Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 106298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 531(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 531(@200wpm)___ 425(@250wpm)___ 354(@300wpm)
She walks in, her feet stopping so fast that she tips forward a little. “You cleaned?”
I shrug. “I wouldn’t say it’s clean, but it’s a start.”
She lunges for me, opening her arms, but then catches herself just before they land around my neck. Patting my chest is a consolation prize. “Thank you, Baylor.”
“You’re welcome.” I take the apron off and toss it in the laundry bag. “You ready to face the family?”
Adjusting her purse on her shoulder, she locks the door and starts for the front with me trailing. “It’s not like I’m meeting my boyfriend’s family for the first—” The words choke in her throat, and she turns back. “Right?”
I’ve thought about her a lot since I saw her on my previous visit. I didn’t even go on any dates, not feeling it after spending the night with her last time. Who could possibly compare?
Great, now she has me questioning where things stand between us. I shake it off but keep nodding like an idiot. “It’s Chris and Tagger, the kids, and my dad. Family you’ve known your whole life.”
“Right,” she says, nodding just like me. “They’re practically my family as well. Not by blood but by relationships.” She pushes through the door and goes right to her mom to hug her. “I’ll be back later to clean the kitchen and finish the cupcakes.” When she pulls back, she adds, “It’s going to be a late night because I also need to frost them, so don’t wait up.”
And just like that, the groundwork is laid . . .
If we pick up where we left off earlier, it’s going to be a late night.
“Have a good one, Peaches.”
“You, too. Y’all have fun and say hi to your dad for me.”
“I will.”
As soon as we’re in the rental, Lauralee buckles herself in, but the look we share makes me think this drive is about to get a lot more interesting. As soon as we’re on the road, I reach over and rub her thigh. She changed tops, exchanging the crop top for a loose-fitting shirt that hung around her frame, with no midsection on display at all. Hidden. I don’t approve. “I do like those shorts on you.”
She looks down as if she didn’t know she was wearing them. “Thanks. They’re just old jeans I cut off.”
“You always did know how to wear denim.”
Angling toward me, she laughs. “You make it sound like you noticed me when I’m pretty sure you never thought twice about me before the last time I saw you.” She rests her head on her hand, a smile working onto her relaxed expression.
“I’ve thought about you,” I say, taking her hand in mine and folding my fingers with hers. “I should have . . .” I put my attention back on the road. “I sure noticed you at my sister’s reception.”
“Lost opportunity?”
“One I’ve regretted since.”
Her hold on my hand tightens. I don’t even know if she purposely gave the subtle hint, but I notice. She asks, “You have?” Her voice is as soft as her gaze.
“Of course. You’re a beautiful woman, Shortcake,” I reply, trying to play it off a bit. I don’t know why this seems like a good time to just stick to the facts and own them, especially with her. She’s given me an open forum to be who I am. No games. No fronts or masks, no role to play. Just me with her.
“Quick detour.” I pull off on an old dirt farm road. The property was abandoned before I was born, so it might be private property, but there was no one to enforce it. I stop just past the rickety fence posts and shift the car into Park.
There’s not been one ounce of argument from her. She sits there, trusting me. It’s a weight that I haven’t carried for anyone in years. I’m not that guy in New York, but she’s making me think twice back here in Peachtree Pass.
I undo her seat belt and then mine before leaning over the console to run my fingers over her cheek. “I’m going to kiss you.”
Her hand covers mine, and she leans in, her breathing deepening. “You don’t have to ask or warn me. Just kiss me.”
I press my lips to her, so much of this feeling like the first time. Her eyes close in complete trust, her soft mouth molding to mine, and her other hand finding my side and rubbing before trying to pull me closer.
The fucking console keeps me from her, but as our kisses deepen, our tongues begin a slow dance to encourage more. Her hand dips to my lap and rubs over my erection. I push against her and lower my hand to slide over her tits, one and then the other. Lifting myself over the console, I trail kisses toward her ear and whisper, “Put your seat back.”