Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
I step out onto the back porch and dial her number, placing the phone to my ear. It rings twice before her sweet voice greets me. “Hey.”
She sounds out of breath. “You okay?” That’s something else. I’ve always worried about her, but now that I’ve admitted to myself that she owns me, that worry is ramped up to a level I’ve never experienced. I used to think my brothers had lost it, but I get it. We all want to take care of and cherish our hearts, and Alyssa is mine.
“Yeah. I was in the bedroom folding laundry. I had to run to the living room to grab my phone. My ass is out of shape.”
“There is not one fucking thing wrong with your ass, Tink.” I speak before I think. She laughs it off, thankfully.
“What’s up?” she asks.
“We’re all going to the movie in the park tonight. The first movie is at seven. I’ll be there around six thirty to get you. Mom and Dad are going early to get a space big enough for all of us.”
“I love movie-in-the-park nights.”
I know she does. “I’ll bring you a chair. I bought us new ones. I forgot to tell you. They’re zero gravity and so damn comfortable.” Orrin was telling me he bought one for the two of them. I stopped by his place a couple of weeks ago, and he was out back sitting in them. I tried it out and got online right then and ordered one for Alyssa and me. They’ll be great for our annual camping trip.
“Do I need to bring anything?”
“Nope. Just you. There will be food trucks and vendors, so we can grab something from them. Brooks is working late, but he’ll meet us there later.”
“I’m sure he’s freaking out about Palmer going,” she says with fondness in her voice.
“Pretty much. Dad talked him down. Palmer made a good point. She’s better off with all of us than sitting at home on her own.”
“That’s true. If Brooks wasn’t so nervous for the baby to get here, he’d realize she’ll be with nine guys who think the same way that he does.”
“Hey.” I pretend to be offended, but we both know that I’m not. I love my family fiercely and would do anything for them.
“You know I’m right, Tank.”
“Yeah,” I agree.
“Well, I need to get off here so I can finish this laundry and shower. I’ve been cleaning house all day.”
“All right, I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon,” she says softly, ending the call.
“How does it work?” Alyssa asks.
“It’s locked, so it’s safe for you to sit. When you do, there’s a lever under both armrests pull both out, and you’ll recline.”
“You go first,” she says, laughing. “I don’t want to fall.”
“Tink, I’d never let you fall.”
She nods. “You first.” Her eyes are soft as she peers up at me.
“Fine,” I concede. “I’ll show you.” I sit in the chair that I opened and set up for her and demonstrate how to recline and lay it all the way back. “See. There’s nothing to it.”
“Damn,” Dad mutters. “That looks comfortable. Is that the chair that Orrin was talking about that we all need for when we go camping?” he asks.
“Yep. I tried it at his place and had to buy one for us.” I point to my chest and then back to Alyssa. “Here, try it.” I lock the levers back in place and stand, letting Dad take my place and explain how it works.
“This chair is bad for me. I could fall asleep,” he says, placing his hands behind his head. “Carol,” he calls out to Mom. “Honey, come try this out. We need these.”
Once Mom tries it out, Alyssa takes her turn. “Wow. This is so much better than the chairs that we usually use.”
“Right?” Jade agrees. “When Orrin came home with them, I was like, those things are too bulky to pack around, but after using them, it’s so worth it.”
“We better get snacks. The movie is about to start,” Mom tells us.
“I’ll go,” I tell Alyssa. She’s all kicked back in the chair, looking sexy as hell in her cutoff jean shorts, tank top, and flip-flops.
“Nachos, please.” She grins up at me. “And lemonade if they have it. If not, just a bottle of water.”
I lean down and kiss the top of her head because her lips aren’t an option. “You got it. I’ll be right back.” I can feel the stares of my family. They’ve seen me be affectionate with her, but normally I never would have leaned in to kiss her like that. Well, the top of her head, but she looked too damn cute. I wanted to taste her lips, something I can’t stop thinking about, but that wasn’t an option, so I had to improvise.
“What was that?” Archer asks, rushing to catch up with me.