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)
“You don’t have to open doors for me, Macklin.”
“That’s all a part of the package,” I tell her.
“What package?”
“The Macklin McBride package, tailored to you and only you.”
“Smooth, cowboy, real smooth,” she teases, before gripping the assist handle, or the oh-shit handle as I like to call it, and heaves herself up into my truck.
I wait for her to get settled before closing the door and heading to the driver’s side. Next stop, pick up the pizza, and then home for a night of hanging out with my girl.
“What’s all of this?” Baylor asks as I lead her into the house.
“This is where we’re going to eat pizza, watch whatever you decide you want to watch, and where you’ll consume the largest chocolate sundae, with extra whipped cream, that you’ll ever see.”
“Macklin, this is a pillow fort, or pillow oasis.” She turns to look at me, and her eyes are sparkling with happiness, which makes my afternoon rush to get this all together more than worth it.
“Oh, it gets better. Once you’re settled, I’ll dim the lights and light the candles.”
“Really?” Her eyes brighten even more, and I’m mentally patting myself on the back. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”
“I told you that all you had to do was give me a chance to show you.”
“This is…” Her voice trails off. I watch her throat bob before she tries again. “You know I don’t need this, right? I don’t need you to open doors for me or make big, romantic gestures.”
“You don’t need it, but I do. I like opening your door, and this”—I wave my hand around the living room—“was a blast, making my vision come to life, just at the mere thought of seeing a smile on your face. And I have to tell you, Bay, the real thing is so much better than I could have imagined.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Sit your pretty ass down, get comfortable.” She does as I ask, and I hand her the pizza box. “Beer, wine, water, sweet tea, and I got some of that cream soda you like.”
“Sweet tea, please.”
“I’ll be right back.” Rushing to the kitchen, I grab our drinks. I already had plates, napkins, and even a small trash can set up by the mound of pillows and blankets on the floor. Back in the living room, I sit next to her on the cloud I’ve created, hand her the remote, and serve us both up a slice of pizza.
We eat and talk about our days, not even bothering to choose a movie, just enjoying each other’s company. The night has barely begun, and I already know I never want it to end. One day, she’ll be here, and when the night is over, instead of going home or to my guest room, she’ll come to bed with me.
“I’m so full.” She groans, tossing her napkin on her empty plate.
“Good.” I move the pizza box and our trash to the side before leaning back against the pillows that are resting against the couch. “Ready for a movie? We’ll let this pizza settle before I make us our sundaes.”
“Yes.” She moves to settle next to me, and while I said I wouldn’t push her, I test the waters by wrapping my arm around her shoulders. She moves closer, resting against my chest.
I can’t stop myself from pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She tilts back to peer up at me. “What took you so long to ask me to dinner again?” Her tone is soft, and I can see the question in her eyes.
“It wasn’t because I didn’t want to. I showed restraint for two very long weeks,” I say dramatically, and she laughs. “I told you that I wouldn’t pressure you, but tonight, I had a reason to see you.”
“You did?” She wrinkles up her nose. “And not quite two weeks. Not until Monday. It’s Friday now, so you didn’t make it.” She giggles, and I wish I could record the sound to listen to on the nights when this house feels too empty without her in it.
“I did. I have to give you your Christmas gift.” Her eyes widen.
“You got me a Christmas gift?”
“Of course, I did.”
Her face falls. “I didn’t— Macklin,” she breathes.
“I didn’t buy you a gift because I wanted one in return. Honestly, Baylor, you being here, letting me hold you like this? That’s the best fucking present you could have ever given me.”
“I feel bad,” she says, her tone full of regret.
“Don’t feel bad. You said you needed time. I’ve been trying to respect that. I also told you I would prove I’m going to be there. Besides, I’ve waited years to be able to spoil you. I have to capitalize on that while I can.” I wink, and her frown evens out. “Do you want to open it now?”