Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
What an idiot.
The last two days with Talon are above and beyond compared to the two years with that douche-canoe.
I giggle, thinking about Bex’s approval.
Seriously, I should have my head examined for trying to avoid Talon.
My mind replays last night.
The simple dinner he cooked after approving the menu with my brother. Even though I passed the food challenges, and the Immunologist pretty much released me without concern, Dad and Chase sent Talon a list of things to avoid.
This is a list Talon took very seriously according to the inventory of food in his refrigerator and pantry. Either his friends went shopping or he ordered delivery. Regardless, he stocked up for me to stay much longer than expected.
The thought sends a swarm of tingles rippling through my system. I’ve always been independent. Growing up and into my adulthood, there wasn’t much I asked for from others. Maybe it’s because Chase was a role model and Rylee was completely opposite. She didn’t care if it was a convenience or not—she lived her life of expectations. Hard work wasn’t her style.
But last night, having every ounce of Talon’s attention was an unfamiliar treat.
I could get used to being pampered, carried around, and doted on. Talon wouldn’t let me lift a finger, even when it came to unpacking. Ignoring my suggestion to live out of my bag, he unloaded my things, arranged my toiletries, and set up my laptop on the desk in the corner. Like in the hospital, he tried to convince me to let him help dress me in my pajamas. I expressed my capability to dress myself, but it was a weak argument.
And the man has completely won over Wolf. Not that it is a hard feat, considering my dog loves everyone.
But Wolf’s paw has hampered his usual activity levels. Talon babied him in his own way. He didn’t think I saw when he slipped Wolf’s pain pill into the slice of chicken. Wolf lapped up the meat like it was the finest cuisine.
My dog is in love.
And I may be in love—
Hold up, speed racer! My conscience interrupts my hearts-and-flowers starlight daze.
One night, Willow. One night can’t dictate the trajectory of your love life.
But it’s not one night… it’s a month of skirting around the inevitable.
“Okay, enough inner reflection. You’ve only kissed the man. Outside of the one comment about being under him, he hasn’t tried anything else. Let’s not jump ahead of ourselves,” I chastise myself, rolling out of bed and gathering some clean clothes.
I may not be able to go to work, but there are plenty of things to do. Lying in bed all day isn’t an option.
While I go through my morning routine and get dressed, my nerves pick up.
Ford and his fiancée, Rowan, live here as well. Talon said they were out last night, but they are sure to be here this morning.
Ford and Ace were super nice and funny the day in the park, but meeting the fiancée is a big deal. The little Talon has said about her has been in fondness. He’s close to her. And this is practically her house, considering she’s a soon-to-be Whitman.
Which means I want her to like me.
On second thought, maybe getting back in bed is a good idea. Traipsing through another woman’s home first thing in the morning could give the wrong impression.
“Quit being a big baby,” I tell my reflection and conjure up the courage to leave the room.
Take a left, right at the mouth of the hall….
Voices get louder around the corner, indicating I’m getting closer to the main rooms.
“What do you mean she’s here? She spent the night and you didn’t tell me?” The bitterness in the woman’s tone stops me in my tracks.
“She’s had a shitty few days. She needs her rest.”
“I know all about it, Talon Simms,” she snaps.
Why the full name?
“Want to know how I know? Because Ford shows up here with another animal explaining your girlfriend was in the hospital. Girlfriend! How could you keep this from me?”
“Did he tell you everything?”
“I think so. You’ve been sneaking around for weeks keeping this a secret.”
“I’m thirty-one years old. I don’t sneak around. And she’s not a secret; it’s been a delicate situation.”
“And that’s why you didn’t tell me. You don’t think I can handle it? After all we’ve been through? What we are to each other?”
Is she crying? My stomach lurches and the hair on the back of my neck prickles.
An uneasy sensation comes over me and before I can stop myself, I creep around the corner.
My heart stops.
A gorgeous blonde woman is in Talon’s face, her cheeks wet and arms crossed defensively. Talon’s eyes are loaded with concern and his expression etched with emotion.
I’ve seen this look before. When I woke up in the hospital.
At the time, it was beautiful and heartbreaking. His strength, his energy, and bold presence was missing because he was worried about me.