Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 20048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Noelle teased me ten times about it. “Stop thinking about all my nieces and nephews running around here.”
“Shut it, girl.” A moment later a construction crew arrived and asked if we’d like a quick tour. I flushed and excused us, running from the house.
“Oh my God. They’re going to tell Owen that we were there.”
“Oops.” She presses her hand to her mouth, and we rush back to the house, pretending to be innocent when we get inside, but all I can feel is a rush of excitement about Owen and I can’t wait to see him. It’s crazy how he has occupied my every thought when I should be focusing on my future, whatever that is.
We’re still trying to navigate our complicated connections. He bought my family orchard, which in my opinion is a great thing unless we split up. Then again, I wouldn’t have known the buyer before this anyway. And then there are the stupid ties he has to Caroline through Matthew.
When I saw Caroline at the table the other night, I nearly lost my mind, heart breaking into pieces on the spot, but then Owen showed me that he’s a man of action and substance on the spot. My body almost melted into a puddle of goo. So far he’s proven that he’s more than interested even though he was away for two days.
He called, but I did my best to hide that I temporarily worked at the diner. After all, Owen and I were worlds apart. He now possessed my family’s orchard on top of having done so much with life and I was a college dropout.
We’re hardly on the same level which makes this relationship harder because I’m falling for him with every word from his lips. The second I step out of the diner, he says, “Did you miss me?”
“Totally missed you,” I say, throwing my arms around him. I hope I don’t smell too gross being in a diner all day. He growls, and wraps me up, kissing me gruffly.
“I could eat you up.”
“Are you telling me I smell like food? Do I need a shower?” I playfully teased although underneath I couldn’t be more insecure.
“I think you smell good either way, but if you feel better washing off the fries, I’ll understand.”
“Do we have time?”
He slides his hand in my hair and then kisses my temple. When he pulls his lips, I’m a puddle of mush. “Baby girl, we have time for that if you want. I’m at your service my dear,” he says, stepping back and taking a bow.
“How charming. Please take me home so I can freshen up.” I smile at him, tilting my head.
“Great. Hop in.” I stop with my mouth open. He’s holding the door to a car that probably costs nearly a hundred thousand dollars. Seriously, there’s so much that I don’t know about him and that makes us different.
“Stop that. It’s just a car.”
“Just a car? I have a car that came out before I was old enough to drive.”
“You’re only twenty, so that’s not saying much.”
“Okay, so it’s not that old, but it was used when I got it is what I mean. Well, that’s not the point. It’s older than that and it needs work. I’m just pointing out we’re very different and…”
“And you’re going to let that get in the way of our relationship?” he questioned.
“It’s kind of a big deal.”
“Look for two damn days all I thought about was you when I should be working. When I was listening to someone from Denmark talking about figures, all I could picture was the smile on your face as the kids from the Special Olympics passed by in the parade. Your eyes lit up so brightly then I realized you were tearing up.”
“You noticed?”
“It was one of the few times I could look your way. And frankly, I paid particular attention to their float because I wanted them well protected.”
“That’s sweet.” He smiles at me and takes my hand in his. With a light kiss to it, he sets it between us and drives toward my house. Once on the road we make a little small talk, but nothing heavy. He walks me inside and my father is there with Jackie and they’re on the treadmill which was moved to the living area so we could keep a better eye on him during workouts.
Chapter Six
Owen
“Well look who it is. It’s good to see you again, Owen.”
“You’re looking sharp, sir.” It’s a miracle that he survived a heart attack and is recovering so well to be with his family again. He looks rejuvenated.
“Excuse me. I need to hurry up,” Autumn says, excusing herself.
“Okay, beautiful.” I wink and she runs up the stairs. It takes all my strength to keep my head forward and away, to avoid looking up at her sexy ass as it jiggles up the steps.