Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
She woke up to a voicemail from the twins, both yelling for their turn to talk, but Dakota asking her if she wanted to go for a pizza dinner with Noah and Fallon. She called and replied with a definite yes. She enjoyed the company and the meal, so grateful to be home with her daughters.
Thursday, she packed up her hotel room and settled her account, doing a pre-checkout at the front desk. She napped in between gathering her clothing, cosmetics, and toiletries. The gowns were still in their garment bags and she’d have to make sure the driver was careful transporting them to her new home.
Jared called a few times, never letting her forget he was a part of her life now. More than once she had to calm her hormones that surfaced when she heard his deep voice and the way he—and only he—called her Charlotte. Tingles went through her body every time he said her full name. He even dialed her from the office late Thursday night. Knowing he was working late so he could be with her for the move tomorrow touched her deeply.
She tossed and turned that night, anticipation of her new life keeping her awake. So did thoughts of living below Jared, knowing he was so close, and remembering how he’d played her body perfectly.
She’d even had to unpack her vibrator and give herself an orgasm, all the while pretending it was Jared’s talented tongue on her clit while she came.
When it came to the man, she was in deep trouble and she hadn’t even moved in yet.
Chapter Twelve
Charlie met the movers at the storage facility where she’d kept her furniture and other things while she was away. After they loaded up the truck, she headed to her new apartment where Jared was waiting to give her the keys and be there while the men unloaded the boxes and placed the pieces of furniture where she directed them.
Once the movers left, they ordered in sandwiches for lunch, ate, and then began to dig into the boxes, starting with the girls’ room. It was more important to her that they be comfortable than taking care of any other section of the apartment. Jared didn’t allow her to lift anything and was at her beck and call.
She’d continued to unpack their things when the doorbell rang. Surprised, she looked at Jared. “Who could be here?” she asked.
He shrugged but she thought she caught the edges of his mouth lifting up in a grin.
Since he rose to his feet and walked out to answer, she continued her job. Dakota’s dinosaurs, those she hadn’t taken with her to her dad’s, went on a standing bookshelf along with her favorite books and other things. Next came Dylan’s coloring supplies, which went on one side of the double desk she’d bought for them, and her favorite stuffed animals on different shelves.
The sound of voices drifted toward her and she rose to her feet. Curious, she walked into the main room where she was startled to see much of Jared’s family had gathered.
“What is everyone doing here?” she asked, surprised.
Noah stepped forward, Fallon by his side. “We thought you’d need help unpacking so… here we are. Put us to good use.” He gestured around at the various family members. From Alex, who she knew no one would let help, to Lizzie, then Raven and Remy, and Dex and his wife, Samantha. The only ones missing were Aiden, who was abroad, and Brooke, who Jared explained was holding down the fort at the office.
A lump rose to her throat as she took in all these people willing to help her. Her hand went to her chest as she fought back tears and tried to find the words to convey her appreciation. She didn’t have a big family. Her brother didn’t think of her unless he needed money, which left her with no one to speak of, and this group was a lot—in all the best ways.
“Thank you,” she finally managed to say. “I’m just so overwhelmed. I—”
“No thanks necessary,” Jared’s father said, stepping toward her. “Welcome to the family.” He extended his arms and she stepped into his friendly embrace, feeling awkward and yet so very grateful.
When Alex stepped back, Charlie’s thoughts scattered, as Lizzie spoke next. “I’d be happy to get the kitchen unpacked if you point out the boxes,” she said. “You can always rearrange things to your liking later.”
Though Charlie wanted to tell everyone she could handle the unpacking herself, that was the independent Charlie talking. The more rational part of her knew she’d been nauseous since she woke up; she was already exhausted and had barely begun working on the girls’ room.
“I had the movers put the boxes in each room by their labels. All the kitchen supplies should be in there already. Thank you. I can’t express how helpful this is and how appreciative I am.”