Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
As he works beside me, a little awkward but determined, I feel that heat in my chest growing. Callum is full of surprises, and every time I think I have him figured out, he shows me another side of himself.
When we finish, I wipe the sweat from my forehead with my sleeve and grin at Callum. "Well, you did good for your first time mucking stalls," I tease, my voice playful but sincere. "Now I think we both need to get cleaned up if we’re going to be ready for our date."
He chuckles, shaking out his arms. "Yeah, I think I’ll need a shower after that."
We head inside, the excitement building as we both go our separate ways to get ready. I’m practically buzzing as I step into the shower, the hot water washing away the grime but not the butterflies that have taken up residence in my stomach. The Rusty Spur is the perfect place for our first official date, and I can’t wait to see how the night unfolds. I’ve never been on a date with my husband before, and the thought makes me both nervous and giddy.
Once I’m out of the shower and dressed, I take a moment to check my reflection. My hair is down, soft waves falling over my shoulders, and I’m wearing a casual but cute outfit—jeans, a fitted blouse, and my favorite boots. It’s simple, but I feel good, confident even, which isn’t something I usually feel when I think about going on dates.
As I step into the living room, my breath catches in my throat. Callum is already there, leaning against the wall, waiting for me and damn, he looks insanely hot. He’s dressed in dark jeans that fit him perfectly, a snug button-up shirt that shows off his broad shoulders and muscular arms, and his usual rugged charm is only enhanced by the way his hair falls just a little messier than usual. It’s almost unfair how good he looks.
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, we just stare at each other. The tension is there again, thick and electric, but this time it’s mixed with excitement. The air between us crackles, and I can’t help but smile as I take him in. He’s staring at me too, his gaze sweeping over me from head to toe, and I can tell by the way his eyes darken that he likes what he sees.
"Wow," Callum finally says, his voice low and rough in a way that sends a shiver down my spine. "You look... incredible."
I feel a blush creep up my neck as I smile, trying to play it cool even though his words make my heart race. "You clean up pretty well yourself."
We stand there for a second longer, the anticipation hanging in the air between us. This feels big, like we’re crossing another line, stepping into something new together. And I’m not nervous. I’m excited.
"You ready to go, Mrs. Atwood?" Callum asks, offering me his hand.
"More than ready," I reply, slipping my hand into his. The warmth of his touch sends a thrill through me as we walk out to his truck, the night ahead of us full of promise.
Chapter 22
Callum
I never saw this happening to me. Never. If you’d asked me two months ago if I ever thought there’d be a woman who’d have my head so warped that I was thinking about marrying her, I’d probably have kicked your ass and told you to ‘eat shit.’
However, as I gaze at my wife from across the dancefloor, I can’t help but think that the next two years aren’t going to be that bad.
In fact, as far as wives go…I think I’ve got the best one.
Seriously, Violet’s a dream. She makes me laugh, and she’s not afraid of a little hard work. She’s got a great sense of humor, and she knows how to get my heart racing with just one smile.
I think there’s something wrong with me, because I feel myself falling deeper and deeper into something I’ve never felt before.
Is this love?
No, can’t be.
Yet, when Violet smiles at me from across the floor, I feel my pulse quicken. She’s grabbing us both a drink from the bar while I hold onto the only high top table available. There’s a man talking to her, and I find myself frowning as I watch their interaction.
It’s clear Violet feels uncomfortable, and I wish the bartender would hurry up with our drinks.
The man leans in, snaking his arm around her waist.
Fuck the table.
I’m up and moving across the floor with so much speed you’d think I was on fire.
“Problem?” I say, trying to wedge my body between the man and Violet.
“No problem,” he slurs.
“Cal, everything’s okay,” Violet says, placing her hand on my chest.
“From where I was it didn’t look like everything was okay.” I glance at the man’s arm around Violet’s waist. “Mind unhanding my wife,” I grit out.