Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“On the books.”
She laughs as she takes them from me. “You don’t even want to know how long I was searching for these the other night.”
“I want to know. I want to know everything about you.”
Caressing my cheek, she says, “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?”
“Have I told you no yet?”
She grins. “No.” I hate that her hand leaves my skin, the air feeling colder against it when I’d rather have her warmth. “Why are you single?” Sitting next to me, she says, “You say the dreamiest things without even trying. You’re handsome. What woman doesn’t fantasize about a firefighter? You own a home that you designed, and I’m starting to think you own that mountain as well. Though, don’t think I’m not curious how someone on a fireman’s salary can afford to buy it.”
I love hearing all that from her, but I’m perplexed on how to answer the question.
Resting her hand between us on the bed, she tugs at a loose string on the blanket. “I, um, you just seem like the full package. You even mentioned wanting a family. Why aren’t you taken?”
As much as I love the color of her hair, she was born to stand out. I may not remember her or our past, but if it was anything like now, I know I wouldn’t have been able to take my eyes off her. “Because I haven’t dated anyone who fits into my future.”
“What are you looking for?”
My heart beats hard in my chest, and my palms begin to sweat. I’m not sure why the question sends panic through my system, but when I look at her, all of it goes away.
I think I’m in trouble.
CHAPTER 20
BRANDON
“True love.” It’s the truth, but I cringe hearing myself say it, especially out loud for someone else to hear or for her to hear. I’m not sure how I expected Autumn to react, but it wasn’t her sitting in silence. Shit. “I knew I should have said a great ass.”
Her laughter bubbles over like champagne on New Year’s Eve. She reaches up, resting her hand on my bicep, which I promptly flex as she shakes her head. “Reach for the stars and hold out for both.”
“It’s the only logical thing to do.”
“Sure is.” She pushes off the mattress, landing back on her feet. As she heads for the bathroom again, she says, “If I can hold out for Brad Pitt from Legends of the Fall days, you can wait for that perfect ass.” That’s my competition? Way to set me up for failure, Brad. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”
Just before the door closes, I ask, “Before or after the war?”
She pokes her head out with her eyebrows pulled together. My gaze drops to her bare legs. “What?”
“Brad Pitt in Legends. Are we talking about Brad before the war or after?”
Her smile reaches her eyes. “Before. Always before.” She shuts the door, leaving me wondering how fast I can grow my hair out and whether dying it blond will be worth it. I’m beginning to think my feelings for her are making me foolish enough to do such things.
I scrub a hand over my face, wondering what I’m supposed to be doing. Sitting here? I’ve snooped enough for one visit. Chuckling, I like the way I think I’ll be here again to snoop around a second time.
I lie down, tucking my hand behind my head. Her bed’s not so bad despite how noisy it is. With those springs, though, there’s no getting it on in here without the whole house hearing. But that probably means she isn’t bringing anyone else home, either, and that makes me feel better. I pat the mattress as if it’s got my back.
I’m still not sure why I was brought over here, but she doesn’t seem to be in a hurry. I close my eyes, searching the inside of my eyelids for some of the rest I’m still in need of. I didn’t want to whine to Autumn, but she’s hell-bent on staying unconfirmed on how we will continue, whether purely professional or flirting with temptation.
The water still runs, becoming the background to slumber as my breathing slows and the orange behind my lids begins fading.
“Wake up, sleepyhead.” The sweet melody is only a whisper, but the siren’s call pulls me from a deep sleep until I open my eyes. “Hi.”
Turning to the side, I’m met with soft orange curls encircling pretty pastures of green eyes staring back at me. I smile. “Hi.”
But it’s the room beyond her that has me waking up faster. I sit up. “I fell asleep.”
“You did.” Autumn sits up, then slips off the other side of the mattress. “I’m all ready. Are you?”
“What are we supposed to be ready for exactly?” I scrub a hand over my face, trying to wipe away the last of the nap that dragged me down. “All you’ve said is errands. I get that you needed clothes and we need some groceries, but why does my intuition tell me there’s a grander plan in motion?”