Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“What are you doing here?” She stands on the tips of her toes, looking at the interior of my truck. Instead of asking if I have Case, she’s scoping it out herself.
“Giving you a ride home.” I move away from my truck, taking my time as I walk closer to Sutton. She drops flat on her feet. “Case is at home, hopefully fast asleep. Can’t imagine he’s not tuckered out from the day and crashing from the sugar rush.” What seems like relief makes her shoulders sag. I’m not sure what that’s all about. Maybe she didn’t want Case to see her so tired. Maybe she’s worried he'll be too tired at school tomorrow if he were with me. Maybe there’s another reason, but calming down her nerves is easier said than done.
“Oh, that’s good. I mean, not the sugar rush, but him sleeping,” Sutton replies, staying put, and while my hands literally ache to reach out and touch her, she’s giving out don’t-touch-me vibes.
“Not worried about him having a sweet tooth, babe. I’d be more worried if he didn’t. You’ve seen the food my family packs away in the dessert department. Hell, Maeve keeps the main house stocked as well as help the places in Arrowleaf.” Sutton sways closer to me. I’m not sure if that’s voluntary or not. Could be she likes the heat my body is giving off, could be she’s so damn tired that standing up is a damn chore.
“That’s very true.” A small smile appears on her face, soft and somewhat hesitant, but still, it’s nice to see her face light up a bit.
“Ready to head home?” I ask her. Last time I found her walking on the street, it took a few minutes to cajole her into the truck. I’m hoping tonight won’t be one of those times, especially with the temperatures dropping rapidly. I don’t even want to think about the old house Ms. Taylor handed down to her. The place doesn’t look like it’s been updated in the past twenty years. I can’t imagine what it takes to keep the small place; not like I can go inside and look, either. Fucking Shane Sullivan.
“I’m too tired to argue.” Sutton lets her guard down. Fucking finally. My hand slides to her lower back, unable to refrain any longer. The layers of clothes are the only thing holding me back from feeling more of her.
“You won’t hear me complaining.” I guide her toward the passenger side of the truck. The heat is blasting inside; I kept my vehicle idling outside the diner. I had high hopes this wouldn’t take long, and given my truck is a diesel, leaving it on wouldn’t be a problem. It’s not like Arrowleaf is full of crime. You can just about leave your keys in your car, do whatever you need, come back, and your car will still be there. Not to mention, hardly anyone locks their doors at home. I sure hope to hell Sutton does, though.
“Okay, big guy,” she mutters beneath her breath. I shake my head, grab the handle, and open the door for her. I don’t let her go until she’s firmly in her seat, and even then, I’m grabbing the seatbelt, hold it out for her, and wait as she takes it from me. There’s no goddamn way I’ll lock it in place. The lure of touching her body in any way, shape, or form is already too damn strong. I can’t trust myself when I’m close to her, too close. Yeah, no doubt I wouldn’t be able to hold back from kissing her pretty lips.
“You good?” I ask, waiting for her to get situated.
“Yeah, Ryland. I am. I’m really good.” My eyes are locked on her, watching as she wets her lips, tongue sliding out, and I have to hold back a groan.
“Let’s get you home.” A slight nod is all she gives me. I back away, shut the door, and make my way around the front of the truck. I’ve got to figure out a way to convince Sutton to accept the massive bag of goodies Mom put me in charge of tonight. I don’t think she realizes just how stubborn the woman in the cab of my truck is. It’s a good thing I’m up for a challenge.
The only problem I can see is if Shane happens to be home. The last time I gave her a ride home, she was hesitant. I half expected her to ask me to drop her off a street away, if not a few houses down from hers. I wouldn’t have done it. I’ve got a feeling there’s more to her husband than meets the eye, and not in a good way. I mean, what kind of man calls himself a man without a job? I’m not talking about a man being down on his luck, got laid off, and is trying to find work. Shane hasn’t worked since the moment he shacked up with Sutton, and as far as I can tell, she’s doing all the damn work for the sorry piece of shit.