Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
That’s not like asking someone to the movies.
I hadn’t realized how much I enjoyed seeing her every day. I found myself staring at the hall that leads to the alley, waiting for her to appear. Much to my dismay, she didn’t. Which is probably for the best. Instead, I worked out, I skated, and I worked. I talked to a lawyer about drawing up a prenup to protect us both, and I stewed.
I stewed so badly that I couldn’t even concentrate on much else. I kept going through every possible scenario I could imagine. I came up with answers to her potential questions. I thought up my own questions, though, really, I have no right. She’s helping me, and while, yes, I’m giving her the coffee shop, she’s giving me way more.
A chance at a dream I’ve always wanted.
I don’t know the first thing about being married, but I know I’ll do right by her. I’ll treat her with respect and train her to the best of my ability. I’m terrified to share a space with her. Will she get mad that I’m a tad messy on game days? When I come home, I want all my clothes off and gone. They usually end up on the floor. Maybe I should work on that.
Fuck, will she be grossed out when I fart from eating too much bean dip? I love my bean dip and I don’t think I stink that bad, but she’s so sweet. She probably farts glitter. Does she have a lot of female shit? Is my bathroom going to be overrun? Does she want a dog or a cat?
What in the hell am I getting myself into?
The question haunts me, but when the alley door close to Dirty Pages opens, I forget it all.
McDavid stands before me in bright-green leggings and an oversized black hoodie. She has on dark hiking boots that shine, so I know they’re new. Her braided ponytail hangs out the back of a Coffee Addict ball cap, while her face is free of makeup. Despite her ignoring me for the last few days, and not giving me any reason to think she wanted to sleep with me, I really am surprised I didn’t try to make a move on her before all this. Or maybe it’s because I’m finally truly looking at her. But man, I want her.
Which probably doesn’t bode well for me when I’m about to be married to her for a year.
A grin pulls at my lips as I hold out her drink. Her eyes light up at the sight, and she takes it from me with a huge grin that reaches her sultry eyes. Fucking hell, she’s pretty. “Oh my God, you’re the best,” she gasps in a way that feels so naughty.
“Good morning.”
“Morning,” she says gruffly, letting me know she’s not a morning person. She tears the top off the straw and takes a long pull. When she pops her lips off the straw, she looks up at me. “Why are you so chipper?”
I laugh. “I own a coffeehouse. We start serving at five. You may need to become a morning person.”
She gives me a look. “I’d rather not and hire someone who is.”
Her answer gives me hope, and without much thought, I lean in, brushing my lips along her cheek. “Well, I have to say, McDavid, you are radiant in the morning.”
Her brows pull together. “Don’t need to kiss my ass anymore. I’m already going.”
“But you haven’t agreed to marry me,” I say with a wink.
“So, when I do agree to marriage, the flirting will stop?”
The gleam in her eyes makes it real hard to form coherent sentences, but I manage, “Unlike some guys, I do plan to flirt with my wife. Daily.”
“Gotta keep her somehow, huh?” she teases, and my eyes lock with hers.
“I don’t think I’ll have a problem keeping a wife.” The sexual tone is loud and clear, and by the flush spreading along her neck, I know she hears it. I hadn’t planned on sleeping with her this year. I wanted to respect her, and I know sex leads to feelings, which neither of us has time for, but that may change. “Ready?” I ask before she can comment, and she nods, taking my outstretched elbow.
We head to my SUV, and I walk around with her, opening the door. My SUV is lifted, so I hold her hand as she climbs up into the truck more quickly than I would have thought. “With those little legs, I thought I’d have to lift you in.”
She shoots me a dark look. “With these little legs, I can kick you. Hard.”
I snort. “Spicy.”
“Shut up.”
I shut the door, grinning like a fool. I like her. I can do this.
When I get in, I hit the button to start the SUV while I shut my door. I go to put it in drive when McDavid asks, “Before we go, I have a question.”