Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
A breeze picks up, cooling us down, and the closeness soothes me. Listening to his steady breathing becomes a guidepost that he’s okay, giving me the reassurance I need. “Daniel?” He hums in reply. He co-parents with Roman’s mom, but they aren’t on the same page when they’re apart. He’s on his own, fighting against what he was shown about what a father is and winning that battle. “You’re a good dad for breaking the cycle.”
He turns, wrapping me up like a present in his arms. Holding me so tight that I can feel his heartbeat against my cheek, he rests his head on the top of mine, and whispers, “Take the offer, Summer.” I smile against him because that was said from the heart.
I’d been fighting against the charity he’d offered me because it felt like sacrificing my pride. I don’t want his sympathy. I wanted him to give it for other reasons than guilt. Even as a loan, if it comes from somewhere other than feeling sorry for me.
“You won’t regret it. I promise. You won’t.”
“I know.”
Pulling back, I want to see his face and those amazing eyes of his. When I do, I say, “Thank you. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the money back to you one day.”
“I don’t want it back. I see the magic in Mountain Laurel Cove like you do.” He lifts my chin. “If you can, I want you to keep this town just as it is.”
“I’m doing my best.” I hug him once more, closing my eyes and finally able to breathe again when my phone buzzes. I let go and look at my phone. Smiling, I tilt my head back up for Daniel. “Roman is safely in Dolly’s care.”
“Good.”
Tapping my fingertips under his, I ask, “Are you as exhausted as I am?”
“Yeah, I should pack up to move my stuff over.”
We both turn toward the cottage. He picks up the bag, and we walk together. “I can help.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t have much. You’re tired. Why don’t you head back, and I’ll meet you over there in a little while.”
“You sure?”
“I won’t be long.”
Sometimes you get a sense someone needs time to themselves. This feels like one of those times. “I can take Roman’s bag.”
“It’s okay. I got it.”
I stop on the doormat outside after he enters the house. “Okay.” I rock back on my heels and watch as he heads for the bedroom. Thumbing over my shoulder, I say, “I’m going then.”
Turning to leave, I take two steps before he calls, “Wait, Summer.”
“Yes?” the reply rushes from my mouth so fast as if I needed an excuse to stay a little longer. Right when I turn back, he captures my face in his hands, and my lids flutter closed as his lips press to mine. My head swims in the connection, my body leaning into him, my hands grapple to grab onto his shirt as I hold him like my life depends on it.
Our lips part, and our tongues meet in a tangling twist of rules and breaking them, professionalism, and my personal desires. I toss it all aside and kiss with the desire of a thousand fires burning inside for him.
And when we part, my breath pants from my chest, my eyes opening slowly to find him admiring me with his heart on his sleeve. He whispers, “I just wanted to tell you that.”
I hold him as close as I can while this magic lasts. “I’m glad you did.” Unfurling my fingers from his shirt, I take a step back and say, “Maybe you can tell me more about it later?”
A sly grin works its way onto his face. “I can’t wait.”
I start walking backward, smiling like a loon who just scored a fish from the cove. “Me either. I’ll see you later.” I turn and practically skip off the deck onto the ground.
“See you later, Summer.”
I hurry down the road and then just flat-out sprint, filled with the adrenaline from kissing him and the offer to help buy the cottage in play. My thoughts are swirling on the rights and wrongs and the pros and cons when it hits me. I’m halfway back when I come to an abrupt halt.
Out of breath, I look back. I’ve gone too far to still see the cottage and not far enough to see the house. It doesn’t matter. I had a problem, and he stepped in to help. I can do the same for him.
CHAPTER 14
DANIEL
“Why can’t I sleep in here?” Roman’s legs dangle off the side of the bed as he watches me drop my duffel bag by the dresser.
“We don’t know how long it will take to get the pipes fixed, buddy. I’ll camp out on this couch, and you can have a bed all to yourself.” I’m thinking I should feel guilty for lying to him, but am I? Is it really a lie? He will be more comfortable in the guest room, and I’ll be more comfortable in Summer—