Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
I sigh again, but I nod. I know and respect that Birdie is his priority. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t be as attracted to him. I love that he’s a good dad to his adorable little girl.
Sure, it adds a layer of difficulty for us. Maybe it means that this isn’t going to be a relationship. Maybe sex is all we can do right now, with everything that we both have going on in our lives.
And, honestly, I’d take it. Because there’s nothing like this. Absolutely nothing in my life has ever made me feel as amazing as being with Bridger does, and I don’t want to let go of it.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, and I can hear the sincerity in his voice, but I can’t have him feeling guilty for even one moment.
“No.” I let go of his arms, and he pulls out of me, giving me room to turn around so I can plant my hands on his chest as I look up into his dark eyes. “Don’t apologize for Birdie, Bridge. Never. Not ever.”
He nods and kisses my forehead, sighing almost in relief. “Okay, then. What are your plans for today?”
It feels a little weird to be standing in my garage, naked, well and truly sexed, talking about my day, but here we are.
“I’m going to finish my yard, and this afternoon, I’m going to check out the new bookstore. Bee wouldn’t let me come before this because she wanted it to be a surprise.”
He grins down at me and swipes his thumb over my lower lip. “We’ll be there a little later, too. Maybe I’ll get to see you.”
Reluctantly, Bridger turns away to put his clothes on, and the sexy moment is over, which makes me sad. I don’t know when I’ll see him again, aside from catching glimpses of him coming and going, which is absolutely not good enough now that I’ve had so much more with him.
But I’m not about to make him feel guilty about that. When he can see me, he will. It’s not like he’s made me any promises. Although, today showed me that he wants me as much as I want him.
Once we’re both dressed again, I open the garage door, letting in the breeze. Before leaving, Bridger pulls me in for one of his amazing hugs, and I press my head to his chest, enjoying his warmth and the steady beat of his heart. Then he tips my chin up so he can brush his mouth over mine in that way that makes my toes curl.
“Don’t work too hard out here,” he murmurs against my lips. “Take some time for yourself today.”
“I will.”
I want to ask him when I’ll see him again, but I don’t. I let him walk away, across the street and into his own house before I check on Pickles, pleased to see that she’s still snoozing happily on the porch. I hurry inside to quickly clean up enough that I can comfortably finish mowing the lawn.
By the time I go back outside, Bridger’s truck is gone again, and I get back to work.
The bookstore is the most beautiful store I’ve ever seen.
The shelves look old, made out of honey-colored wood that you just want to drag your hand across, and are filled with so many colorful novels that it fills my book-loving heart with pure joy. There are decadent, colorful, deep-stuffed chairs by the windows for someone to curl up in and read, and everything about this store screams cozy.
Welcome.
Sit a while.
Have some coffee and relax.
“Pumpkin spice latte?”
I turn and smile at Millie, who’s holding a tray of small cups with lids.
“Don’t mind if I do. Wow, this is so great.”
“I know,” Millie says with a grin. “People have been in and out all day long, going back and forth between our stores, and it’s damn awesome.”
“I love this so much.” I sip my latte and sigh in happiness. “I will spend literally all my spare time here.”
Millie eyes me playfully. “Or, you know, with Bridger.”
“Did someone say my brother’s name?” Bee, dressed in a gorgeous pink dress, her dark hair up in a high ponytail and her makeup flawless as usual, wraps her arm around my shoulders and squeezes me. “What did he do now?”
I laugh and shake my head. “Nothing.”
“Nothing?” Millie demands. “I might have to smack my bestie around because he’s clearly slacking if he’s done nothing to you.”
“Well, he didn’t do anything bad, is what I should say,” I assure her, and then look around to make sure no one is eavesdropping. Thankfully, it looks like the store has hit a lull. I know that both of these women are aware that something has been brewing between Bridger and me.
And I need friendly advice.
“Honestly, I think—” I press my lips together, unsure of how to phrase it.