Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
I’m nervous. Holly and I started dating when I was sixteen years old. She was my everything, and now she’s not here. I have no doubt that if she still walked this earth that she would still be mine.
I’m excited though. Laken is gorgeous with her long red hair and those big hazel eyes. And she has a crush on me. I can’t help the smile that tilts my lips. She thinks I smell good, and I know for certain she does as well.
I’m turned on. Just thinking about the blush on her cheeks drives me mad. She’s all I’ve been able to think about. Earlier today, at the salon, I got too close. Her scent, something fruity, wrapped around me, the same as the night I carried her to her apartment. I want to kiss her lips. I need to know if they’re as soft as they look. And her skin, I’m sure, will be like silk under my touch.
I don’t know what tonight is going to hold, but I know that I have to try. Laken makes me want to try, and that’s something. That’s me feeling again. More than just love for my daughters and pain from the loss of my late wife.
She makes me want to live.
Chapter 11
Laken
“This is a bad idea,” I tell my sister. I’m sitting on a kitchen chair while she does my makeup.
“Explain that statement,” she says, as she continues to brush eyeshadow across my eyelids.
I don’t reply. I can’t explain it. It’s not a bad idea, not really. It’s just that I’m nervous as hell. I’ve crushed on Grayson for years. Years. For some reason, we’ve been thrust into each other's lives a lot lately, and well, now we’re going on a date.
“You do realize you are the first woman he’s asked out since losing his wife.”
“How do you know that?”
“Really, Laken? This is Mason Creek. Besides, the MC Scoop says so, so you know it must be true.” She chuckles. “Furthermore, you live here. Have you seen or heard of him dating? You know damn good and well if he had, Tate would have been all over that.”
“No. He’s— No, not that I know of.” She’s right. There’s nothing that happens in Mason Creek without everyone in town finding out about it. Part of the reason is Tate and her blog, and the other half, well, that’s just small-town living. It’s a blessing and a curse. Everyone knows everyone’s business, but at the same time, we rally around our own.
We’re more than just neighbors. We’re family.
“Breathe, Laken. You’re going to dinner with a man who is clearly interested in you. We both know that Grayson isn’t one to play around. He’s one of the good ones. It’s just dinner.”
“Right.” I nod. “Just dinner.”
“Exactly.” She pulls back and smiles. “You look beautiful, little sis.”
Standing, I make my way to the small bathroom and stare at my reflection in the mirror. My long red hair hangs down my back in its natural beach wave. I’m wearing an emerald green sundress and strappy sandals. My makeup is light, and the green she used on my eyes makes the hazel color pop. Then again, it could be the color of the dress, and maybe it’s the combination of the two.
“Am I overdressed?” I ask Lenora.
“No. He said dinner, and your outfit is the best mix if it’s fancy or casual. This works.” She waves her hands at me.
“Thank you for helping me.” I go to her, wrapping my arms around her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you too.” She steps out of my embrace. “I’m going to get out of here, so he doesn’t think you need your big sister to hold your hand.”
“I do, though.”
She smiles. “You don’t need me, Laken. You’re beautiful, and he’s going to swallow his tongue when he sees you.” She winks. “Just be you. Be real. Don’t hide who you are, and don’t pretend to be someone you think he would want. If he doesn’t see the real you and fall in love with you, then he doesn’t deserve you.”
“Hold up. No one said anything about falling in love.”
She shrugs. “Be you because you are incredible. And he sees that, or tonight wouldn’t be happening.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too. Have fun, and call me after.”
“I will.” With another hug, she’s out the door, and I’m alone.
Glancing at the clock on the stove, I see it’s fifteen minutes before seven. He could be here at any minute. Grabbing my small purse, making sure I have what I need, my phone, keys, and wallet, I lock up my apartment and head down the stairs. I wait at the back door. Then I realize I don’t know if he’s coming to the front or the back, and I don’t have his number to ask him or guide him in any way. I pace back and forth, wondering if I should just go stand out in front of the building. Chances are he would see me before pulling around back. I’m digging for my keys to unlock the door that separates the small entryway and my bookstore when there’s a knock on the back door. My pulse quickens. I stop pacing and take in a couple of deep breaths before making my way to the door.