Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
I couldn’t tell them about Silas without running the risk of being barred from leaving my house. There was zero chance my parents would approve of a man who lived in the middle of the woods so he could avoid other people because he was worried about accidentally killing someone with his touch. Not that they’d actually believe it was possible, even if they saw him conduct electricity with their own eyes like I had. My parents had a lot of practice ignoring reality when it didn’t fit their expectations.
Instead of opening that can of worms, I held still while she smoothed down a small bump near the barrette I’d used to pull my lavender-tinted locks away from my face. Once she decided it looked better and stepped back, I murmured, “I’m just headed into town. I’ll probably pop into the store where I found my pie iron to do some more browsing since we didn’t spend a lot of time there yesterday.”
“Don’t linger too long.” My mom’s nose wrinkled. “I wouldn't want the stench to cling to your clothes and hair.”
I hadn’t smelled anything, so I had assumed she’d used that as an excuse to hurry me out of the store. “If I notice even a hint of eau de fish bait when I’m done shopping, I’ll pop into that candle store you loved. Wandering around there for ten minutes is sure to have me smelling good again.”
“Ooh.” She clapped her hands together. “I lit the tuberose candle last night, and the scent was divine. If they have another in stock, please get it for me.”
“Will do.”
My dad got up and pulled out his wallet as he walked toward us. “If you’re picking things up for your mother, I’m sure you can use this.”
I accepted the cash he handed me with a smile. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Will you be joining us at the country club for lunch?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Sorry, no. I’m planning to stop in Lady M before I go shopping. I heard they have amazing cake, so I didn’t want to miss out on the chance to try it.”
My dad nodded. “Ah, makes sense.”
My mom’s lips pressed together as her gaze drifted to my stomach. I knew she was gearing up to say something about watching my portions, and I didn’t want her negativity in my head when I met Silas for lunch. So I flung my arms around her for a quick hug and brushed a kiss against her cheek. “See you later.”
I darted toward the door before she could reply, yanking my jacket off the hook on the wall as I headed outside. Dragging the crisp fall air into my lungs, my lips stretched into a wide smile as I trotted down the steps. I had plenty to be happy about since it was a gorgeous day, and my parents hadn’t second-guessed my excuse for leaving. Not to mention the sexy beast who was going to meet me at the restaurant in thirty minutes—more than enough time for me to enjoy my walk to the town center without needing to rush. I’d still be there at least ten minutes early.
Unfortunately, my good mood didn’t last for long.
After walking into the restaurant, I beamed a smile at the hostess. “Hello.”
“Good afternoon. You’re meeting someone for lunch, right?”
My grin widened as I nodded. “Yes, I’m here for a date.”
“He beat you here.” She leaned close and whispered, “And you’re a very lucky girl to have caught his attention.”
My eyes narrowed as she turned around to lead me toward a table in the back of the restaurant. Although I was happy that Silas was looking forward to our lunch so much that he arrived earlier than me, I didn’t like the idea that she’d been drooling over him until I got here. Being jealous over a woman he couldn’t even touch was silly, but after how he kissed me last night, I already felt territorial over him.
Except my irritation ended up being pointless since the man waiting for me wasn’t Silas. When the guy stood with a smile, I stopped and tapped the hostess on the shoulder. “Um, I think you have the wrong girl. That’s not who I’m here to meet.”
Her brows drew together as her gaze dropped to my dress. “But he described you perfectly when he arrived, right down to what you’re wearing.”
“He did?” My head reared back, my eyes widening as my gaze darted toward the stranger who had apparently been waiting for me.
“Sorry about the confusion, but I really am here for Juniper.” He waved her away with a smile that made her giggle as he rounded the table.
I took a step back and asked, “How do you know my name?”
“Your dad told me when we golfed yesterday.” He stretched his palm out toward me. “I’m James Winston.”