Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
I stumble out of my bedroom just as Fisher knocks on the front door.
“I’ll get it,” I yell.
But it’s too late. Riley and my mom are already opening the door. The last thing I need is for Fisher to be interrogated by my mom. She’s fiercely protective of me, and she has been the exact same way since I got pregnant. The first time.
“Come in,” Mom says. “Can I get you a drink?”
I practically sprint into the living room. “We can’t stop, Mom. We have reservations.”
As I’m talking, I lock eyes with Fisher. He looks… incredible. His hair looks like it’s still damp from the shower. He’s grinning from ear to ear at me, and it fills me with liquid joy.
I scan his body to make sure I’m not too off with what I’m wearing. His jeans skim his legs like they were tailored for him. And he’s wearing a white shirt, which lights up his face like he’s a movie star or something. He might be the best-looking man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“I’m not inviting him to spend the entire evening with us, watching Jeopardy,” Mom says. “I asked the man if he wanted a drink.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Fisher replies.
“My, I love your accent. Say something else,” my mom says.
I roll my eyes. Is my mom flirting with my date?
I press a kiss to the top of Riley’s head and scoot under Fisher’s arm. “Gotta go. Love you, sweet girl.”
I take the stairs down to the driveway like the house is on fire as Fisher says goodbye to Riley and my mom.
“Wow, you really didn’t want me to quench my thirst. That’s kinda mean,” Fisher says. My eyes widen, and he bursts into laughter. “I’m kidding. But really, you couldn’t get out of there quick enough.”
He opens the truck door for me.
“Believe me,” I say as I get in. “I saved you from a fate worse than death. I’ve not been on a date in nearly three years. My mom would have wanted to know your inseam measurement before we were allowed to leave if she’d convinced you to take a beverage.”
Fisher brings up his hand. “Hold that thought.” He shuts my car door, rounds the hood, and climbs into the driver’s seat. “You haven’t been on a date in three years? What the fuck is the matter with the men of Star Falls? You’re beautiful. And fun and—”
“I’m not interested in the men of Star Falls.”
“Surely, there’s got to be some good ones.”
“I grew up with all these guys. It kinda takes the edge off. Anyway, I’ve been focusing on Riley. With her dad moving away, it’s been tough on her. I didn’t want her to think I was going anywhere. I wanted to make things the same for her for a while.”
Fisher nods as we head along the road back toward the town.
“So, where are we headed?” I ask, trying not to ogle him as he drives. It’s just difficult.
His oh-so-hot forearms are on full display, and I can’t seem to look away. And the cut of his jaw? I swear, I should have brought a change of panties.
“We have a choice,” he says.
“A choice?” I repeat. “You know you’re in Star Falls, not New York City. We don’t have restaurants on every block.” I grin at him, and he turns his head.
“You’re so pretty,” he says.
The man makes me melt.
“You’re so pretty,” I reply.
He chuckles. “But seriously, we actually do have a choice. I didn’t book Pizza Meet Ya. I think that needs to go in a top ten somewhere for weird names for a pizza restaurant.”
“I’m pretty sure it already is.”
“But we can go there if the pizza’s good.”
“The pizza’s okay,” I say tentatively. “And we won’t need a reservation.” Honestly, I’d really prefer not to go to Pizza Meet Ya, but I might go just about anywhere with Fisher.
“We could head up to the Club. The owner owes me a few favors. We can go to any of the restaurants up there.”
“There’s more than one restaurant?” I ask.
Fisher just laughs, but I’m genuinely interested in the number of restaurants up there. How many restaurants does the place need?
“Or you could show me your favorite spot in Star Falls, and we could have a nighttime picnic. I’ve packed some food in the back.”
“You do?”
“I figured you might not want to go to Pizza Meet Ya because you’ve probably been a thousand times before. And the Club… well, Rosey will have her spies out, and I’m not sure how relaxing it would be if we had a full-on cheer squad in the corner.”
I laugh. “That’s true. She’s very enthusiastic about the two of us… being friends.”
Fisher nods. “Right. So, is there anywhere you think would be good for a picnic?”
“Absolutely,” I say. “The falls this town is named after. Take the next left.”