Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Although we’re very much settled these days, hearing him voice a future with me in such an important way has me lifting on my toes to kiss him. When I drop down, I say, “You didn’t have to change for me.”
“Sure I did. I want to be the man you deserve to have in your life, and I’m willing to earn my way each day as long as I don’t lose you.”
The steam from the shower has long since dissipated. I know I’m melting because of his words, though, and not the heat that remains. I lean against him, my cheek brushing against the fine material as he holds me. “I don’t want to lose you either.”
When I met him, I slept with this man out of pure selfish desire. That turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.
Even in this love that I feel for him, I laugh. “I feel a little underdressed for that kind of declaration.”
He chuckles. “You have a really nice ass, babe.”
I realize he’s staring in the mirror. Pushing him away, I laugh. Taking the towel from my head, I wrap it around me, wanting to finish this conversation despite the lack of caffeine in my system. I ask, “Do you really want to move in together, or do you just feel like that’s what we’re supposed to do?”
“I don’t give a flying fuck about rules when it comes to relationships. We should always do what feels right for us. Fuck all the other stuff.” He checks his watch and sighs. “I need to go, but there’s no rush to answer.” Cupping my cheek, he says, “Think about it, and we’ll talk when you’re ready.” He kisses my temple and heads to the door. “I’ll see you at our usual ten o’clock?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
After giving me a quick wink, he leaves.
I’m not left guessing where he stands or how he feels about me. He not only tells me openly, but he shows me every day. Thinking about how amazing he is with Max has my heart so full that it feels as though it might burst. I thought this kind of happiness was only found in fairy tales, but it’s become my real life. All because of that man. And he thinks I need time to figure things out. I don’t.
I already know exactly what I want to do and what’s best for Max. I start running. Swinging open the front door, I hurry out and call his name, hoping to catch him before he gets on the elevator. “Noah?”
The elevator doors close, and my heart sinks just a little. I shrug it off because I can tell him during our daily scheduled appointment at the office. I laugh to myself, knowing full well we never get any work done during those meetings.
When I turn around, my mouth falls open. Oh no. I rush to the apartment door and turn the knob, praying it didn’t close all the way and lock me out. Shaking it, I stupidly kick it in a failed attempt to bust it open. I know it’s Fort Knox, though, because I had the locking devices installed on it. “Dammit.”
Of course, this is the day Cassandra took Max for an early sing-along at the children’s museum. With Noah still on the elevator, he’s my only hope. I tighten the towel around me and head for the stairs. Twelve flights. I can only hope that I catch him before he reaches the street, and I don’t get a foot fungus from this stairwell. Ew.
I might also be hoping he gets stuck on every floor. I keep running, but even downhill, this is a bitch of a workout. By the time I reach the third floor, my thigh muscles begin to shake. When I push through the lobby door on the first floor, every muscle in my body is on fire.
Twelve damn floors but I made it. I call out before I even reach the other side of the elevator, “Noah?” My dirty feet slapping against the marble floors, I race toward the exit to the street.
There’s no one, no one but me in the lobby. “Dammit,” I say, angry with myself for running into the hall like an idiot without a key. I bend forward, resting my hands on my knees to catch my breath.
I’m stuck and need a new plan since the desk attendant isn’t anywhere to be found. Like this isn’t embarrassing or anything, I could wait for someone to come off the elevator and ask to use their phone. I have no choice, but my head is still dropped in humiliation. “I can’t believe I’ll have to do this.”
I right myself, so glad this tuck of the towel seems to want to stay in place. But just in case, I hold it for my walk of shame. When I turn around, I’m greeted by hazel eyes and a smile that I know like the back of my hand.