Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77106 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77106 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“You,” Zoe said, reaching out to frame my face, leaning down to press her forehead to mine. “You crazy, chaotic, amazing, generous, kind man.” Her lips lightly brushed mine. “Of course I want to be yours.”
She kissed me long and deep then.
Until Lil’ Bit realized it was morning.
And had some feelings about her wet diaper and empty stomach.
“I’ll get her,” I said, climbing out of the bed to yank up my pants. “You get the coffee.”
“Hey, Coast,” she called from the doorway.
“Yeah?”
“I, uh, I think I love you,” she said, but was gone before I could respond.
My heart was too fucking big for my chest as I looked down at Lainey.
“Ooh,” she hooted, like she was agreeing with her mom.
“Yeah,” I agreed, tapping her nose with my fingertip. “Love you two too.”
Zoe - 2 days
“Someone kidnapped my daughter again,” I said, tying my hair up into a messy bun as I stepped into the kitchen.
Eddie was at the stove, flipping fried eggs in a skillet while bacon sizzled in another. And judging by the starchy, greasy smell in the air, I bet hash browns were in the oven.
He lifted his spatula, pointing out the back door.
“I clean up,” I told him.
“Careful, I’m gonna get used to that,” he warned with a warm smile as I made my way out back.
I’d expected to find Jade or Sass.
But it was Coast who’d taken my little girl.
He was sitting on the top step of the pool with Lainey in a float in front of him, slowly turning her in a circle as she giggled.
“She screams bloody murder when you put sunblock on her,” he said as I moved to sit next to him. “Wasn’t even putting it on her face yet.”
“She does it with lotion too,” I agreed, leaning my head into his shoulder.
I lived for quiet moments like this.
Just the three of us.
Together.
Sharing something that should have been ordinary, but meant the world to me.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked.
“I was already up when she started fussing. No reason to wake you up.”
It really was that easy for him.
For a man who’d claimed he lived for the fun, easy parts of life, he was really good with the practical, responsible parts.
“Besides, Levee said they were heading over for breakfast. So I knew if I didn’t get time with her now, I wouldn’t get any. Jade’s got baby fever something fierce.”
“I love her. I love all of them. This family of yours. It’s really amazing.”
His gaze slid to me, watching me with an intensity that made his blue eyes stormy.
“Dunno if I really noticed that was what they were until you.”
“Your family?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“I adore you, Coast, but how can you be so blind to what is right in front of you?”
“Think I was focusing on the easy shit. The partying. The work.”
“The women?” I prompted.
“Not gonna lie—yeah.”
“We both have pasts,” I said, shrugging.
“I think connections were intimidating after a whole life of avoiding them. I mean, I’d ride-or-die for the men in this club. But sitting and having a meaningful conversation? Fuck no.”
“It’s a shame, because you’re really nice to talk to. You’re a lot wiser than people would otherwise give you credit for.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” he said, shaking his head at me.
“I think this club is amazing,” I told him, glancing over to see Kylo coming back from the tortoise enclosure, the tray for his greens tucked under his arm.
In the front yard, Caymen was mowing the lawn, shirt off, body slick with sweat.
Behind us, over at Che and Sass’s house, little kids laughed and squealed.
This was community, family, love.
It was the village everyone talked about.
It was the dream.
And I was beyond excited to be a part of it. Especially after being on my own for the hardest part of new motherhood.
“Yeah,” Coast agreed. “It is.”
“Where’s my baby?” Jade called from the driveway, making both Coast and I laugh.
“Looks like we have the next hour or two off,” I said as Jade came around the back of the house. “What should we do? Watch a show? Do laundry?”
“I got a better idea,” he said, pushing Lainey’s float toward Jade, then taking my hand and pulling me with him.
But not toward the clubhouse.
Toward the overgrown greenery at the edge of the backyard.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To fuck in the shooting range.”
I had a feeling that was going to define a future with a man like Coast.
Sweet, soft domestic moments.
Followed by something wild and fun.
But, yeah, we totally fucked in the shooting range.
Coast - 3 months
“So, am I just supposed to accept being kidnapped?” Velle asked as I drove down the road from the clubhouse, “or can I ask where we’re going?”
I glanced over at him.
“We’re going to my house.”
“Your house. When did you buy a house?”
“When I saw the one I grew up in go up for auction.”