Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
"Ma asked yesterday. I told her that we'd be there," he says, scrubbing a towel through his damp hair. "Thought I mentioned it to you."
"Uh, no." I plant my hands on my hips, turning to scowl at him. "You most definitely did not mention it to me."
"My bad."
Judging by the way his lips twitch when he says it, the oversight was intentional. This is an ambush entirely of his making.
I narrow my eyes at him. "You planned this, didn't you?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." He shrugs as he tosses the towel toward the hamper, already striding past me. "I'll never tell. Get your sexy ass dressed before we're late, Dimples."
I wait until he makes it to the door and then smack his naked ass.
He throws a smirk over his shoulder, one brow lifted. "You trying to get yourself in trouble, baby?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." I squeeze past him out of the door. "I'll never tell."
His arms close around me before I manage to escape. I squeal with laughter as he hauls me up against his chest, his hands prowling all over my body.
"Ridley," I moan, melting into him.
He nips my shoulder, chuckling. "Go get dressed before we're late. I'll punish you for that smack when we get home."
"No, you won't!" I call, spinning out of his arms.
He reaches for me, but I laugh, dodging out of his reach. He smirks, sauntering toward me like he's going to try to grab me again, but my phone rings before he manages to get his hands on me.
"You're lucky, Dimples," he mutters, reversing course to grab it off the nightstand for me. "If it weren't for this…"
"What?" I ask when he trails off, his eyes locked on the phone.
"It's the DA's Office."
"What?" I squeak.
"It's the DA's Office."
"Oh my gosh." I gape at him. "I can't talk to the DA right now. I'm naked!"
"Baby." His deep chuckle rolls across me as he crosses back to me. "It's a phone call, not a knock at the door. He can't see you."
"Oh. Right." I knew that. I take the phone from him with shaking hands, more nervous than I think I've ever been about a call for a job. But…this one could be the start of everything. Yeah, I'm nervous. I'm nervous as hell because this right here is where I belong. On the vineyard. In Ridley's bed. Having lunch with Lucy and taking Lyra shopping. Snuggling Lexi. I already feel like this is my home.
I felt like that three years ago. If I have to give it up again now…is a career really worth all that? No. Maybe my dad and grandfather would disagree, but I think they're wrong. Maybe Pierce had it right. The only footsteps that really matter are ours. The only legacy we need to leave behind is the one we decide to make for ourselves.
And I want to create mine right here, crafting it just as carefully as Ridley and his family do their wines. I want to build it from scratch, not because I'm following my father's footsteps or my grandfather's…but because I'm forging my own path.
If the job at the DA's Office doesn't come through, I'll find something else. But I want to find it here. Not in Los Angeles. Not somewhere else in the state, but right here in Santa Maria.
"Answer the phone, Dimples," Ridley murmurs.
"Right." I take a breath, swiping to answer. "Hello?"
"Hi. Is this Paisley?"
"This is Paisley. How may I help you?"
"Hey, Paisley. It's Alexa Warner. I'm not sure if you remember me, but we've met a few times over the years."
"Of course I remember you, Alexa," I say, locking eyes with Ridley, who is barely breathing in front of me. "How are you?"
"I'm doing great. Do you happen to be in town?"
"I am."
"Great. Do you think you could swing by the office tomorrow? We have a position open here, and the DA would love to discuss it with you if you're interested."
A relieved grin stretches across my face, and Ridley sucks in a breath, the first he's taken since I answered the phone. "I'd love that. What time should I stop by?"
"Can you be here at eight? We have court most of the day tomorrow."
"Absolutely."
"Perfect. I'll let him know to expect you then." Alexa pauses. "I look forward to seeing you again, Paisley."
"You too," I say softly. "Thank you."
Alexa disconnects. I hang onto the phone for another second before tossing it onto the bed. Ridley doesn't even have his arms open for me before I plow into him, knocking him back a step.
"They want to see me tomorrow!" I cry, kissing all over my face. "Oh my god. I love you. I love you so damn much."
"Good job, baby," he breathes, his lips coming down on mine in a hard kiss. "I'm so fucking proud of you."
"I don't have the job yet. I might not get it."