Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“Who is she?” Dad asks. “One of Savvy’s friends?”
I’m surprised Cole didn’t tell him. Since he didn’t, that earns points for Cole in my book. Everyone in this complex is nosey and talks, so I figured it was a given.
“No. The neighbor.”
I glance over at him as he frowns, clearly thinking about which neighbor it might be.
“Who?”
He really is clueless.
Fuck.
“Casey.” I stiffen, waiting for whatever negative thing he as to say.
“Derek’s Casey?”
“She’s not his anymore,” I growl, facing off with my father. “Don’t ever say that shit again.”
His eyes widen, clearly taken aback by my outburst. I’m protective over her. I certainly don’t like having her ex still claim her despite having left her.
She’s mine now.
Dad rubs at his temple as if this isn’t computing in his brain. “But she’s so much older.”
“So?”
“You’re in fucking high school, Brayden. You’re just a kid.”
Why does everyone say this to me? It’s the most annoying shit ever. When I’m with Casey, I don’t feel like a damn kid.
“Are you done?” I ask, voice cool. “Because I’m done hearing it.”
“I’ll walk back that statement,” Dad says, voice gruff, “but don’t be an asshole. It’s not like you. That’s more your mother’s speed.”
He’s not wrong.
“Sorry. I just really like her and I’m tired of getting told she’s too old for me. I’m not an idiot. I can handle my dating life just fine.”
“Have you, uh, you know…”
For fuck’s sake, not him too.
“None of your business, but no.”
“Promise me you’ll wrap it up, Bray,” Dad says in his most dad tone ever. “I’m too young to be a grandpa.”
As soon as he makes that statement, the vision forms in my head. Casey in a pretty sundress, bare feet in the grass, holding her belly that’s swollen with my child. I would take such good care of both of them.
“Dammit.” Dad sighs heavily and drops into his recliner. “I was kidding about that last part, but clearly, you’re not. You’re lovesick, my boy.”
Lovesick doesn’t sound like a bad thing to me.
“So?”
“Lovesick can be a toxic thing,” he says gently. “I was that way with your mother. Fell way too hard, way too fast. We had you, which was great, but we weren’t meant to be for the long run. I’m just worried she’s going to break your heart.”
Casey isn’t Mom.
Casey is good and loving and kind.
“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.” I lift my chin, hoping to show him how serious I am about this. “Casey is an incredible woman. There are so many layers to her, and I love uncovering each one. Plus, she’s so fucking beautiful.”
Dad grunts but doesn’t argue with me.
How can he?
This isn’t an infatuation or a fling.
I have feelings for her that get deeper with each passing second. It’s maddening but also the best thing to ever go through.
“Does Derek know?”
“It’s not his business.” I grit my teeth together. “You’re not going to tell him either.”
He holds up both palms in defense. “Not my place, but he is my friend. If he asks, I can’t lie.”
“Then don’t. It’s not like he has any right to have an opinion about it either way. He gave that up when he walked out on her.”
“Promise me you’ll be careful,” he says, voice pleading. “Slow things down if you can. There’s no rush. Sex isn’t everything in a relationship.”
No, it’s not.
Casey is everything, though.
I’ll take her in whatever capacity she’ll give me.
“I know, Dad.”
“If things get messy, as things often do, just know you can’t escape this. She lives next door. I’m her landlord. I really hope you’re being smart about this.”
Nothing kills the buzz of a hot date like your dad lecturing you.
“I have to go,” I say gruffly. “I told her I’d pick her up now.”
Without another word, I leave our unit and stride over to the one next door. Mo is waiting by the door, swishing his tail angrily. He wants in.
“You and me both,” I mutter to him.
I ring the doorbell and a few seconds later, Casey answers. She’s in a brown skirt that swishes when she walks and hits her mid-thigh, showing off every inch of her silky skin. The creme-colored camisole barely contains her bouncy breasts and the orange sweater she has over it just begs to be ripped off the second she gets too warm. She’s wearing a pair of sexy tan wedges that accentuates her calf muscles, showing off all her hard work from daily walks. With her blonde hair in loose waves over one shoulder and smelling so fucking sweet, I’m too dazzled to do anything but stare.
“I take it you like this outfit,” she says, beaming at me. “I love how I can read your emotions. They’re not hidden behind a wall of stoicism.”
My face flashes hot, revealing how I feel about her words. “You’re a damn knockout, Casey. A dream come true.”