Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 77827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
I nod. “I want to knock on your door, walk you to my truck, and all the other things that go with a date.”
“Pulling out all the stops, huh?” she teases, no doubt to break the moment, but I hold steady.
I step closer, sliding one arm around her waist and tugging her close. “For you, absolutely,” I say, kissing her temple. I asked for a chance, and this feels like she’s giving me one.
“Fine, you can pick me up. Seven?”
I nod. “I’ll be there to get you at seven. If you think of anything else you need, text me, and I’ll get it done.”
“I don’t need anything, Macklin. A nice dinner… with you. That’s plenty.”
I want to kiss her so fucking badly, but I refrain. “Done.” I bring her in closer and, this time, wrap both arms around her, hugging her tightly.
“I should get back. I have a few more things to go over with Ellie to prepare for her maternity leave.”
“Let me know if I can help.”
She smiles. “Thanks, Macklin. I’ll see you later?” she asks, taking a step back, out of my hold and out of my arms, but that’s okay, because tonight she’s going to be at my place. And if I’m lucky, she’ll let me hold her again. I’m a desperate man, willing to take anything she tosses my way.
I’ve spent the entire afternoon and early evening preparing for my date with Baylor tonight. I have her wrapped present under my little ceramic tree. Because, come on, I’m a single guy, living alone. I’m not going through the trouble of putting up a big-ass tree just for me. Then again, she probably would have loved it. Next season, hopefully, she’ll be living here with me, or we’ll be in a new place, and we can get a big tree and decorate it together.
Anyway, the present is wrapped, the sundae supplies are stocked and ready, and a few surprises are prepared. Now, all that’s left is to call in the order for our pizza, pick up my girl, then the food, and our night together can begin.
When I reach their house, I leave the truck running, hop out, and rush to the front door, keeping my head tucked. The winter wind is harsh. Once at the door, I knock three times, shove my hands into my pockets, and wait. A few seconds later, the door opens to Copeland, wearing a shit-eating grin.
“Whatcha doing, Mac?” he asks, and I know damn well he can’t live in this house with my girl and her sisters and not know why I’m here, but that’s fine. I’ll play along, because I have nothing to hide.
“Here to pick up my date,” I tell him as he steps back and motions for me to step inside out of the cold.
Copeland spreads his legs apart and crosses his arms over his chest. “What are your intentions with my sister?” He tries to glare at me but ends up smirking.
Copeland and I have been friends since we were kids in elementary school. The four of us guys have been close for years, and we both know that if I’m here, I’m here because I’m all in.
“Copeland!” Baylor scolds as she steps into the room. “I heard that. Back away from Macklin slowly,” she teases. She doesn’t stop until she’s standing next to me.
“Hey, you,” I say softly, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek. My hand finds its way to the small of her back, and she leans into me just slightly. Then again, maybe it’s all in my head, and I just wish she were leaning into my touch.
“We’re leaving. Don’t wait up,” Baylor tells Copeland.
“Is this really happening?” he asks, chuckling. “Are you two going on a date?”
“I told you we were having dinner,” Baylor tells him as I help her into her coat. “Come on, Cope. Don’t pretend you don’t already know,” Baylor tells him. “I know that Ellie tells you everything.”
Copeland answers with a cheesy grin. “I wasn’t supposed to know. I was playing the part.”
“What part of you not knowing was you asking Macklin’s intentions?” she asks, hands on her hips. Puffy coat and all, she still looks sexy as hell.
“Fine, fine, I concede defeat. You two crazy kids have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Oh, so don’t sleep together, fight, and end up pregnant and married? Got it,” Baylor sasses.
Copeland’s grin never wavers. “Actually, I highly recommend it. Best thing to ever happen to me.” He winks. “Now, off you go.” He waves us away.
“Ready?” I ask Baylor, chuckling at my best friend, but also a little envious that he’s living the dream life with the woman he loves. I can only hope I’m on that same path.
“Yeah,” she says softly. “I’m ready.”
Deciding to press my luck, I reach down and lace her fingers with mine. She doesn’t pull away, which has me slowing my gait for the walk to my truck. When I reach forward and pull the door open for her, she glances over at me and smiles.