Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
She shoots me a disapproving glare. “So now what?”
“I'm going to bed. You should go back to sleep.”
“Where? It's an icebox in my room.”
I point at the couch.
“You're kidding.”
Shrugging, I call for Dasher, who gives Fallon's cheek a final lick before following me out of the living room.
“There are more blankets inside the wooden bench by the window. Help yourself,” I call out, and as I make my way upstairs, I swear I hear her cursing me. But I expect nothing less, considering her attitude.
CHAPTER FIVE
FALLON
DAY 3
I'm in hell.
No, scratch that.
It's too cold to be hell.
More like if hell was in Antarctica, and it was hailing and snowing ten-inch icicles.
Dramatic? Maybe.
But I hate it and loathe being cold even more.
My apartment is set to seventy-five nearly year-round, and although Seattle doesn't get super hot, it also doesn't get super cold. It rains half the time, which means I'm often wearing layers anyway.
This weather, though?
My worst fucking nightmare.
Waking up on Levi's couch, barely able to feel my fingers—even though I'm wearing gloves—has me groaning. Flashbacks of last night have me grinding my teeth with frustration. Levi suspects the furnace's pilot light blew out, and with how my luck's going, who knows if he can fix it.
The fireplace is down to its last log, so I begrudgingly stalk over and throw two more inside. As soon as I do, ash blows my face, and I cough.
Of fucking course.
I wipe my eyes and cheeks, then wrap a blanket around me before going to the bathroom.
Once I'm done, I stare at my reflection in the mirror and wince. I need a hot shower, an avocado breakfast bowl, and a gallon of coffee.
I splash water on my face and brush my teeth. A rush of cool air seeps in through the vent, and I shiver. Last night, the wind howled against the windows, and I felt like I was sleeping outside. There is no way I can stay upstairs if there’s a repeat of that. Although the couch wasn't uncomfortable, being cold and in a new place made it hard to fall into a deep sleep. Every little sound woke me, and I constantly had to remind myself where I was.
Once I rewrap myself in the blanket, I go downstairs but stop when I notice Dasher took my spot on the couch.
“Where the hell did you come from?” I walk closer and point at the floor. “Off.”
He stares at me as if he's already bored with this conversation.
“Dasher. Off the couch. Now,” I say in a deeper voice to mimic Levi's.
He doesn't move.
“C'mon, let’s go...” I pull on his collar to show him what I want, but he still doesn't budge.
“Dasher, I'm serious. I was lying there. You can sit on the rug.” I reach for his collar again, but he licks my hand instead.
I sigh with exhaustion because I just wanted one more hour of sleep now that it's finally comfortable in here.
“Go.” I wave my hand. “Outside? Want a treat? How about a nice long walk?” I ramble off as many trigger words as I can think of, but he’s cemented in place.
“I think you're more stubborn than me,” I mutter, crossing my arms.
“Doubtful,” Levi says, chuckling.
“Jesus Christ.” I jump, clenching a hand to my chest.
“Good morning,” he singsongs.
“Trust me, it's not.”
The corner of his lips tilts up, and it's then I realize he's shirtless and only wearing black boxer briefs. Is that what he had on last night?
How the hell is he not freezing his nuts off right now?
“A little help here?” I point at Dasher. “He won't listen.”
Levi snaps his fingers. “Dasher, down.”
He immediately obeys and wags his tail as he follows Levi to the kitchen.
“Seriously?” I throw out my arms, then ask, “Hey, any chance we'll get some heat today?”
“I'll check the pilot light after breakfast, but with the way the wind is blowing, I wouldn't get your hopes up.”
“Of course,” I murmur, sitting on the sofa and turning toward Levi.
I watch as he strolls around the kitchen, fills up a kettle, and sets it on the stovetop. Then he refills Dasher's water and opens a can of dog food.
“Come sit up here. I'll make you a cup of apple cider. It'll warm you up.”
Reluctantly, I do as he says and end up staring at his body while he prepares it. Hard muscles line his back all the way below his shorts and down his legs. I can tell he's an active, outdoorsy type of guy just by his build.
I blink as he spins around and places a steaming hot mug on the breakfast bar. With a wide smile, Levi pops in a cinnamon stick.
“It tastes like Christmas in a cup!” He holds up a finger as I reach for it. “Blow on it first.”
Levi happily studies me with anticipation for my approval.