Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Silas’s face breaks out into a grin, too damn happy to be getting her attention if you ask me.
“I can be any kind of freak you want, baby.”
The fact that he is desperately trying to flirt with her, even though she’s not taking the bait, has my jealousy rearing its ugly head.
“Oh perfect. I’m actually really into Daddy play,” Fallon says in such a serious tone, I have to make sure I heard her correctly.
“Daddy what?” I scratch my head, still confused about whether she’s messing with him.
“Oh, I could totally handle that,” Silas blurts out, his eyes lowering down her body like a possession. “Call me Daddy anytime you want, princess.”
“Alright…” I drawl, setting my palm against her lower back. “It’s time to go.”
I lead her toward the door, then glance over my shoulder at Silas.
“Hot,” he mouths, and I shoot him a death glare.
“Sorry about him,” I say once we’re far enough away from him.
She snorts. “He seems harmless.”
He is, but that doesn’t mean I liked the way he looked at her.
Willa—my honorary grandma—comes from around the corner carrying a plate of apple turnovers. I snatch one, but it’s so hot I have to pass it between my hands.
Willa laughs. “That’s the risk you take when you snatch goodies from trays. These just came from the oven.”
I blow on the pastry as Willa smiles at Fallon. “Hi. You must be Ms. Joy. We’ve been expecting you.”
Fallon smiles sweetly. “Thank you for having me. I’m really happy to be here.”
I take a bite, and the gooey apple filling burns the roof of my mouth. They both snicker as Willa offers Fallon a special tour of the inn.
“I’ll survive,” I offer. As they walk away, I take the opportunity to text Finn, letting him know we’re on the property.
Finn: You still coming over this afternoon? I just got home and am jumping in the shower.
Levi: Yep. Fallon’s on her special tour. Be there right after.
Finn: Sounds good. See ya soon.
I check the time, and it’s just past three. In the winter, he doesn’t work long hours because it’s off-season. He also tries to spend as much time with Oakley as he can between her busy schedule.
After an hour, Fallon returns wearing a smile, and this one meets her eyes.
“Thank you again. I appreciate you taking the time to show me around and share the orchard’s history. It’s fascinating.”
“You’re welcome. I was serious about you visiting next year to experience our fall festival. You can stay here, my treat, but just let me know well in advance.”
Fallon grins, but I notice how she doesn’t immediately say yes.
“I’m sure it won't disappoint,” she says.
“Would you like some pastries?”
“I wish I could, but I have to watch how much gluten I eat,” she explains. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I understand, sweetie. No worries.”
“I guess we better get going. Finn and Oakley are expecting us.”
Willa’s eyes light up. “Please tell my grandson and my favorite new granddaughter I said hello.”
“I will,” I say, snagging an apple turnover for the road, then we make our way outside. The cool wind brushes against my cheeks, and I see Fallon shiver.
“That was fun,” she admits as I open the passenger door of the truck so she can climb in. After I go to the driver's side and crank the engine, I turn to her. “Are you still up for going to Finn and Oakley’s house?”
“Yeah. Can’t wait to meet them.”
I try to keep the conversation going as we make our way across the property, but we don’t talk about anything of substance.
“We won’t stay too long,” I tell her when we park.
She nods, and before we can knock, Oakley swings open the door and greets us.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Fallon!”
Without thinking twice, Oakley pulls Fallon into a tight hug as if they’re long-lost friends. At first, Fallon hesitates but then reciprocates. When they break apart, Oakley steps aside, allowing us in but turns to waggle her brows at me.
I smile and shake my head, not wanting her to play matchmaker.
Finn’s sitting on the couch watching TV and immediately stands and introduces himself to her.
“I met your grandma earlier,” Fallon explains.
“Oh, I bet that was an experience.”
“Very educational. She was sweet, though, and I learned a lot. Congrats on the centennial. I heard it was quite the event.”
Although it was over a year ago, it’s still the talk of the town.
“It was incredible,” Oakley says. “I’d never experienced anything like it before.”
“Yeah, Levi told me,” Fallon says. “I saw your painting in the town hall and the one you did for the tree farm. You’re talent is amazing.”
Oakley blushes. “Thank you. I’m glad you liked them.”
“I could’ve stared at that fall festival painting for hours.”
With a laugh, Oakley turns to me. “Okay, I like her.”
“I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t,” I say truthfully, meeting Fallon’s beautiful eyes. A silent conversation streams between us before Oakley speaks up.