Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“Of course not,” I say automatically. Because what else am I supposed to say? Actually, yes, I do mind. I mind that my stomach just flipped like I’m eighteen again. I mind that the memory of his mouth on mine still feels branded into my skin. I mind that I never got a chance to figure out what that kiss meant before real life rushed back in and swallowed us whole.
Now I just have to put on my game face and pretend I don’t know how he tastes. Or how it feels to be tucked against his chest like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.
Piece of cake.
Will looks over like he feels my stare. His eyes find mine immediately, and the air between us tightens. I feel the jolt of that look down to my toes.
He looks… sexy. Faded jeans. The sleeves of his gray Henley pushed up, revealing strong forearms. A day’s worth of stubble covering his jaw. But there’s something different in his expression. He doesn’t seem surprised to see me. Then again, he knew we were all going. I’m the only one who was left in the dark.
I look away quickly, because his gaze feels too intimate, too raw. I don’t know if I would have backed out of this trip if I’d known he was coming. More than likely, yes, that’s exactly what would have happened, because I cannot be trusted around this man. That’s a proven fact from my previous actions. Even if I had braved it, I still would have had time to mentally prepare myself for seeing him.
Bellamy and Coral step off the porch, and I have no choice but to follow. Bellamy goes to Reid, who takes Coral and tosses her up in the air, before pulling his wife into his arms. I avert my gaze and stop next to Will.
“Hey,” he says, taking a small step toward me, bringing us closer together.
That voice. Low. Rough. Familiar.
Mia wiggles in my arms, oblivious to the emotional warfare happening three feet away. She lets out a happy squeal and holds her arms out for Will. He smiles, almost melting in front of me for my daughter, as he takes her in his arms and tosses her up in the air, just as Reid did with Coral. Mia’s laughter makes us both smile as he places her on his hip.
He leans in close, under the guise of playing with Mia. She loves this game and holds on tight, turning away from me, when Will whispers just low enough that only I can hear him.
“Missed you,” he says, his voice gravelly.
He pulls away as if nothing happened, tickling Mia, and my heart does something inconvenient. It melts for him, beating out a rhythm that feels like it’s just for him.
“Hey, Dad,” Bellamy says, rounding the SUV. She gives him a one-armed hug because he’s still holding my daughter. “Are you ready for some fun in the sun?” She tickles Mia’s belly. My daughter turns into herself, sinking against Will’s chest, and he hugs her tightly to him, kissing the top of her head.
“Aw, she loves you,” Bellamy coos. “All right, fam, time to get loaded. We’re meeting the others at Knox and Corie’s, and we’re going to caravan to the beach.” She cheers and skips off to her side of the SUV and climbs inside.
“I’ll take her.” I reach for Mia, but she laughs and turns her head, tucking her arms into her chest.
“Miss Mia, let’s get you into your seat.” As if he’s done it thousands of times before, he climbs into the third row of the SUV and gets Mia buckled in.
I rush to my car, grab my purse and the diaper bag, and climb into the back seat. I tug out a blanket more for comfort than warmth for Mia and a couple of toys. Coral already has her blanket and a book in her hands, but I know these two, and they’ll be lights out in no time. Neither one of them can resist a car ride. Let’s just hope they can handle the nearly nine hours we’re going to be on the road. I got Mia up early this morning, and I know Bellamy did the same with Coral, hoping naptime would come early for them.
Once everyone is settled, Reid backs out of the driveway, and three minutes later, we’re pulling into Corie and Knox’s to meet everyone else. Reid parks, then hops out to help Knox by taking Alexander from his arms and playing with him, while Knox loads their bags.
Bellamy turns to face us. “Do you all mind keeping an eye on Coral for me? I’m going to run in and use the restroom. I should have done it before I left the house.”
“Of course,” Will and I answer at the same time.