Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
“I do. It’s a horrible thing to have to deal with.” My words were soft, and he nodded as he gazed off into the distance.
“Walking into the house to see such a scared little girl, and then what happened to her mom, was one of the worst crime scenes I’ve been to. I’m thankful that Elyse survived it. I’m also glad that she didn’t see anything. I looked at her as a daughter after that night, particularly since her father didn’t seem to make an effort.” He blinked and looked back at me. “I like to make sure she’s happy and stable, more than anything. She’s never been with someone like this.”
“I make sure every day that she’s taken care of. I can promise you that.” I made sure for him to understand what I was saying, and he nodded.
“She’s happy. Keep it that way, and since my wife wants her over for dinner, feel free to join Elyse. I want to get to know you.”
“Since you’re a fan, would you like to see some games? I have tickets to give out to people, and I think one of our officers fits the bill,” I offered as I watched his eyes gleam.
“If you could, that would be great. I watch as much as I can.” He nodded, and I opened my passenger door. Perry saw the flowers and nodded with approval.
“Good man. The women love flowers. I bring them to my wife a few times a month.”
“Drop your business card off with Elyse and I’ll get something set up concerning the tickets. Have a good night, okay?” I said, and he turned to walk to his house. I carried the flowers in one arm and made my way to her door, tapping gently. Elyse pulled it open and gasped when she saw the flowers.
“What are those for?” Her eyes were wide, and I chuckled as she let me in, and I headed to the kitchen to set the vase on the counter.
“Do I need a reason to bring a beautiful woman beautiful flowers?” I turned to look at her once they were secure and understood that she’d never been given anything like this before. “I just want to spoil you a bit.”
She looked at the flowers and smelled them. “Thank you.” She hugged me, and we left for dinner, ending up at a small Italian place that was romantic and a spot we could talk. I had a corner they sat me in, and I watched as Elyse took the booth before I slid in beside her. I ordered water to start, planning to sort through other drinks as we looked over the menu. Elyse giggled and said she was fine without wine tonight, and we stuck with water and our entrées.
The food was incredible, and we talked about what Lucas asked her. He wanted to give her a section of the gallery to display her work as well as some studio space in the back. It was a good offer, though I didn’t appreciate who it came from. Elyse stared at me as she told me, and I could see the worry in her eyes. “Are you okay with all of this?”
“I don’t like it, but I’m not going to act like a caveman. I know you’re with me, love. You know that I love you.” I thought about the box in my pocket and smiled before kissing her hand.
“I’m not the girl to pursue anything when I love the person I’m with. I didn’t know that before now, but it’s true. You have nothing to worry about.”
“What would you like to do?” I asked as she smiled at me.
“You’re romantic. I like that.” Elyse thought for a moment. “It’s not too cold out yet. Want to walk along the shops and get something hot to drink?”
“As long as you’re comfortable,” I promised, and we paid the bill and headed out. Elyse was happy to walk along and window-shop, entering a few stores to take a closer look at some things. I was recognized a few times, but the people were respectful about it, and I nodded at them. We finally got cold and headed back to the car, where I asked where she wanted to go.
We settled on my house, and I drove there, parking in my spot. We hurried to my door and I let us in, locking the door behind us. She decided that she wanted wine, and I poured her a glass and got myself a beer. We settled on the couch, and she kissed me with a familiar hunger as I set my bottle down. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer, moving her to my lap. Elyse moaned and ran her hands over my body as I pressed up against her.