Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
“That taco was tiny, Chess. It was gone in two bites.”
“Well, with the way you ate it, yes—” I cut myself off, remembering belatedly that I’m meeting his freaking parents.
But Sean merely gives me a wink so quick, I almost miss it.
I let out a breath and tell myself to relax. I’m nervous, which is a new experience for me. Not one I like. Doesn’t stop me from wanting to make a good impression.
Inside, the house is open and airy, with vaulted, beamed ceilings painted white, shiplap walls, and multiple picture windows framing the sea. The furniture is big and comfortable, California casual. It’s like we’ve stepped into a design magazine. And yet there are signs of a well-lived life everywhere. Framed pictures of family on the tables, knickknacks from exotic ports of call.
“It’s beautiful,” I tell Finn’s mom.
She smiles wide. “Thank you, Chess. Let’s get you situated, and then we can have drinks on the patio.”
Finn is back at my side, proprietary hand on my shoulder. “I’ll show her, Mom.”
There’s an awkward beat of silence in the room, and I truly want to elbow Finn in the gut. I have no idea if his mom had planned to room us together, but the fact that he’s made it clear that we are is mortifying. And, sadly, something I hadn’t really thought about with this whole relationship farce.
“Ah . . . yes, of course,” Meg says with a small smile my way.
Wrapping my arm around Finn’s waist, I smile back like a dolt, even as I surreptitiously pinch his side. He twitches, then presses his arm against my hand to keep me from attacking again. Nice block, but I’ll get him in the room.
Aware of his parents watching us go, I keep quiet as he leads me down a long hall and into a bedroom at the far end of the house. I have a quick impression of clean, white furniture, and blue sea views before I pounce, pinching his little nipple.
“Ow!” He dances away scowling as he closes the door behind us. “What the hell is up with all the pinching?”
“You might as well have peed on my leg back there,” I hiss.
Finn rubs his chest and frowns some more. “What are you talking about?”
“Out there.” I gesture to the door. “Did it occur to you that your mom might have wanted to place us in separate rooms?”
“What are we, sixteen?” He looks appalled. “We’re supposed to be together. There is no way I wouldn’t be sleeping in the same bed with my girl. Mom knows that.”
“Are you sure about that? And your dad is military . . .”
Finn laughs, looking genuinely amused. “Dad is a sailor at heart, Chester. He’s the last person who would try to put you in the guest room.” Finn peers at me as if noticing something, and I have the annoying urge to check my face for dirt.
“You didn’t think we’d be sharing a room, did you?” he asks, smugly smiling.
“I knew.” I glance at the bed. It’s a queen. Not nearly big enough for us to share.
Not when Finn is the size of a tree.
“Uh-huh.” He takes a step closer. I don’t like that twinkle in his eye. It spells trouble. “You know we’re going to have to be a little affectionate toward each other, right?” Another step. “Remember? Cuddle, gaze at me with utter adoration.”
“I don’t think I’m that good of an actress,” I mutter, refusing to back up, though I want to. I’m beginning to feel like a juicy piece of steak, the way he’s eyeing me.
His warm, slightly calloused palms skim up my arms. Little shivers of pleasure follow the motion. His lazy gaze lowers to my mouth, and I swear my lips plump in happy appreciation.
Finn makes a sound at the back of his throat. “I’ll probably have to kiss you a few times.”
My lids flutter, my lips going soft and full, as I try not to sway. He’s close enough that I feel his warmth. My body wants him to breach the tiny distance and take. But my brain is filled with blaring Klaxons. I suck in a breath, and hear him do the same.
“If you were my girl, I’d definitely kiss you any chance I got,” he whispers, dipping closer.
“Try to kiss me now,” I murmur, my lips nearly brushing his. “And I will bite you.”
A huff of laughter brushes over my skin. “Oh, Chester, you really shouldn’t dare me.”
I lift my lids and our gazes clash. He hasn’t moved away. The heat in his eyes makes my thighs tight. For a mindless second, I want to taunt him, really dare him to do it. Kiss me. Make me forget my name.
But then his mom’s voice slices through the thick air between us. “Finn,” she calls from the hall. “Hurry up! Glenn is here!”