Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Maybe I wasn’t sure before she showed up in my life, but now that she has, there isn’t a single doubt in my mind about wanting kids. I want them, unequivocally. Starting with the one she’s currently carrying.
“What makes you say that?” Have I done anything to give her that impression, or worse, does she not see me as the fatherly type?
“Last night. You said it.” I think back, and it hits me. I let out a low chuckle when I realize what she meant.
“I said Kindred and I wouldn’t be having kids.”
“Oh.” Those eyes of hers light up again. “That makes sense.”
“I’m glad we got everything out in the open, and now there won’t be any more misunderstandings.” Candy wrings her gloved hands together. I’m not trying to upset her; that’s the last thing I want.
I park the gator, ignoring the glances from the locals. I’m sure word is spreading like a blizzard by now. Soon the whole town will be coated in the news. I reach over and grab her hands.
“No rush.” I give them a squeeze.
“I don’t want you to be mad at me.” She says it so softly I barely hear it.
“Never.”
“You can’t know that.”
“I do.” Slowly, I lean in. Candy’s eyes widen a fraction before falling closed, letting me know she’s more than okay with me kissing her. I brush my lips against hers; the kiss is slow at first. She feels like home.
My hand moves to cup the back of her neck, her silky hair brushing against it. I skim my tongue over the seam of her lips, and they part for me so that I can deepen the kiss.
I take my time wanting to savor every second of her taste as I slide my tongue across hers, exploring. When she starts to kiss me back, a rumble comes from deep in my throat. Pure fucking heaven is the only way to describe the sensation.
Candy’s fingers grip my shirt through my open coat. My whole body is tense and aroused. My heart pounds, knowing this moment is only the beginning. When I lift my head, Candy’s eyes are still closed, her lips are turned up into a smile, and those cheeks are a pretty pink again. She really is precious.
“Wow,” she whispers, her eyes fluttering open. “Are all kisses that sweet?”
“I wouldn’t know, but I believe it’s you that makes them sweet.” I brush my mouth against hers again before making myself pull back. “We might have an audience.” Candy gasps, glancing around. Most are doing well at pretending they are busy and not watching us.
“What are they going to think?”
“They’ll adore you. You’ll find this town can be protective of their own.”
“I’m not their own.”
“Once upon a time I’d have said the same, and now look at me.” I chuckle. “I think they voted me in as mayor because I wasn’t one for small talk or trying to get to know everyone. They cornered me.”
“That’s funny.” She giggles. "But I meant about my being pregnant and kissing the mayor."
"I don't give a shit," I tell her, and it's the truth. One thing I have never let rule my life is what others thought about me. Candy nibbles on her bottom lip. "But you care." She nods.
"I shouldn't, but I can't help it."
"With your coat and sweater, I don't think anyone will be able to tell. And if they can, there is no way someone would ask a woman if she is pregnant unless they are sure."
"Good point."
I smile. I feel like a king every time I can take away one of her fears or worries. It's addictive, and I plan on doing it for the rest of her life.
"Let's go see the town." I hold my hand out to help her. It's always snowing this time of year here, even if it's actually not actively doing so. It blows off the mountains that surround most of the town.
I keep her hand in mine as we make our way down the sidewalk. "These shops are adorable."
"We can go in." I nod toward Sugar Plum Boutique. It's one of the many holiday stores in town that sells decorations. It's more for tourists.
"No, it's fine. What would I do with Christmas decorations? I'm not even sure I have a home anymore."
"You have a home." I fight to keep the anger out of my voice. I want to kill that asshole, Max. He'd done this on purpose. Backing her right into a corner so she's helpless and has no choice but to rely on him. I very much think the baby is a part of that plan. Another way to try to trap her and manipulate her. I'd be shocked if he actually wants the baby at all. “And one that we need to decorate. Did you forget we have a party coming up?” I remind her.