Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“We’re pretending. I’m not good at faking or hiding my emotions. I’m afraid that if I let myself think that way, I’ll end up with a broken heart at the end of this.”
I don’t know what to say to that. I open my mouth to try to find the words, but nothing comes to me. I never once considered she might fall for me, or me for her, for that matter. I don’t think I’m at risk. I know what this is, but she’s opening herself up to me, something I know is scary on its own coming from her.
“I know it’s a risk, and if you want to walk away from this, we can.” Something twists in my gut. I ignore it and keep my attention on her.
Her eyes find mine. “Is that what you want?”
“No.” My reply is instant and absolute. “No, I don’t want to walk away. I want to help bring you out of your shell. I want to show you that you deserve more than letting others tell you how to live your life. I want you to have the confidence to tell the Tammys of the world to fuck off.” I smirk, and a small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.
“My family means well,” she defends.
“I know they do, but it’s your life, Court. It’s your mind, your body, your choice.” I’m making this more than it needs to be, but I think it’s important she gains that confidence. It’s my mission for her to be who she is unapologetically.
“It’s really not that bad. My mom wants to see me happy.”
I nod. It’s not just about her mom pressuring her. I saw firsthand today the way she shrinks into herself. “And the Tammys of the world?”
“I didn’t want to cause an issue for you or more embarrassment,” she defends.
“Regardless, you stand up for yourself. Always. You can’t always worry about others when it comes down to defending yourself against the ugly of the world.”
“I know who I am, Merrick. I don’t need to announce it to the world. I can let their words roll off my shoulders.”
“There will be times when that’s best, but today, today, you should have made it known that I was yours. That’s what we’ve decided. Even if it was just leaning into me, wrapping your arms around me, something to prove to her that you’re mine, and she doesn’t stand a chance in hell. You didn’t need to use your words. Sometimes actions speak louder.”
She swallows hard. “Why is this bothering you so much?” She tilts her head to the side as she studies my reaction.
I smile at her for speaking her mind as I think about her question. The only answer I can come up with is that I wanted her to tell Tammy she was mine. I wanted her to claim me, to prove she’s in this. What other reason would there be? “I never want you to feel less than when you’re with me,” I say instead of telling her my thoughts.
Her hands leave my hair as she pulls me into a hug. “Thank you, Merrick,” she whispers.
My arms wrap around her as I return her embrace. She pulls back first and offers me a shy smile. “Now what?”
“We have the rest of the day to do whatever.” I wink at her just as my cell phone rings. I dig it out of my pocket and see Maverick’s name on the screen. I show her the screen before I answer. “Hey, man.”
“Mer, what are you doing right now?”
“Courtney and I just had lunch. What’s up?”
“The twins were up all night, and Ada is wound for sound.” He laughs.
“Say no more. I’m on my way.”
“I can call one of the others if you have plans.”
“We do, coming to rescue you and your wife. We’re leaving now.”
“Thanks, Mer.”
“I got you, brother.” I end the call, sliding the phone back into my pocket. “That was Maverick. The twins were up all night, and Ada is full of energy.”
“What can we do?” she asks immediately, making me smile.
“I told him we’d come over and help. That we’d keep Ada occupied for a while and watch the twins while they catch up on sleep. You don’t have to come. I hate to bail on you, but they need the help while the twins are this little.”
“Of course I’m coming with you. Three to one doesn’t sound nearly as good as three to two.”
“Thank you.” I press my lips to her forehead and lift her off the island.
“Something you don’t know about me, Merrick Kincaid, is that I’ll never pass up a baby or toddler fix. Let’s go.” She tugs on my hand, making me laugh as we lock up the house and head out to my truck.
“My baby,” Ada says, as she sits next to me on the couch. I’m holding Ryan in my arms while he smiles up at me.