Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he replies, that smile playing perfectly on his lips as he walks me up the back stairs and through the mostly empty hallway leading to the private entrance at the back of the bar.
He walks me to my car and opens the door for me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” When he leans over and covers my lips with his, I melt against his muscular body. His warm hand roams up and down my back, leaving goosebumps along the way.
He slides his tongue into my mouth, and fireworks explode behind my closed eyelids.
The late-night chilly air wraps around us, but I’m not at all cold with his warmth cocooning me.
He pulls back and lays his forehead against mine, and I stare into his dark eyes, wondering if I’m dreaming this perfect night. “I’ll see you soon, kitty.”
“Okay.” I slide behind the wheel before I give into the temptation to throw myself at him.
When I pull out into the mostly empty main street, I notice a sleek black sports car following me. I should be worried, but there isn’t a town on earth safer than Midnight Falls. Well, except maybe Silver Spoon Falls. I turn onto my street and get a look at the driver of the car following me and realize it’s Tony. My heart melts as I pull into my driveway.
After I park in front of my garage, he stops behind me, and I give him a little wave before unlocking my front door. As Walter grumbles his displeasure at spending the entire evening alone, I hear a rumble as the sports car drives away.
A few minutes later, my phone vibrates with a text.
Unknown
I had a great time tonight. It’s going to be a long fucking night without you here with me. Goodnight, kitty.
Wow. How do I respond to that text? Taking a deep breath, I type out a message, and then rethink my words and delete it. I sit on the side of my bed and stare at the phone screen for several minutes until I finally decide what to send.
Me
Walter said he’d like tuna for his treat.
Unknown
I can make that happen.
Me
Goodnight
Unknown
Goodnight, kitty.
Chapter 5
Kat
Saturday morning finds me in full-blown cleanup mode, fueled by caffeine and sheer determination. I’ve got my go-to playlist of cheesy 80s hits blaring through the small house while I tackle the clutter that’s accumulated. It’s amazing how messy a place can get when you’re too busy daydreaming about handsome bartenders and speakeasy escapades to put things back where they belong.
Walter, my trusty feline companion, is curled up on the couch, eyes half-open, monitoring my every move like a foreman disapproving of my cleaning techniques. He doesn’t offer to help, of course. Instead, he stretches languidly, as if to remind me that cleaning is beneath him and I'm on my own.
“Fine, be that way,” I grumble at him, dusting a shelf with more vigor than necessary. “You could at least try to act like you’re cheering me on.”
Walter closes his eyes, clearly unconvinced by my attempt to guilt-trip him. Not that I blame him. I’m pretty sure I’d be lounging around, too, if my sole responsibilities were looking adorable and occasionally batting at the odd dust bunny.
Amidst the cleaning frenzy, my phone rings from somewhere under a pile of discarded outfits. I sift through the fabric chaos, flinging a sequined top over my shoulder and sniffing out the source of the annoying ringtone. I finally grab my phone, see Cassidy’s name flashing on the screen, and hit the answer button.
“Cass,” I start, breathless from battling with last night’s impulse to try on every piece of clothing I own, “What do you want this time?” My mother hen bestie has already called three times to check on my progress.
“Don’t be so difficult. I was just calling to see if you haven’t gotten cold feet about tonight,” Cassidy chirps, her voice as upbeat and teasing as always.
“Of course not,” I say, plopping down onto the couch next to Walter, who scootches slightly to the left, putting some space between us. “I’m just making sure this place doesn’t look like a tornado hit it when Tony comes by.”
“I’m glad you aren’t pulling your usual I don’t have time to date anyone bull hockey,” she replies, her tone laced with knowing amusement.
I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me. “I don’t have time to date,” I insist, “but there’s no way I can resist Tony.”
“Aww, my little Kat is growing up.” I roll my eyes at her motherly tone. “Do you have a game plan for the date?”
“Game plan?” I raise an eyebrow, leaning back into the cushions. “This isn’t a football game, Cass.”
“You never know, you could try tackling Mr. Tall, Dark, and Devilish and see what happens.”
“Not going to happen.” I cross my fingers behind my back as I fib, knowing jumping his bones is high on my to-do list.