Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Kincaid was right about the heavy lifting. I’m just a hair over five feet-three inches, and there would’ve been no way I could lug all the bags of dirty fertilizer, and mulch. Snatch was very helpful in that aspect.
When Emmalyn mentioned working in the garden, I assumed for some reason that she was talking about fruits and vegetables. Instead of stopping in that area of the nursery, she went straight to the beautiful array of flowers on display.
“I thought you were going to grow okra and tomatoes,” I tell her as she makes her way around the various flats of flowers.
She huffs. “I watched a few videos, and there’s no way I’m that dedicated to that idea. Growing food takes a lot of work.”
Snatch trails behind us with a pull cart, waiting for her to point at the ones she wants.
“Any idea what kind you want?”
“I don’t have a clue,” she says. “They all look so… bush like.”
Snatch laughs. “We’re in the middle of the desert, Em.”
She frowns, but points to a few of the most colorful plants, and Snatch loads them on the cart. A few minutes in line at the checkout and we’re loaded up and heading back to the clubhouse.
“It’s so damn hot out here,” Emmalyn says an hour later as she wipes her brow with the back of her hand.
“Pretty warm,” I respond looking up at the New Mexico sun blaring down on us.
She decided the clubhouse needed some curb appeal, so we’re planting the flowers on either side of the steps leading to the front door.
I hear another motorcycle pull up, but this time, I don’t stop my work to see who it is. Bikers have been coming and going all day, but none of them have been Kid. I haven’t asked Emmalyn about him because I don’t want to seem overeager.
A shadow crosses over my back, causing me to stop digging in the dirt. I look and see Kid standing behind me. He’s smiling, but he looks absolutely exhausted. I roll my lips behind my teeth as I stand to greet him. I want to ask him where he’s been, what he’s been doing, but I know I have no right.
“It’s good to see you out of your room,” he says reaching up and stroking his finger across my cheek. I almost groan at the contact. Crazy how much I missed him today; it’s only been twelve or so hours since I saw him last. “Dirt,” he says pulling his hand away and showing me the smudge on his fingertips.
“I’m filthy,” I say looking down at my yoga pants and t-shirt that was light blue a few hours ago. It’s now covered in dirt and grime.
He cracks a mischievous grin.
“I’ll let you ladies get back to it,” he says turning toward Emmalyn and kissing her on the head as he passes.
I bristle. Not at the fact that he gave her a friendly peck on the head, but because he didn’t grace me with the same.
I work a little longer, but the urge to go inside and see him keeps me from focusing on the task at hand.
“I’m going to grab us some water,” I tell Emmalyn as I climb the stairs leading to the doorway.
“That’d be great,” she says with a knowing grin.
I know there are a few of the guys here, but I’m grateful none of them are in the main room as I make my way to the kitchen. I frown, finding this room empty as well. I grab two cold bottles of water from the fridge and hold one to the back of my neck.
As I turn to leave, Kid walks into the kitchen. Startled at my presence there, he stops in his tracks. I smile brightly at him when all I really want to do is run into his arms. That would be childish, so I refrain.
We each cross the room and meet in the middle.
“I missed you today,” he says tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“I missed you this morning when I woke up alone.”
“I had to go for a ride, clear my head,” he says softly.
“What’s got your head all fogged up?” I’m near breathless as he takes a step closer.
“You,” he whispers in my ear, his warm breath teasing the stray loose hair at my nape.
A tingle of arousal runs down my back, goosebumps gracing my skin.
“Is that so?” I ask tilting my head slightly to give him better access if he so chooses to need it.
“Ummhmm.”
I hear him take a deep breath, and momentarily I become self-conscious, afraid I stink since I’ve been working outside and sweating.
“You smell incredible,” he says easing my fears.
He pulls his head back slightly only to fix his eyes on my mouth.
“Kiss me,” I whisper. It’s worked twice in the past, so I’m taking my chances again.