Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
It was a mistake but this was likely the last time I would ever kiss this man and I wanted a good, hot memory to take with me after this. Eventually the need for oxygen, the sound of Mom’s voice growing closer and my need for sanity, ended the kiss too damn soon.
“We can’t,” I panted and stared up at him in deep frustration.
“You’re wrong Bella, about everything.”
Wrong about what? That’s what I wanted to ask but that was a question that indicated hope and I was fresh out of stock. I shook my head to ward off his words and that agonizing tone. “I know what I heard Derek and you know what? I’m more upset at myself than surprised that you were always eyeing the exit.”
“That’s because you haven’t gotten over the past,” he shot back angrily.
“Damn right I haven’t.” I admit that freely. “You can’t get over that kind of trauma easily. I loved school and you made me hate it, you made me suspicious of everyone and their motives. You made it so I didn’t even feel safe at school so excuse me if I’m not falling at your feet like every other woman on the fucking planet!”
“And I can’t tell you how fucking sorry I am Bella. I was a kid back then but worse, I was a coward. I couldn’t handle my feelings for you and I mistreated you and I will do whatever I can for as long as it takes for you to forget that or at least, to help you heal.”
I shook my head. “There’s no point. It’s not your problem, it’s mine and I’ll work on it myself.” Eventually. Maybe. Someday.
“You don’t understand Bella. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving you.”
I laughed and shook my head. “Sure you are. A reporter ambushed me earlier today and told me Vicki Jessop was in town.”
“She is,” he answered quickly. She’ll be here tomorrow to start recording a few new tracks. Here, in Carson Creek, because I want to be where you are.”
I heard his words but I refused to let myself believe them, no matter how many butterflies fluttered in my stomach or how my heart soared at the hope that his words were true. “Don’t double down by feeding me lies to assuage your guilt Derek. I knew who you were, hell the whole damn world knows who you are. You’ve made a name for yourself for breaking hearts and what did I do, fool that I am? I went and fell for you anyway. But again, that’s my problem, not yours. Now please leave.”
He let out an amused laugh and bracketed his arms on either side of my hips. “No.”
I shoved at his chest but he was an immovable brick wall. “Derek, I’m serious.”
“Me too. You’ve had your say and now I’ll have mine.” His gaze was more serious than I’d ever seen it and I nodded to let him speak his peace. “I’m glad to know that you’ve fallen for me Bella, because I’ve fallen for you too.”
“Derek,” I sighed.
“You’re listening right now,” he chided playfully. “I know I haven’t always been the best man to give your heart to or a good long-term bet but being fake attached to you was the most real relationship I’ve ever had and I don’t want my freedom. I want you. Day and night, you’re all I want Bella.”
I shook my head and Derek pressed three fingers to my lips.
“You heard Brody tell me that I was free, right?”
“Yeah, and I didn’t hear you deny it.”
“Then you weren’t listening.” He tipped my chin up and forced me to look at him. “I told him that I was in love with you and not looking to be free of you anytime soon. I also told him that as long as you’d have me, I would make my base right here in town just in case some farmer tries to move in on my girl.”
I laughed. “You did not.”
“Wanna bet? We can call Brody right now.”
“No thanks.”
“Because you believe me,” he said easily. “That’s good because I meant what I said Bella, I love you. I am in love with you and you are all I want.”
“Me and your career as a producer.”
He nodded. “Not sure farmer’s overalls are my fashion aesthetic.”
I laughed. “Are they anyone’s?”
He laughed but it quickly faded. “Tell me you love me too, Bella. Tell me that I’m not in this alone.”
“You’re not. I may need my head examined but you are not in this alone Derek. I love you too.”
His shoulders sank in relief and he pressed his hard body against mine as he pulled me into a hug. “That’s the best fucking news I’ve heard all day.”
I allowed myself to smile at his growled words, to soak up this moment and relish it as I committed it to memory. I pulled back and looked up at him. “Everest and I are a package deal Derek.”