Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“Looks big.” He glances at me. “Do you get lonely being out here all alone?”
Guilt sets in, as I’m holding on to a lie about my son instead of being honest. I pop the door open. “Thank you for tonight and for driving me home. It was completely out of your way.”
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Reaching over, he asks, “When can I see you again?”
“I have a busy few days ahead. My cousin and I are moving our office to a new space on the second floor. I imagine I won’t be good company when I’m tired.”
“How about I give you my number. When you’re ready, just give me a text and I’ll take you out.”
When I hand him my phone, I take the time he’s busy to admire him. There’s no denying the man is gorgeous, but seeing who he is tonight makes him even more attractive to me. He’s not a monster or an asshole. Griffin seems like a good guy. He makes it so much harder to keep this secret. I say, “Hey, I—”
“I’ll see you soon, okay?” He leans over and kisses me. It’s too quick and way too sweet, but I like the way his lips feel against mine, and I hope we can find the time to connect again.
“Okay.” I hop down to the ground and shut the door. Backing onto the curb, I stand tall and raise my hand. “See you around, Greene.”
He about levels me with a hit of his smile, weakening my knees. “See you around, Dover.”
I turn to walk inside, though the pull to him is stronger than my will. I can only hope he drives away before I give in entirely. I reach the front door and watch his taillights disappear around the bend. As soon as the truck is out of sight, I go inside.
I almost slept with him. I would have if he hadn’t put the brakes on. “God, Cricket, what are you doing?” I should feel shame for how I behaved, but I can’t muster the energy. I head upstairs and pass the guest room where Judy is sleeping. Since she left the door cracked open, I shut it and go to the next room in the hall. Jacob’s.
Seeing him tucked in and hearing his soft slumber makes me smile. “Love you, buddy,” I whisper and then walk down the hall toward my room.
As soon as I shut my door, I go to my bed and flop face-first. But being squashed in the blanket can’t stop my smile from beaming. I roll over, throwing my arms out wide, and stare up at the ceiling. Griffin Greene, who would have thought he’d come into our lives like he did—unexpected but potentially just what we need.
I kick my legs and silently squeal, letting giddiness take over. This was the best night I’ve had since the last time we were together. I’m starting to see a pattern with this man. And he sure is making it hard not to fall head over heels for him. I sit up and pull my phone from my back pocket. Pulling up his number, I text: Thank you. I had an amazing time with you.
I set it on my nightstand and get ready for bed. When I return, I see his response on the screen: Tonight was worth the wait.
And just like that, I swoon to death.
CHAPTER 15
Griffin
Didn’t matter where I lay my head in the world, I used to sleep like a baby. Here in the Pass, I’m wide awake at five in the morning, cursing at the dark sky beyond the curtains. It’s too early for this. Groaning, I put my feet on the floor and hunch over, rubbing my eyes. Seems I have no choice but to get up since I’ve lain here for the past hour staring at the ceiling. My body has fallen back into the rhythm of ranch life without my permission.
My mind is groggy despite my muscles itching to start moving, stretching with the day as night becomes morning. I stand, grabbing my phone from the nightstand to check for messages that came in overnight. It’s clear, and I’m surprised by the disappointment that floods my system as the little chirp races to the forefront of my groggy mind.
A quick pit stop to the bathroom doesn’t help with the exhaustion. Splashing cold water on my face revives me somewhat, but it will take some caffeine in coffee form to really get me moving. I bypass the closet, knowing nothing from high school or even college will fit me anymore. I’m a few inches taller, and my shoulders aren’t shrinking despite playing ball a lot less over the years.
Sliding on a pair of jeans, I kneel to dig through a box of clothes I shipped from St. Louis when I was sent packing. I pull a solid light blue cotton shirt with pearl snaps along the front from the box and slip it on. It slides easily over my bicep, and I know I’m good to go. It slips on, so I snap the front closed and tuck it in, remembering one of the golden rules when working around farm equipment: loose shirttails lead to losing limbs.