Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
“You’re a survivor. I can see it in your eyes. You’re a fighter.”
She smiles at me. She’s more beautiful than I remember. Sexy and all woman. She filled in. Her eyes are full of life.
“I knew if I wanted to have a life I had to get out from under my mom and dad. If they could, they would keep me locked in the house and cover me in bubble wrap.” She lets out a laugh.
How is it possible that even her giggles are turning me on? I have to say that I can relate to her parents. I want to take her home with me and keep her there forever too. That way I could have her all to myself and not have to share her with anyone. All that sweet innocence of hers would belong to me.
All too soon we’re pulling up to her place. “You can park in the back.” She points. I follow her directions to the back of the bakery.
“I’ll need your number to get in contact with you.”
“Right.” I pull out my phone, punching it in as she says it. I hit call, and her phone rings.
“Now you have mine too. You can call me for anything. Even if it’s just for a ride.”
“You’re so sweet.”
I’m not sweet. I want to be that for her, but my mind is coming up with all kinds of fantasies that include her and would have her running from me. I don’t know where they are coming from, but they’re there, and she’s in the center of them all.
“Here.” She pulls out one of the boxes in her bag. “Something sweet.” My eyes drop to her mouth. I can think of something else that would be sweeter than any other treat. Something that I would love to eat. Fuck me. Get it together. I’m not some horny teenager. She brings out the side of me that’s been buried away. When she’s around, I have no control over my body.
“Thank you again.” She gives me one last smile as she slips from the car. I watch her let herself in and wait for the door to fall closed behind her. Letting her out of this car is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
Patience, I remind myself. We’re playing the long game here. Soon she will be mine.
4
Willow
I smile down at my phone when Lennon sends me another text. It’s a food menu this time. It contains all finger foods. He’s going to have servers moving around the event, passing them out to everyone.
I told him I didn't think he should do a formal sit-down meal. Anyone is allowed to come. He’s hoping that will bring in the locals. I told him a sit-down meal might be a little stuffy for this crowd. People around these parts don’t really do a ton of fancy stuff.
Lennon: What do you think of these?
Me: You’re making me hungry!
Lennon has been texting me for the past few days. I was enjoying not only talking with him but getting to be a part of the charity work he’s doing. I’ve always wondered how I could give back. I survived, and I feel like it’s not only my duty to help but also to inform people.
I know I would not be here if it weren’t for donations. My family was able to get me the best treatment because of the kindness of others. The thought of being able to give that to someone else warms my heart. I may not have a ton of money, but that’s not the only thing people need.
It wasn’t only leukemia that was driving me, but all the other kids I’d gotten to know when I was in the hospital. Seeing parents struggle to make ends meet trying to do anything they could for their child. It could be heartbreaking.
Me: I’m still at work.
Lennon: I think you need to try all of them. That way you can make an informed decision. What time are you off?
Me: In a couple of hours.
Lennon: See you then.
I can't help the huge smile that’s on my face after reading his last message. He didn’t even give me a chance to turn him down. To be honest, I didn’t want one. I enjoy his company. There’s something about him that seems familiar and comfortable. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s so damn handsome.
“Glory!” I jump up from my chair when I see my best friend come in the front door of the bakery. I’m on break at the moment. I hug my best friend so hard.
“I’m fine,” she reassures me. Glory’s new man had some stalker wreaking havoc all over Cherry Falls. Of course Glory was hot on their tracks. I also gave her a tip I overheard the local police say. I’m just thankful everything worked out and that they are safe.