Total pages in book: 203
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
The idea hit me earlier when I was mulling over how she stared at the TV when the guy showed up at the end of that movie that first night I slept in her room. She got a glazed-over dreamy look that reminded me of the way I used to catch her staring at me.
While she watched that teenager get her happy ending, Bailey forgot for a few minutes that she was upset with me.
And it was like it was meant to be when I searched the internet to see about buying a copy of the movie, which I was going to set up on the side of the town hall barn with the projector. And there was the notice other movies in that genre were playing at this drive-in, which worked out better because nobody knew us there.
Finding a carnival that was on the way to the drive-in was the icing on the cake.
I thought I blew the night when I took her on the Ferris wheel, but then she relaxed into me. It felt like a huge win when I got to hold her.
She expected me to try to get a kiss. Though it felt like another win when I took her obvious disappointment in at the news I wouldn’t see her until tomorrow.
I’m fascinated by her. I dig planning these dates, seeing how she’ll react to things I’m trying out. I won’t stop trying to surprise and date her anytime soon. If I get my way, she’ll feel like she’s being dated by me for many years to come. Even though we’ll be living under the same roof, sharing a bed.
I can’t fuckin’ wait for that.
Next time I take her out, I’ll move in for a kiss. If I can survive the day without seeking her out, that is.
Holding back isn’t easy. It’s the hardest game I’ve ever played, particularly considering I’ve had zero training for winning over a female.
Though, if I’m honest, that spell that zapped me was a bit like training. Teaching me I have no choice but to compete with a handicap – the inability to get physical. I’m determined to win this. My opponent on this challenge isn’t Bailey. It’s myself. And Bailey is the prize.
At least I’ve got shit to keep me busy today, something to wrap my mind around beyond thinking about the next minute I’ll get to be with her, smell her, and plan the next thing I’ll do to show her how much making her happy matters to me.
I can’t believe I sound like the sort of guy I’d tease the shit out of.
Since I’ve been out of commission the past week, today I’m doing something productive. Might as well put this excess testosterone and frustration to work that’ll benefit the business and lighten the load for Grey when I’m out of commission again when I finally win Bailey over.
Today’s plan is to go to town, grab some building materials, and jump on that apartment that needs gutting. The tenant lived there thirty years and just went into a nursing home. The place needs a new kitchen and bathroom along with flooring and painting done.
Have sledgehammer, will demolish.
***
With the amount of materials Grey ordered that I need to pick up today, my first stop is the house so I can put Bailey’s books upstairs.
But when I step inside, my nose tells me Bailey was recently here.
I find my bed made and it wasn’t when I came over the other day for clothes.
What was she doing here? Sleeping? And I missed it?
There’s a damp towel and wet washcloth hanging in the bathroom. After pulling in her scent from them, I go to the kitchen and see a coffee mug and a spoon in the dish rack.
I call her.
“Hello?” she answers breathlessly.
“Hey,” I greet. “How are you?”
“I’m… I’m okay. I… actually um… stayed at your house last night.”
“I’m here now. I can tell.”
“I should’ve asked first. Sorry.”
“Why do you sound so out of breath?” I ask. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m… moving books around.”
“Breathe, baby.”
A beat later she says, “Yeah, sorry I didn’t ask.”
“You don’t have to be sorry. It’s your house now too, Bay.”
“Um… it’s just… well… when you dropped me off last night, Mom and Dad were being uh…loud.”
It takes a second for me to realize what she’s referring to. I bark out a laugh.
There’s humor in her voice when she replies. “Mimi Young fixed the issue with Mom’s scent and I listened to it against my will all night the night before and couldn’t take any more of it. I figured since you were at Ty’s cabin… uh… I hoped you wouldn’t mind.”
“Move in today,” I say instantly.
There’s silence for a beat before she whispers, “Jase.”
Fuck, hearing her voice soft like that, I press my forehead to the wall. I need her to whisper my name just like this when I’m finally inside her.