Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Oorah!
I was so fucking gone it wasn’t funny. Yeah. I was good with it.
This was our thing while the weather held. It was late winter, so it didn’t last long. I knew tomorrow the temps would plunge, so I wanted to make this ride last as long as I could. I didn’t want to take her into the city, so I kept to the outskirts, just riding on the open road.
After a couple of hours, she tapped my shoulder and pointed to a fast-food restaurant. It was the first time since we’d been together she’d asked for something. I didn’t care if she wanted food or just the bathroom. It was something.
I stopped in front of the restaurant, turning off the bike. She braced her hand on my shoulder as she climbed off.
“Careful of the pipes, darlin’.”
She smiled. “You always say that.”
“Don’t want you burnin’ yourself.”
“You’ve taken me out enough times this week I know to be careful.” She smiled at me. I got off the bike and took her face in my hands, kissing her lips lightly.
“Can’t be too careful with you, Winter. You’re in my care now. I’m takin’ care of you the best I know how.” She looked up at me with large, wide eyes. Moisture gathered in them before one tear spilled over and down her cheek. I smiled down at her, then pulled her close for a hug. “You matter to me. You matter a lot. I never want anything to happen to you, no matter how small.” With one last squeeze, I took her hand and led her into the restaurant.
“I’ll just be a minute,” she said, pointing to the bathroom.
“Want me to order for you?”
She looked surprised, then bit her bottom lip, looking unsure of herself. “Are we eating?”
I shrugged. “Thought we might get something. They’ll have a big supper at the clubhouse, but you’ve not eaten anything all day. We’ll eat a quick bite here. Assuming, that is, you’re not opposed to the food here?” I frowned. “We can go somewhere else.”
“I’m not all that hungry, Roman. But thank you for thinking of me.”
“Honey, we either eat here or somewhere else. Either way, you’re eatin’.”
Was it my imagination or was she smothering a grin? “Here’s fine. Just get me a burger and fries. Something small. I don’t need much.”
I leaned in to kiss her cheek, and she allowed it, blushing as she looked around her. Was she embarrassed by the public display of affection? She hadn’t seemed to mind earlier when I’d kissed her outside. Then she put her palm over the large scar over her cheek. She did a good job of covering most of the scarring on her face, but the one she put her hand over was long and raised. It must have been deep, and it was obvious she hadn’t had medical attention for it.
“Tell me what’s wrong.” I tried to pull her closer, but she took a subtle step back. “Winter?”
“It’s nothing.” Her gaze darted around the restaurant. There were several people there, but no one seemed to be paying us any attention. She smiled, dropping her hand. “I’ll just be a minute.”
This didn’t sit well with me. I hadn’t addressed it with her, but it was obvious she was uncomfortable with her scars. It was still winter, no matter how mild the weather was, so she wore long sleeves. Her hair framed her face, covering as much as possible, and what was showing was layered in heavy makeup. It was a shame too, because Winter was the loveliest woman I’d ever seen. With or without her scars. I admired her strength and her determination to protect her sister. I never wanted her to hide from me.
When I ordered, the woman behind the counter looked me up and down like she wanted to eat me up. I ignored her, giving my order with disinterest. I could see trouble headed my way, and I absolutely would not fail this test. Winter would be devastated if I did, and I’d lose any chance I might have with her.
“You must be hungry,” the woman said, twirling her hair as she gave me a megawatt smile. “Big strapping man like you. Bettin’ you need lots of calories to fuel that big body.” I didn’t say anything, just stared at her. “You know, I get off in an hour.” She continued to twirl her hair, oblivious to the fact I wasn’t interested. “We could meet up.”
“Just get my fuckin’ food.” I slapped two bills on the counter a little harder than necessary. More than enough to pay for what I’d ordered. I turned to the soda area to fill our cups. Winter rarely drank anything other than water or the occasional beer, so I got her ice water and myself a Coke. Then I stood away from the counter to wait on the food and Winter.