Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Become one with him.
On a shaky breath, I say, “It’s a date.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
Jett
I’m standing in front of Fable’s door, my whole body firing off with nerves.
I glance into the mirror hanging above a decorative table that Kitty insists “brings the room together” and run my fingers through my hair. I trimmed my beard a bit, but I still look too rugged for someone as prim and proper as Fable. Not that I care. My lips lift a bit as I inhale, letting it out in a rush. How many times did I want this moment with her when we were younger? I’d plan full-out dates where we’d go to the drive-in movie or to the Reindeer Rumpus Ranch just to walk among the trees. I wouldn’t suggest a trail walk since I know the forest is a sore spot for her, but I was convinced, no matter what we were to do, we’d have a blast.
I wanted to take her to my prom, especially since she wouldn’t be going to hers. After Salt Lake, she homeschooled and moved out to Colorado to train. I wasn’t sure how to reach out to her. She went radio silent, and months turned into years, and I never saw her until social media hit. I wonder if things would have been different if I had reached out. Though, she never reached out either.
Now, I stand before her door, a bouquet of daisies and some treats from Noelle’s in my hand.
For a date.
With Fable Winthrop.
I swallow hard as I knock on the door, opening it when she calls for me to come in. I’m immediately hit with the smell of buffalo sauce and cheese, but that isn’t what has my mouth watering. Behind the stove, Fable stands in a blue dress with a tight bodice that has little bows all over it and flares over her hips. It hugs her delectable curves, and I’m stunned at the sight. She sends a grin over her shoulder, her hair whipping around her face before her eyes meet mine. An appreciative look fills her eyes, and I stand a bit taller, enjoying being desired by her. “Hey!”
I lick my lips as I start for her. “Hey there,” I say, leaning in to place a chaste kiss on her cheek. Her cheeks go all rosy in seconds as I lean my hip on the counter. “What you cookin’, good-lookin’?”
Her lips curve as she stirs what looks like mac and cheese. “Buffalo chicken mac and cheese.”
I rub my chest, grimacing a bit. “Shit, I better go get my Tums.”
She grins. “They’re on the counter. I already took two.”
I flash her a grateful smile before I hold the flowers out to her. “First, these are for you.” Her eyes dance with excitement as she takes the bouquet, and then I offer the box of treats. “And dessert since I didn’t want to get ahead of myself and think you were on the menu.”
Her eyes flare with heat as she scolds, “Such a flirt.”
“Only with you,” I remind her, squeezing her hip. She leans into my touch before moving away to get a vase, and I grab the Tums bottle. I take two before asking, “Want me to plate us up?”
She nods. “Please. I got us beer in the fridge.”
“A girl after my own heart, I see.” I don’t miss the hopeful look in her eyes while she fills the vase with water. As I gaze at her profile, the desire to be the man she needs rattles me. I never felt like I could measure up, but when she said her parents’ opinion didn’t matter, something inside me flipped.
If she believes that, then why can’t I?
We move through the kitchen together just like we do on the ice, in sync. We’ve been training every day, and we’re making progress. We’ll never be what we were, but then, we don’t have the bodies we did when we were younger either. Her work ethic is still there, and the girl doesn’t relent. I have never been this sore in all my life. No matter how in shape I am, all this training is hell on my body. It’ll be worth it in the end, though. Kitty is going to love it.
I know I love it.
We settle at the bar. I crack open both beers and ask, “How is it going, living here? I’m sure the raccoon telenovela is keeping you entertained.”
She smiles sweetly at me, pressing her shoulder into mine. She usually bounces off, but this time, she leans in while pressing her chin to her shoulder. “It is, thank you very much. Sir Trashington knocked Lady off the dumpster, and of course, Sneaky Pete was waiting for her.”
“I’m rooting for him.”
Her eyes dance with mine. “So am I.”
My heartbeat picks up in speed at the look in her eyes, almost as if she’s rooting for me. For us. I take a bite of the meal she prepared, feeling her gaze on mine, and when the flavors hit my tongue, I nod appreciatively. “Perfection. This is really good. Worth the heartburn I’m sure I’ll have.”