Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 33401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
And when I took Renae out for lunch one day and slipped her a check for five thousand dollars to put toward Bailey's bills for the next six months, I knew I had her firmly in my pocket. That girl loves her best friend. It was an easy way for Renae to see that I could support Bailey and take care of her needs. That was when her grumbling and suspicious stares faded into smiles.
During the day, Bailey and I built our future brick-by-brick. And at night, I fucked her until she sobbed my name. All the while, I fell more and more in love with her.
Why haven't I told her? I guess a part of me has been holding out on the idea that she'll confess first. I hate to admit it, but there's a part of my heart that’s soft for this woman—a part that would celebrate her telling me that she loved me first. But if that isn't going to happen, then I'll fucking do it myself. I've had the words ready to burst out of me for too long now, and I'm tired of not being able to tell her.
Tonight, I'm cooking her a romantic dinner and finally, finally, laying my cards out on the table.
I'm so busy putting the finishing touches on my masterpiece that I don't hear the front door open or Bailey's footsteps across the kitchen floor. She stops short when she sees me, her eyebrows raised, and her lips parting.
"Well, hey." Her eyes travel from my face down to the apron I'm wearing, and Bailey giggles. "What's all this?"
"I made you dinner."
Bailey sets her bag down and walks closer, smiling at the candlelit table. "You didn't have to do this."
"I know I didn't have to. I wanted to." I turn away from her, slide the steak off the pan and onto a serving platter, and set the lid back on. Then, I reach out a hand and tug her against my chest. "How are you, beautiful girl?"
"Good." Bailey tilts her head back and winds her arms around my neck. "Really good."
I lean down, brushing my lips against hers. "Good."
Bailey goes onto her tiptoes, pressing her lips harder to mine. I growl deep in my chest, and my hands slide down to her ass, squeezing. "Don't get started, baby girl," I murmur against her mouth, "or you'll find yourself bent over the kitchen counter, and dinner will get cold."
Her eyes sparkle and Bailey nips at my lower lip. "Maybe that's what I want."
I chuckle and swat her ass. "Sit down. I've been waiting all day for you, and I'm hungry."
Bailey slides into her chair and smooths her hand down her dress. It's a soft pink and hugs her curves. My little girl has been dressing up for dinner lately, and it's driving me mad. I like knowing she's going to be looking her prettiest for me, but I also like knowing that her gorgeous body is all mine under those clothes.
"Tell me about your day, baby."
Bailey props her chin in her hand and launches into a description of Keith's latest antics, which seems to involve him and a few of the gym members going out for drinks after class. She talks about Mark and a few of the other trainers, and I smirk.
"Renae went out with Keith and the guys, huh?"
Bailey lifts an eyebrow. "How did you know?"
I shrug. "Lucky guess."
Her laugh makes me grin, and we finish our steaks. When Bailey moans and reaches for a second helping, pride swells in my chest. I love providing for her, love seeing her looking healthy and happy.
"Did you make dessert?" she asks. Her eyes are wide, and I smirk.
"No, baby girl. But I have something else in mind to finish off the night.”
Her smile is slow and seductive. "Oh, that sounds wonderful."
I stand and take both our plates, rinsing them and sticking them in the dishwasher. I hear Bailey come around the counter and her little inhale when she finds the red gift bag with her name on it. I don't even turn around, a wicked grin spreading across my face. "Go ahead, baby."
She makes a happy noise, pulling the tissue paper out and digging in. There are three things inside—one that I know is going to be an instant hit, and the other two that I think are going to make her a little nervous…but in the best way.
I turn to watch her pull out the long black velvet box that holds the diamond tennis bracelet. Bailey opens it and gasps, her eyes wide. "Porter..."
"Put it on, sweetheart."
She does, her fingers fumbling with the clasp, and turns her wrist so the gems catch the light. "It's gorgeous."
"Just like my girl."
Bailey steps forward and wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly. My hands stroke her hair and travel down her back, cupping her ass. She sighs and tilts her head back, pouting at me. "I can't afford to get you anything like this."