Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
It’s early evening when I slide the key into his lock. The sky overhead rumbles, promising summer thunderstorms soon. The town is expecting several days of severe weather and most of the local businesses are closing this week, including the auto shop. It’s another reason I’m thankful to be at Roman’s place. I won’t have to spend the week cooped up in that wretched trailer.
The moment I’m in the door, I take in a deep breath of the pine scent. The wood paneling makes the place feel cozy and cheerful. It feels like home every time I step in here. When I see those exposed beams and the window wall, the green valley of trees below fills me with a sense of calm.
I drop my duffel bag near the door and unpack the groceries. I move around his kitchen as if it’s my own. Except mine is never this clean. No, there are usually beer cans and cigarettes and too many dirty dishes for me to have the space to cook a meal.
As soon as I get the money together, I’m moving into my own place. For now, the priority is staying on top of the interest for the loans. If I can hang on a little longer, things will turn around. They have to.
I preheat the oven as I wander around the cabin. I’m making chicken parmesan tonight. When I stay at Roman’s cabin, I like to prepare a delicious dinner and some dessert. I always wrap up the leftovers and leave them in his fridge, so he has plenty to eat. He’s a grown man, and it’s crazy that I worry so much about him.
“He can get by on his own, can’t he?” I ask Chester as the tabby cat comes in through the pet door and greets me. He kneads himself against my legs, and I lean down to pet him. I feed his tropical fish next, pausing by the aquarium to talk to them.
The power flickers, but I don’t worry. Roman has a generator. If the place loses electricity, I’ll start it so the filtration system on the tank can keep running. His fish will be fine under my watchful eye.
I water all the plants, even though they look green and healthy. Roman doesn’t own any flowering plants or anything pretty. It’s all ivy that flows in long tendrils.
I’m changing the water in Chester’s bowl even though it looks clean when I hear it. It’s the distinct scrape of a key in a lock, and my heart starts pounding. My mountain man is home early.
2
ROMAN
I stand in the garage, a million filthy thoughts going through my head. There are so many dirty things I want to do with my beautiful mechanic. I want to get under her hood and spend hours exploring her curvy body.
The overalls she wears are a size too big, and it makes me mad that she doesn’t have any of her own. I discreetly glance around. Her brother isn’t here. She’s the only one working. He’s left her alone without any backup. Anyone could wander by and hurt her. The thought has me clenching my fingers into a fist in my pocket.
No, that won’t happen. Hale’s gym is next door, and he’ll watch over her. I know he will. Whenever I’m out of town, I always have one of my friends guarding her. But even knowing they have eyes on her, there’s still a sour taste in my mouth. It started two weeks ago when Blade, a friend of mine, revealed to me that Gabby has been staying at hostels some nights.
I already knew that she was crashing in my cabin. It fills me with pride to know she feels like my home is her home. Like I’m providing for her. But knowing that she’s staying at hostels has anger rising in me.
It’s everything I can do not to grab her now. I want to push her against the nearest wall and demand she tell me all of her secrets. Something tells me that won’t work. She’s headstrong and independent. She has to earn her way, and I’ll give Gabby her pride. For now.
She coughs, eyes watering, and I want to go to her. I want to thump her on the back, but I know the moment I get my hands on this curvy woman, I’ll never let her go.
It’s everything I can do not to touch her whenever I’m around her. It’s why I’m always pocketing my hands. What would she say if I leaned over and touched her now? Brushed back the strands of her ponytail from her shoulder and pressed a feather-light kiss to her forehead. Never been the type of man to want to show affection, but it’s different with Gabby. She awakens new urges in me.
She’s the first woman in a long-time that hasn’t thrown herself at me. Most women are either fascinated by my murder conviction and desperate to have a ride on the wild side with the felon or they’re fascinated by my bank account and angling for a ring. Neither type appeals to me.