Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
I gasp, but he doesn’t tear his gaze from the ceiling. “Luckily for me, the neighbors heard the gunshot and called the police, or I would have been the one to find them.”
“Lucas,” I say on a shocked breath.
Lost in thought, he continues. “When I arrived home, there were cop cars outside. Apparently, one of the neighbors told them about me, so they waited until I showed up.” He shakes his head. “Of course, I saw the cop cars and panicked, thinking they were after me. I’d been out shoplifting with the guys.”
He sounds disgusted with himself, and I brush a hand over his shoulder. It’s the only comfort I can offer him.
“They took me to the station. Someone from child protective services came. I was placed in a temporary home before the miracle of Jacinda and Matthew happened. I mean, how many sixteen-year-old troubled kids are placed in a permanent home?”
“A very lucky one.” I scoot over, lift myself up, and press a kiss to his warm lips. “I appreciate you sharing that with me. And I’m proud of where you ended up in life.”
“Well, I appreciate you listening and seeing the best in me.” He shocks me by reaching over and rolling me on top of him. “Now, how about we eat breakfast?”
“I would say yes… except there’s something very hard poking at my stomach and I believe we need to take care of that first.” A rush of arousal pools between my thighs as his erection makes itself known.
“I like the way you think.”
Grinning, I push myself down his body and take care of the problem. Later, we share pancakes for breakfast and talk about a variety of lighter things, getting to know each other better. From favorite book genres—romance for me, thrillers for him—to best loved movies, we share the little things in our lives. And though we might not share tastes in the same specific genres, we both like to read, watch movies, and stream on TV.
And that is good enough for me.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Rainey
I hang up the phone with the caterers for the anniversary party, satisfied the menu is set for the evening. I check that off my to-do list and move on to the next item. I’ve been working all morning, and I’m about ready to take a break.
My phone rings.
I glance at the screen and see it’s Lucas. My stomach flips at the sight of his name. After spending a glorious night and day in his bed, I returned to work on Monday and I’ve been busy ever since. But we’ve texted during the day, talked after work, and the end result is scary. I’m getting used to my days with Lucas in them.
The only way I can deal with the upcoming end of our relationship, which I’d said was after our work together ended, but more likely would be when Jack returns from his last stop in Charleston, is by telling myself what I feel for Lucas is attraction.
Desire.
Admiration.
Not love.
I’m lying to myself and I know it.
Drawing a deep breath, I answer the call. “Hi, Lucas.”
“Hi, beautiful.” My heart squeezes at the endearment and my body grows soft at his gruff voice.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Carras?” I ask, keeping things light.
“Adam called. It’s time to visit the museum and see the exhibit in person.”
I wish I can say I put my ex out of my mind, but he’s on the to-do list for the anniversary season events. “I’m surprised he didn’t call me himself.”
There is silence before Lucas says, “I might have told him to stay the fuck away from you the last time I was there.”
I open, then close my mouth before finally bursting out in laughter. “Oh God. I know I should be mad you weren’t completely professional with him but…”
“He said some things about you I didn’t like. Nobody talks shit about you around me.”
My heart skips a beat at the alpha-possessive tone in his voice. Lucas doesn’t apologize for what he said to Adam and I don’t blame him. I like the fact that he stood up for me. Isn’t that why I’d sent him to begin with?
“I wasn’t going to give you a hard time. I’m happy you put him in his place.”
“Good, because even if you were upset, he deserved the warning,” Lucas says.
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Yes, he did. I’m just shocked he listened to you.”
“Despite Adam’s bluster, I’m pretty sure I intimidated him,” Lucas says.
I have no doubt he’s right. “And I would have loved to see that. So, what’s the plan?”
“Can I pick you up and we’ll go this afternoon?” he asks.
“Yes. The sooner we get it over with, the better.” And then I can deal with anything that goes wrong, but at least the long sessions with Adam will be over.