorrow to get your car,” he says as I moan at the delicious snack.
My car! I forgot all about my car.
I get a little sad thinking about it all broken, flooded, and burnt out on that road. It wasn’t the best car, but it was mine and I liked it.
I guess I’ll have to contact my insurance, although I filled out the forms years ago and forgot what kind of coverage I have.
Oh shit, the book signing! I forgot about that too!
This man is keeping me all kinds of distracted. I can’t focus on anything else.
“Actually,” I say with my heart pounding. “Can you do me a big favor instead?”
“Anything.”
I love how he says that. He has no idea what I’m about to ask, but he’s eager to help out. I know I’ll be able to count on him in the future.
“Can you drive me back to the bookstore tomorrow?” I say, feeling my stomach drop at the thought of having to return to that lonely table. “It’s about an hour away though.”
“I’d love to,” he says. “You have to go back?”
“I didn’t tell you, but the signing is over two days. I can’t wait for no one to show up tomorrow either.”
“Don’t say that,” he says. “Maybe something will turn around.”
“Maybe,” I say, although I highly doubt it. If no one came today, there’s not going to be a horde of people tomorrow.
“I’ll make you a deal,” he says with a grin. “If all your books sell, will you come live with me?”
“You’re going to buy them all?”
He shakes his head. “No. That would be cheating.”
I shrug and laugh. “Sure!” I mean, why not? It’s never going to happen anyway.
“Good,” he says with a big smile. He’s up to something…
“After you finish your waffles, I have something to show you,” he says.
I’m a very curious person, so I polish my plate off quickly. He brings me down the hallway and opens a closed door.
“What’s this?” I ask as I look around at all of the tools and construction equipment on the ground. “A storage room?”
“It’s your office when you move in,” he says. “There’s a fireplace behind that saw and you can’t see it now, but there’s a spectacular view of the mountains.”
My heart aches as I look around the room, seeing it without all the tools. It’s a perfect writing room. I’ve always dreamed of something like this.
“Are you serious?” It’s just too good to believe. This man keeps talking as if I’m going to stay here forever.
He gazes into my eyes with a loving look as he reaches up and strokes the mark on my neck.
“This is real, Layla,” he says in a low calm voice. “I know you’re used to living in a fantasy world because of your books, but this is really happening. You’re my mate, sweet girl. We’re going to be together forever.”
There’s nothing in his face telling me he’s lying.
I’m starting to believe him.
I turn back to the room and smile, picturing where I’ll put my desk and all of my books. I can be writing in here while he’s cooking or chopping wood. I might have to move his chopping block in the middle of the night so I can watch him through the window while he works.
“Thank you,” I say as I turn back to him and gaze up into his eyes.
His hands come on me and he pulls me in close. “For what?”
“For saving me,” I whisper as I step on my toes and tilt my chin up. “For being my mate. For everything.”
He grins as he comes down, meeting me the rest of the way. “You got it, dirty girl.”
I smile as he kisses me.
He scoops me up in his strong arms and carries me to bed.
nine
. . .
Layla
Oliver wakes me up with a kiss.
I smile as I open my tired eyes and look up at him. I barely slept at all last night, but I still don’t mind waking up to this stunning view.