Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
“Wow, this is really good,” I say in a musical tone. “Thanks for putting all this together. You didn’t have to.”
Harris shrugs, although I can see harsh streaks on his high cheekbones.
“It’s no problem,” he growls. “It’s your last day here, after all.”
I nod.
“Yeah, I’m going to miss Oakdale,” is my rueful remark. “I thought I couldn’t wait to get out of here, but now, I realize I’m going to miss the things that make it special.”
Harris shoots me an amused look.
“Like what? I didn’t know Oakdale had that much to offer its teen population.”
I grin.
“Well, I’ll miss the roller skating rink, that’s for sure. I know it’s for kids mostly, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the Roller Roo.”
The streaks on Harris’s high cheekbones merely deepen, and am I mistaken, or do his big hands grip the washcloth even tighter? But he nods even as those blue eyes flash.
“You’re really great on skates, Mari,” he acknowledges. “That first place finish I witnessed was spectacular.”
I giggle because he’s referring to the rink’s annual Summer Dance-Off. It’s not even really a competition, come to think of it. They just blast the music really loud, and then people put on their skates and boogie in the middle of the rink. Of course, I went with every intention of winning. I put on hot pink short shorts, a cropped tank top tied under my big breasts, and tied my hair in two pigtails. Then, fluffy pink pom-poms on my skates completed my picture, and sure enough, I was awarded first prize. Not that I did any skanky moves or anything because I actually am a good skater. It’s just that I know that the judges like girls who dress up, and I was a shoo-in for first place.
The real prize, however, was having Harris watch me for the entire duration of the two-hour competition. I don’t think he meant to stay that long, but my slithery dancing, infectious energy, and big booty swinging back and forth captivated him. I saw how he stood in the shadows, those blue eyes glued to my tits and ass for the most part. Of course, he made conversation with some of the middle-aged ladies of Oakdale who flirted him, but I know he never lost sight of me.
But again, nothing came of it. The electricity between us has flowed steadily for a year now, but he’s never made a move, and neither have I. Am I going to go to college with this connection unacknowledged? It makes me a little sad, but if that’s the way that life is, then there’s nothing I can do about it.
Popping the last bite of my toast into my mouth, I shoot my stepdad a saucy smile.
“I’ll go up and change, and then we can head out,” I say.
“Sure thing,” he says in that deep baritone. “Is this all your luggage? I’ll put it in the car.”
“It is,” I say, nodding at the three suitcases by the door. “I’ve decided to leave Lady Lamb behind because I’m in college now. There’s no place for her, so you can cuddle her when you miss me.”
Harris’s laughter trails me up the stairs, and I make sure to give an extra wiggle to my behind as I leave the kitchen. The image of my stepfather cuddling the plush lamb in his muscled arms is kind of sweet, actually. Is that how he would cuddle a baby? What if I had his baby? Would he want that?
Oh my god, what are you thinking? the voice in my head squeals. Mari, you are one sick woman.
But still, the thought of a baby with Harris makes my heart melt, and I pause at the top of the second floor landing. I’d like to be a mom someday, and the thought of being a young mother has always appealed to me too. I’d like to watch my belly grow big with a child inside, and it makes me flush to think of Harris putting his baby there. Would he want to father a child with me? Is having kids even part of his life plan? The truth is that I have no idea. I’m not sure if he and my mom ever talked about starting a family together, but my guess is that Jeannette was totally against it. She had me young, and always says that I took “the best of her youth.” Thanks Mom. I appreciate the sentiment.
But now, the handsome older man and I are embarking on a road trip together. Harris and I won’t see each other for a few months afterwards, so I’d love for something to happen on this journey. But will he make a move? Or will I have to take things into my own hands?
CHAPTER 4
Harris
What the fuck is going on? I can’t believe it. Concordia is a seven hour drive from Oakdale, so our road trip includes a night in Clayburn, a small town on the way. I reserved two rooms at the Clayburn Inn, but now, the receptionist is giving me some bullshit about how one of the rooms isn’t available.