Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 116231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” I confirm, my hand coming up to hold her face as I kiss her, more gently this time. The door opens again, and I look to see that we went back to the lobby. I move away from her, going over to press the button to her floor. She moves to stand beside me, and I feel her fingers near mine. My pinky grabs onto hers, just to hold it. When the doors open, she steps out and I follow her.
“You really don’t have to walk me all the way.”
“I really do,” I reply as she takes out her key and opens her door.
“There, you have officially walked me to my door.” She looks up at me.
I move my hand up and I tuck the hair I wanted to touch before behind her ear. “I did,” I say softly and bend my head to kiss her lips, letting her go, even though I don’t want to. I walk back to the elevator and it’s still there. I hold up my hand, smile at her, and get in. I press the lobby button and back up, leaning against the back of the elevator and look up. I wait for the doors to close, but her arm shoots out to stop it.
She comes in and jumps up, just like Nora does, and I catch her. “One more kiss.” She wraps her arms around my neck, and I turn to push her back to the elevator. I kiss her like I don’t think I’ve ever kissed anyone before, our tongues fighting with each other. The doors open and she unwraps her legs from around me and slides down, her hands going to my chest. “You have to go,” she says and pushes me, and I just smirk at her, walking out of the elevator and into the lobby. “Drive safe.” She smiles as her whole face lights up, holding up her hand as the doors close. I look up to see the number stop on her floor before I turn to walk back to my car.
I shake my head as I get behind the wheel and head home. I pull up and walk in, Tessa is sitting on the couch, her phone in her hand. “Sorry I’m late,” I apologize.
“No worries.” She gets up. “Nora said it was okay for her to sleep in your bed,” she informs me, and I nod my head at her as she leaves. I close up the house and walk up to my bedroom.
Nora is in the middle of the bed and I see Tessa put pillows beside her so she doesn’t fall off. I change into pajamas and get into bed, the whole time all I can do is think of Kylie. Think of her smile, think of that fucking kiss. For the first time in a long fucking time, I feel fucking good about things.
I drift off to sleep and wake up the next day when Nora pokes my back. I turn my head to her and open my eyes. “You’re snoring,” she complains, my phone in her hand, “and I’m hungry.” My head falls back on the pillow. “Can we have breakfast?”
“Yeah,” I say, getting up.
I’m leaning against the counter downstairs in the kitchen when I pick up my phone and pull up her text thread. All I’ve thought about all morning fucking long was the date. It was one of the best dates I’ve had. Hands down. Even better than when I was younger.
Me:
Thank you for last night.
I press send and I wonder if she is even going to answer.
480-502-7755:
You paid for dinner. It should be me thanking you for last night.
Me:
I really had the best time.
480-502-7755:
Did you? I am pretty amazing.
I laugh because I can hear her voice in my head.
Me:
That you are. That you fucking are.
I press send and then pick up the game we played last night.
Me:
Favorite food of all time?
I take a sip of my coffee, waiting for her to answer.
480-502-7755:
Something that is edible or not? ;)
I chuckle as I look over at the couch and see the kids just lounging around.
Me:
You have to chew… and swallow.
480-502-7755:
Probably burgers, but I also love Italian food. You?
I’m about to answer her when she types back.
480-502-7755:
You have to chew and swallow it.
I shake my head as I type my answer.
Me:
Burgers are a great choice. But probably a good steak with a loaded potato.
“Dad,” I hear Vincent call my name and look up at him, “what’s for dinner?”
I laugh. “Buddy, we haven’t even eaten breakfast or lunch yet,” I tell him, putting my phone down.
“I know,” he says, “but I was wondering.”
“Not sure.” I turn and put my cup in the sink. “I’m going to go shower and then we can head out to the park,” I say and then rush up the stairs, the whole time wondering what it would be like if she was here.