Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
“Why do you care?” She looks at me like it’s a challenge.
I think of all the things I could say to her in that moment. Because I feel protective of you, because I want you more than my next breath, because I’ve fallen in love with a woman who won’t look at me.
Instead I simply say, “Because.”
She lets out a long sigh and looks at my arms. “It’s for a wedding. My best friend is getting married and it’s out of town.”
So many thoughts roll through my mind, but the one I hate the most is, what if she meets someone there? I can’t take that chance.
“No.” Now it’s my turn to cross my arms over my chest.
“No? You can’t be serious.” Color rises in her cheeks as she takes a step closer to me. She looks like she’s been holding in her anger for a long time, and I’ve just opened the door for her to let it loose. “No? Do you have any idea what I do for this place? I wake up at four in the morning every day to get here for the early coffee crowd. I’m on my feet for hours, busting my ass for an owner who only comes in at closing to criticize my way of doing things. I’ve worked my fingers to the bone trying to get this place to where I know it can be, and instead of praising me for the profit I’ve managed to turn on this shop, you scowl at me and tell me I can’t have time off.” She huffs like she’s out of breath.
I drop my arms and she presses her body against mine as she points her finger in my face.
“You might own this place, but it would be nothing without me.”
“You’re right.” My voice is low and rumbles between us as I reach down. I let one finger trace the edge of her hip as I lean closer to her. “I’m nothing without you.”
Before I can stop myself I grab her by the hips and lift her up as I swing around. I pin her against the wall and growl just before my mouth covers her. The kiss is searing hot, and when she cries out I let my tongue sweep inside. Her hands fist my hair to pull me away but only for a second. She whimpers and then I feel myself being tugged close as I grind my body against her.
Chapter Three
Jenna
Lucas can barely sit still, he's so excited about his first trip on a plane. His excitement makes me happy and I wish I could afford to do more things like this for us. One day maybe I will, but for now I’m happy that he’s mine and not with my mother.
“I get the window?” Lucas asks me for the tenth time, making me laugh.
“Yes, you get the window.” I stand when they call our boarding group and Lucas holds my hand.
“You ready?” I say, and he nods as they scan our passes.
“Born ready.” He takes off, almost dragging me behind him, but he has to slow down when we catch up to the people in front of us. When we finally get to the entrance, Lucas stops to touch the outside of the plane door as we step on.
“Of course Erin did this,” I mumble to myself when I look down at our seat numbers and the overhead assignment. “This is us.” I usher Lucas into the first class seat that could easily fit two of him.
“This is awesome.” He starts opening everything and I lean back in the chair, watching him.
I should have known Erin would get something pricey after I told her not to. I’m not going to dwell on it, though, because this trip is about having fun and relaxing. It’s also about not thinking about Reed. Which is all I have been able to do these past few days.
The man is driving me crazy. Who kisses someone like that and then disappears? Did I suck at it? It was explosive and I have no idea where all that passion and hunger came from. When he lifted me off my feet I was lost in him. The world stood still for a moment and it was only the two of us. Did he not feel it too? I guess not if he so easily walked away.
The next day I saw he put the days off I wanted back on the calendar. At least he was listening to me. Now I’m going to have to deal with this dumb crush. Before, I thought Reed was sexy, but now I know he has a mouth that’s made for sinning. That shouldn’t be shocking from looking at him.
What I don’t understand is why he kissed me. He’s loaded and I don’t miss all the women who do double-takes when he’s in the coffee shop. He doesn't seem to notice, but I do, and it annoys me when it shouldn't. If anything it’s good for business, but not so great for sanity. He would break my heart and that’s not something I can deal with right now. I have my hands full working and taking care of Lucas. I don’t need another complication.