Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“Isn’t love grand?” I quipped.
“Isn’t it just,” he muttered darkly.
But I saw his smile. And I winked at him.
“I know.”
Chapter 24
CHARLY
I stared into the closet, looking at my choices, planning.
Maxx was an amazing caregiver. Attentive, patient, and gentle.
Far too gentle.
It had been ten days since the accident, and I was fine. My ankle got tired easily, but as long as I kept it wrapped, it was good. The bruises were fading, the cuts healing, and my shoulder in perfect working order.
Maxx had yet to touch me, other than to hold me at night, kiss me sweetly, or cup my face on occasion.
I was going crazy. I tried everything but present myself to him naked. At this point, I doubted even that would work. He would pick up a blanket and tuck it around me, admonishing me not to get cold.
A small voice in my head told me he regretted saying the words “I love you.” Except his eyes said it every day. The way he treated me screamed it. There was something stopping him, and I couldn’t figure out what it was.
Frustrated, I told Mary, who laughed.
“He’s being male, Charly. Overthinking this.”
“I don’t understand.”
“He keeps thinking of you lying and broken on the ground. He’s afraid of hurting you.”
“But I’m fine.”
“Then show him.”
“How?”
She smirked. “Oh, child. You know exactly how.”
She was right. There was only one thing left to do.
I grabbed a T-shirt, a denim miniskirt I never wore, and a pair of scissors.
Desperate times called for desperate measures.
I could hardly wait to see his reaction.
MAXX
I stood in the garage door, staring over the yard. It was still early, the sun barely up. I hadn’t slept much, too keyed up to do so. I was tired, grumpy, and short-tempered. A bad combination. Even Charly was subdued around me, which was unusual.
I couldn’t seem to get past what happened to her. How close I’d come to losing her. A little rain, or another few feet where her head would have met concrete and not grass—the possibilities of “what if” seemed to haunt me. I wasn’t sure how to move on from it. I was afraid to touch her with anything but gentleness, afraid to admit to the fear I had felt that day. Afraid to give in and make love to her in case I hurt her in some way. She had been distant herself, and I wondered what was going through her mind. Wondered if she regretted admitting her feelings.
I wondered how long we’d be at this impasse.
I saw the lights on upstairs in the house, and I knew Charly was awake. I was sure she’d be down soon enough. I took a draw on my coffee, knowing she’d throw out the pot I’d made and make fresh for everyone. She’d be sweet and organized, staying busy and on top of things. Pushing herself needlessly.
I swallowed as the door to the porch opened and she walked out of the house. For a moment, I didn’t notice anything except her gait. Her footing was solid, indicating her ankle was better.
As she drew closer, it hit me.
Her outfit.
She was wearing a denim miniskirt, cut so small, it barely covered her thighs. The T-shirt she wore had a jagged neckline as if she’d taken a pair of scissors to it, exposing one shoulder. It was tied up in a knot under her breasts, hugging her torso and flashing the skin of her stomach. The new logo screaming “Hard as Steel” rested right under her bouncing breasts. Her hair was up in pigtails that sat high on her head. And those damn sparkly sneakers were on her feet.
As she drew nearer, it became evident she wasn’t wearing a bra. Her nipples were hard and showed through the tight T-shirt. I glared at her as she approached. I braced my arm across the door, preventing her from entering the garage.
“I don’t think so,” I snarled.
She looked up at me, innocent. “I’m working in the storeroom today. It’s going to be hot. I’m dressed appropriately for the weather.” Then she ducked under my arm and kept walking. With a low growl, I spun on my heel and followed her, stopping her halfway through the garage.
“That outfit isn’t appropriate for anywhere but the bedroom.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“No,” I spat. “Change.”
“No, I don’t think I will,” she retorted, shook off my grip, and beelined for the office.
Before I could move and stop her again, she dropped something and bent over to pick it up, giving me a full view of what else she wasn’t wearing.
She was naked. Fucking naked under that miniskirt.
My cock, which was already pressing against my jeans, lengthened further, almost choking itself in my pants. With a low roar, I was on her in an instant, forgetting everything except the need to be buried inside her. I flung her over my shoulder, smacking her bare ass, berating her as I strode outside and toward the house.