Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“Not happening,” he reminded himself and stormed out of the room, heading to his bedroom to change.
* * * *
They were so happening, Gabby thought. No matter what Maddox said. That kiss was the most incredible thing she’d ever felt. If he thought his silly words would deter her, he didn’t know her very well. Which he didn’t. Something she hoped to correct during her stay with him.
And though she might be a little innocent…okay, very innocent, she knew he’d been as into it as she was. Her panties were soaked and she’d felt the hard ridge of his erection pulsing against her lower body, evidence of his desire. She hadn’t asked to stay because she was fascinated by the sexy bartender, but she wouldn’t lie and say it wasn’t an added bonus to avoiding her family until she’d made some life decisions.
Once back in the bedroom, she put on her dress from last night, doing her best to smooth out the wrinkles and knowing she failed. Looks like she’d be experiencing the walk of shame without the benefit of any orgasms the night before. Based on how her body responded to Maddox, she wondered how easily he could be persuaded to change his mind about them.
Not that she planned to give him her virginity, but there were other things they could do and she was pretty certain a man who looked like him was talented. She wanted to be one of the recipients of what he could surely offer her. His hard muscles tempted her, and she wanted to run her hands over his tanned skin and lick every available inch of his tattoo.
Her phone rang, causing her to jump at the unexpected sound. She glanced at the screen. She squealed, grateful for the distraction from thinking of Maddox naked and took the call. “Hi, P!”
“Hi, yourself,” her sister, Penelope said. “Grandma tells me you had quite the night. Can I ask where you are?” The concern in her tone was obvious and Gabby sighed.
“I think it’s better if I don’t tell you. Plausible deniability, you know?”
“Then tell me you’re safe.”
“Very,” Gabby assured her. Penelope was the only other person that Gabby knew supported her. “I’m staying with a…friend.”
“You don’t have any real friends in the Hamptons, Gabby. Who are you with?”
She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “A good man. I swear. You need to trust me. I know what I’m doing. I refuse to marry or even date that asshole who won’t take no for an answer.”
“What?” her sister yelled. “Did he—”
“No! I kneed him in the balls and left the house but nobody cares. Nobody but Grandma, anyway. It’s time I take a stand, P. I have goals and things I want out of life. Not only don’t our parents approve, they actively blackballed me.”
Penelope sighed. “I’m know and I’m sorry. Their reach is far. But you have your painting, and you are so talented. Your canvases are natural and evoke so many emotions. Why not try to sell your work? I have everything you’ve done stored in the basement. Nobody can take that away from you.”
Closing her eyes, Gabby agreed. “Yeah.” She needed to believe in herself to take that step.
“Five minutes and I’m leaving,” Maddox called out, his voice deep through her closed bedroom door.
“I have to go but I’ll be in touch,” Gabby told her sister.
“Okay. I’m proud of you, holding out for true love and the life you want,” Penelope said, and in her words, Gabby heard her older sister’s regrets for marrying a man her parents had chosen. “I never had your passion or courage. I am happy, I have my baby and Stu is a good man. The guy they chose for you isn’t. Stand firm, Gabby. Love you.”
Gabby swallowed over the lump in her throat. “Love you, too. Can I ask one favor?”
“Anything. You know that.”
“Call Grandma. Tell her you heard from me and I’m safe, and I’ll get in touch when I’m ready. I’m sure mom or dad is monitoring her and her phone.”
Penelope sighed. “I will if you promise to keep in touch so I know you’re safe with your new friend.”
“Promise. Talk soon.” Gabby disconnected the call. After gathering her purse and taking a quick look in the mirror, she walked out to meet Maddox.
She found him standing by the front door, jingling his keys in one hand. “Ready!”
His gaze locked on hers and he frowned as he took in her outfit.
“Yes, I’m in yesterday’s clothes,” she said, reading his mind. “I can’t go out in your shirt, so I don’t have much of a choice. But once I stop at an ATM, I can fix that. I need to pull out some cash before my father either cuts me off or empties the account.”