Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 99(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 99(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Sinclair is washing the last of the pans when he asks, “What did you get for dessert?”
“Fucking hell.” I almost smack my goddamn forehead at the fucking oversight. My mind races. In the flurry of prepping, I’d completely overlooked a final note for the meal. “I didn’t even think about dessert,” I admit, drumming my fingers on the countertop.
“No worries.” He shakes his head, adding, “Big brother will take care of everything.” Sinclair sighs like a disappointed parent. “I’ll swing by the bakery and grab something while you finish straightening up the house.”
With a decisive nod and a parting jibe about ‘powering down the kitchen from DEFCON 1,’ Sinclair heads out the door.
The moment he’s gone, I survey the area, plotting my next move while my dog snores annoyingly across the room.
Time slips by faster than I anticipate, each moment filled with dusting, adjusting, and picking apart thoughts of how tonight might unfold.
I’m pacing the floor when the front door swings open and Sinclair struts in, sweet victory radiating from the bakery box he holds aloft.
“Behold! The pièce de résistance.” He places the box carefully on the counter. “It’s some kind of raspberry dark chocolate torte,” he announces. “I bought one to bring home to Amelia.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “I’m hoping she’ll show her appreciation later tonight.”
I gag dramatically. “I don’t need to hear all the specifics.”
“I don’t care. I’m taking Angus with me.” He chuckles and heads for the door with my dog on his heels. “I do want the specifics, so I’ll bring your dog back tomorrow and get all the details.”
“Yes, Dad,” I call to him as he leaves with my traitorous canine following happily behind him.
Chapter 7
Sullivan
The moment I hear the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway, my heart does this odd little flip. My nerves are bouncing up and down like a kid on a sugar high. Before I even realize it, I’m sprinting out the front door, eager to see her, to open the door like some starstruck gentleman from an old movie.
And there she is. Romi. She steps out of the car, and I swear everything else blurs away. She looks so effortlessly gorgeous that I momentarily forget the entire English language. Her hair catches the golden rays of the sunset, and her smile—man, that smile could light up a room full of zombies and make them forget they ever had an appetite for brains.
“Hey, sweetheart,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual while grinning like a complete fool.
“Hi,” she responds softly, with a spark in her eyes that makes me want to pull her into my arms immediately.
Unable to resist, I do just that. I gather her against me, feeling the warmth of her body as electric chemistry swirls around us. I tilt her chin gently and cover her lips with mine.
Time unravels, and it's just the two of us in this perfect slice of eternity. Her lips are soft and inviting, and I nibble a little on her juicy bottom lip before sliding my tongue into her mouth.
Her curves melt against me, and I groan as my cock turns rock-hard from the feel of her soft body pressing against mine. My hands slide slowly down her back to cup her luscious ass. I lose track of time and place, losing myself in her perfect embrace.
Finally, lack of oxygen causes us to come up for air, and I chuckle a bit once I’m able to catch my breath. “It’s a good thing I don’t have neighbors," I pant. "Otherwise, we might have given them quite a show.”
She laughs, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Very lucky,” she breathes out and reaches up to wipe her lipstick from the corner of my mouth. “This color doesn’t work for you,” she teases.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I joke back, offering her my arm as I lead her inside, feeling the flutter of excitement for what’s coming.
As we step into the dining room, I’m suddenly grateful for all the time and effort Sinclair wisely nudged me to invest. The candles flicker on the table, casting a warm, intimate glow that complements the rich aroma of spices.
“Holy cow…” Romi trails off, looking around, clearly impressed. “Your home is stunning.”
“I’m glad you like it.” I gesture for her to follow me into the kitchen. “Have a seat and I’ll get you a glass of wine.”
“Thank you.” She sits on one of the barstools and watches as I grab two glasses and a bottle of wine. I pour us each a glass and hand hers to her.
“How was your day off?” I ask as I sip the wine Sinclair recommended.
“It was great, but it flew by.” She watches as I reach into the refrigerator for the marinated steaks and fresh vegetables.
“Days off seem to do that,” I mutter, grabbing everything I’ll need to grill our steaks. “I’m going to start the grill. It’s the perfect fall evening if you want to come out with me.”