Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 245(@200wpm)___ 196(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
We went our separate ways, being apart for the first time since we reconnected. It felt different, weird almost, and when he came home hours later after I’d been home by myself a little bit, I let my intrusive thoughts take over. I ran full on toward him, jumped up, wrapped my legs around his waist, and kissed him as he held on to me. It ended up with our clothes being ripped off and him taking me on the kitchen counter.
“I know, but I still am. Talking to them via text is one thing. In the flesh, well, that’s totally different.” Tysen takes my hand in his, calming my fidgeting fingers, which is a task in itself, seeing as how he’s carrying the plater of broccoli salad in one hand, and in the bag on his forearm is everything we need for the appetizer.
“Babe, Samuel is already inside. He’s been blowing your phone up the entire way here. You’ve got your best friend, but you also have your girls.” I grumble beneath my breath.
“I hate it when you’re right.” He helps me out of the car. I grab the one bag I’m allowed to carry, which weighs nothing and holds our towels, bathing suits, and sunscreen.
“You love me regardless.” He laces our fingers together, further proving that he’s not letting me go. I close the door, and then he’s pulling me up the front walkway to Jagger’s house, a last-minute change of plans due to Asher’s work schedule. The fire station needed him for half the day today, and he flat out refused to have it at Lennie and his place. He didn’t want his pregnant wife with twins to do everything on her own, cooking, cleaning, and moving pool furniture around.
Basically, he doesn’t want her on her feet all day long; neither does anyone else. Even though Lennie sent a message in our group chat stating Asher is taking things too far on what she can and can’t do. The doctor hasn’t given her any restrictions, but her husband sure has. Her words, not mine, except I get where she’s coming from, and I also get where Asher is coming from. I’ve got an overprotective man of my own who would more than likely do the exact same thing.
Lennie went on to say that her next step is to cut Asher off from sex, which meant Kennedy, Asher’s sister, chimed in with her own reply, a gagging emoji, and proceeded to threaten to leave the group chat. Winnie simply stated ten out of ten don’t recommend, you’ll both be miserable, and orgasms are contagious, my friend. I didn’t really know how to reply at first, but then finally came up with, I don’t know about you, but there is no way I could hold out for an hour, let alone a day. There were mutual responses all agreeing, and Lennie finally let it go due to the fact that Asher, while being a pain in her ass, did it out of love.
“I do love you,” I reply, reaching up to kiss the underside of his jaw. Tysen dips down and snags my lips with his, then turns it into a light make-out session, soft and slow, playful yet passionate. When we pull apart, my nerves are calmer than before.
“I’m going to drown Jagger’s ass in his big fancy pool,” Tysen says when a high-pitched, two-note whistle, the kind that turns heads, carries through the daze of our kiss. I look up to where the noise came from and see Jagger standing on his porch, hands holding the wood balustrade.
“Let’s enjoy our time before you do that, okay?” I pat his chest, and we make our way toward what Tysen calls the jokester of the group. I’ve seen a picture in Tysen’s living room of the large group. Putting names to faces really helped with coming to the cookout, yet still, I’m worried that they won’t think I’m enough for Tysen. And part of that is on me not feeling like this is real. My pinch-me moments keep happening, and I’m not sure they’ll ever stop.
“Damn, she’s a beauty. I’m not sure how all of these ugly mugs keep bringing nothing but sheer perfection into their lives,” Jagger says as a way of hello, pulling me into a hug, and I see the wink he sends my way.
“One day, brother, one day.” Tysen pulls me back into his firm body.
“Nope, not happening. I’ll just keep pissing everyone off. It’s more fun that way,” Jagger replies.
“Alright, boys, I’ve got girls to meet and food to devour. Jagger, it’s nice to meet you, and I hear you have a killer outdoor space.” My confidence boosts a bit now that I’ve met one of the many others to come.
“They’re chomping at the bit to meet you, and Samuel is singing your praises, not that it’s necessary. Tysen wouldn’t go as far as he did to find you even though you landed on his jet. Fate loves the fearless.” My eyes drift from Jagger’s to Tysen’s. He shrugs his shoulders and mouths, “Later.” We follow him inside. The open floor plan allows you to see the living room, kitchen, and amazing view of his massive backyard.