Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 51647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
I hope so.
“But what about Gary? He gets mad when you take time off. I have some money back at the house I can send you. I got paid before we left for Chicago.”
She runs her hand along my arm to silence me. “Stop worrying, Dean. Everything will be okay. Let’s enjoy the time we have together.”
“What do you want to do? Is there anything special you want to see?” I look over at Kat. “Where should we take my mom?”
“We can go to Millennium Park if you want. That’s a big tourist attraction. Do you know how to ice skate, Emma?”
“Who do you think taught Dean?” She smiles at Kat before her gaze shifts to me. “You used to put your hand in my pocket to hold onto me, and now look at you. My boy is about to become a hockey star.”
“Fingers crossed.”
I don’t want to get her hopes up. The NHL Draft is still a few months away. A lot can happen in that time.
She squeezes my hand. “I can feel it. Call it a mother’s intuition.”
I have to get on a pro team’s roster. My mom needs a break. I worry about her non-stop. She works too much, though she will never admit it. My mother is the strongest person I know. She taught me to never gave up. My dreams became hers, and she found a way to make them happen. All of her sacrifices have to count for something.
“I’m kind of tired from the long trip,” my mom says. “I could use a hot bath and a cup of tea.”
“Whatever you want to do, Mom.”
“You’re staying one floor below me,” Kat says. “The suite has a hot tub that you’ll love. We can order some tea from room service.”
My mom touches Kat’s arm and smiles. “Thank you for everything.”
After we arrive at the hotel, Kat orders room service. The Peninsula is the nicest place I’ve ever stepped foot inside. My mom’s room looks like a fucking palace.
“I’ve never stayed in a five-star hotel before,” Mom says to Kat. She stares around the room in awe, her mouth open in shock. “I have no idea how I’ll ever repay you for this thoughtful and generous gift.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Emma.” Kat hooks her arm around my mom and smiles at me over her shoulder. “I’m glad you like it.”
I mouth thank you to Kat because I have no idea what else to say. There are no words to express how I feel about her right now. I love her more than I did yesterday if that’s even possible.
My mom sits on the lavish couch and runs her hand across the fabric. “What a long day. I’m exhausted.”
“I’ll draw you a bath, Emma,” Kat says. “Room service should be here any minute.” She points at the coffee table. “Order whatever you want. There are a few movies OnDemand you might like.”
“Thank you, sweetie. You’re too good to me.”
Kat walks toward the bathroom that’s fit for a king. I follow behind her. She bends over the tub, her back to me. Feeling the water with her hand, she adjusts the knobs to get the prefect temperature.
“You’re officially the best friend a man could ever have,” I confess.
“I’m glad you think so. Seeing the look on your mom’s face and yours was worth it.” Kat sits on the ledge and pats it, telling for me to sit next to her.
I stare into Kat’s eyes and run my thumb along her jaw, holding the side of her face in my hand. She sucks in a deep breath and closes her eyes. For a split second, I think about kissing her. The moment feels right.
“Dean,” she says, and her eyes open. “I swear to God if you kiss me I will punch you and mess up your pretty face.”
I laugh. “I’m not pretty.”
“You look like a goddamn model, and you know it.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes at her. “I’m not pretty. That’s what you say about a woman.”
She taps her shoulder against mine. “Fine, you’re hot. Is that better?”
“You shouldn’t say that after telling me not to kiss you.”
I glance behind her and see the tub about to overflow. As I lean over her to shut off the water, my hand grazes her breast.
“Dean,” she hisses.
“It was an accident,” I spit back. “If I wanted to cop a feel, I would do it.”
She laughs, knowing it’s the truth.
“We should let my mom have some alone time.”
After Kat fixes my mom a cup of tea, we say goodnight, promising to come back in the morning. Kat’s suite is larger than my mom’s. The living room area has more windows that overlook the city and a larger dining area.
Kat brushes her teeth, and then I follow her into the bedroom. Out of habit, I turn my back to her as she gets changed.