Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 125257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
My chest rises and falls as I imagine reaching out a hand, touching those forearms, tracing the fine lines of his tattoo.
He points to the list, all sexy business.
I fight off a smile as I look down the list, reading the five items again. I think it’s doable. I slip into planning mode, since now’s the time. This list—it feels like something a romance designer would craft. It’s like a series of experiences for a couple to complete before they walk down the aisle. A list of challenges for young lovers. A road map of where to go next.
I wish I knew who she was. I don’t even know her name. But as I study this list, the pieces slide into place like a puzzle.
She liked dresses that are simple but with a little flare. Her handwriting is neat but she writes her y’s with a flourish and dots her i’s with panache, so she was orderly but artsy. I know, too, she had something of a romantic, adventurous heart. She was a dreamer and a doer.
I get her. I really do. I look up, fueled by this understanding. “We can do this whole thing before my sister says I do.”
I brace myself for pushback, for questions. This list is a lot. It’ll take time, and we only have a little over a week. It’s too much to ask, perhaps.
But Lake simply nods a few times, like he’s considering it. “Yep. It’s a plan.”
It’s that easy with Lake, and I like that. Maybe I even need it.
As if this is an event I’m planning, I rub my palms together and get down to business. “We don’t have much time. Item number one on Five Things To Do Before I Say I Do—play a truth-telling game.” My stomach twists. That’s exciting, but daunting. There are things I don’t love talking about. But then again, we all have things like that. “Should we try Two Truths and a Lie?”
He scrubs a hand across his beard, momentarily distracting me. His hair is shorter on his head, thicker on his jaw. I kind of like the shift. That beard is making me think about how it might feel against my thighs.
I clench them as he shifts his gaze to the shelves in the store. He pops up. “I’ve got an idea.”
I tuck the letter away in my bag as he busses our mugs quickly, then offers me a hand, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
It feels natural, but it also feels delicious in a way that makes my bones vibrate. That makes my pulse skitter. And that somehow calms my strung-tight nerves.
For now at least, but I’ll take it.
We walk to the shelves, stopping at the card games. He scans the offerings, then grabs The Naked Truth with his free hand.
“Feels apropos.”
He slides his thumb along the crease between my thumb and forefinger, a slow, smooth slide. I have no idea what I’m getting myself into, but I jump into the unknown of the list. “Sure.”
We head to the counter and he buys the game. Before we leave, I hold up a finger. “There’s something I need to do.”
I head back to the table, remembering where I spotted the final piece for the two heads are better than one lettuce, then slide it into place. “I like this puzzle. Would your dad like it?”
His eyes flicker with vulnerability. “Yes.”
I grab it and rush to the counter to buy it before he can stop me. When we get to his car, I hand it to him. “You can give it to him.”
“Thanks. Seriously.” He sets the puzzle and The Naked Truth down on the back seat next to my garment bag and the gift bag with the wedding dress. “This means a lot.”
This whole night has meant a lot. “You’re welcome.”
He turns on the car but doesn’t make a move to go. He stares straight ahead at the street unfolding in front of us, clearly thinking before he turns to me. “It means a lot, especially since my dad’s still around, you know?”
My throat tightens. “I do.”
“Clem told you?”
“Enough. I know your mom left?”
He sighs heavily. “When we were in high school. Gavin was in college. She was just done.”
My heart aches for his family. “I’m sorry. That sounds terrible.”
He drags a hand across his beard. “It kind of sucked.”
That’s an understatement if I’ve ever heard one, but I’m learning he doesn’t share easily. When he does it’s the bare minimum. But sometimes the bare minimum is enough. “Do you ever miss her?”
He scoffs lightly, shakes his head. “Nope. My dad is there for me for whatever I need.”
I can’t not touch him right now, so I reach out and squeeze his biceps. “I’m glad.”
“Me too, Remy.” He taps the gas, and pulls into traffic. After we cruise through a few green lights, I return to the topic du jour. “When do you want to play The Naked Truth?”