Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
I stare at her, thrilled to see the light in her eyes. I can tell she’s genuinely happy about how her life is coming together. “I’ll help you pull weeds next summer.”
I say that without thinking it through. I’ve assumed our friendship will continue after the wedding, but we haven’t talked about that.
“I’d love that, Evie. I’d really love that.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN
Reid
I carefully open the box containing my watch collection. Although many of the timepieces are still functional, a few have fallen victim to tarnished parts and an unreliable supply chain.
I pick up a silver one crafted in France more than a century ago. The hands on the face haven’t moved in years. It’s never been on my wrist, but its beauty is timeless, like the woman currently asleep in my bed.
“Why are you creeping in your closet in the middle of the night?” A soft voice asks from behind me.
Bowing my head, I smile. My eyes close when I feel her arms wrap around me, her hands landing on my chest. She pushes her nude body into my back. “Are you all right?”
I’m not sure. Can a man who has built an impenetrable fortress around his heart be all right if a petite blue-eyed sorceress has found her way inside it?
I can’t pinpoint exactly when it happened, but I recognize what it is. I’m falling in love with Evangeline.
“I’m good,” I lie because I don’t know if I’ll ever be good again. The only way I could be is if she agrees to spend every single day I have left on this earth by my side.
That’s a big ask for someone who, less than two months ago, viewed me as nothing but a bastard of a boss.
“Turn around,” she says, a slight plea edging her voice. “I want to show you something.”
I bark out a laugh because judging by the way her hardened nipples are brushing against my skin and the heat emanating from my lower back as she presses her body into mine, she’s about to show me what I’ll crave forever. It’s her body. Beyond that, I want her heart. I want her.
I set the watch back in the case and slowly turn to find her just as I suspected. She’s completely nude. Her hair is a messy tangle around her face, and her lipstick is long gone from the kisses I planted on her mouth earlier. “What do you want to show me?”
She pulls a hand from behind her back to reveal her phone. “Lottie sent me a text message I think you’d like to see. She sent it hours ago, but I was kind of busy then and didn’t notice it.”
“You were busy fucking me.”
“Exactly.” She flings her hair behind her shoulder. “You should read it.”
“If it’s about place settings or what the table centerpieces should look like at the wedding reception, I’m not interested,” I tease. “If it’s a candid photo she took of you earlier when you were eating ice cream, give me the phone.”
When Evie first arrived at my apartment tonight after spending time with Lottie, she filled me in on their dinner disaster. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I dined on the best medium rare steak I’ve ever had, along with a stellar bottle of wine. I did all that with my cousin. Donovan appreciated the meal and the company.
“It’s a text from Randall to Lottie,” she tells me. “You need to read it.”
I cover my eyes. “If it’s something sexual, you’re fired.”
A light laugh flows from her. “I would never subject you to that. For the record, Lottie doesn’t share details about what goes on behind closed doors with her fiancé.”
“Good.” I lower my hand. “What does the text say?”
She shoves her phone at me. I have to take a full step back toward a small lamp in my closet to make out the text message. I read it out loud, “Reid is the best friend I’ve ever had. We’re closer than ever. He’s becoming like a brother to me again.”
I let those words sink in. I appreciate them and the man who shared that sentiment with the woman he loves. Randall has always been more open with his feelings than me. He grew up in an environment where everyone shared everything with each other. Bear hugs and spoken I love yous were always par for the course at his house.
“It’s nice,” Evie whispers. “He’s important to you too, isn’t he?”
That’s a loaded question. I can’t say that being Randall’s best man was an experience I longed for, but it’s a springboard to what I know will be a substantial business deal. I don’t see it as an either or situation. I can stand next to him as he marries the woman of his dreams and also be the man who helps him navigate through the sale of another business.