Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
“Your body converts the food you eat to energy by using insulin. My pancreas, which is the organ that makes insulin, stopped doing its job. I have a pump under my skin that gives me insulin, but it’s not perfect or an exact science. There are a lot of days that are just…rough.”
“That sucks, I’m sorry,” she murmurs, genuine sympathy in her expression.
I shrug. It’s too much information, but well, there’s a genetic risk. Since we’re going to have babies together, she’ll need to understand these things. “There are two main types. Type 1 diabetics have stopped producing any insulin. Type 2 diabetics can still produce some insulin. There are other kinds, but they tend to be rare.”
She slides the leftover pizza into the oven and faces me. “How did you find out you had it?”
“I joined the military with my brother, Ford. I’d been feeling weird for a few weeks before that. I tried to push through, and then I got violently ill. Most doctors probably would have brushed it off as the flu or some type of food poisoning, but I was lucky. A medic understood that the scent of my fruity breath meant that my blood sugar was dangerously high. He saved my life.”
“I’m glad he was there for you,” she says, and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Her touch soothes me and grounds me. “Unfortunately, that was the end of my career. It’s hard to get approval to stay in the military for certain medical conditions.”
“I’m sorry,” she says.
“Don’t be. My life turned out pretty good. I have a career I enjoy and a beautiful cabin.”
I cut myself off before I can tell her that I also have a beautiful future wife who’s standing right here beside me.
The timer on the oven dings, signaling that the pizza has reheated.
She bends over to grab it, and when she straightens, she catches me staring. She tries to tug the shirt she’s wearing lower to cover her gorgeous ass.
“Should have chosen a longer one,” she murmurs.
I wrap my fingers around her wrist. “It’s perfect.”
Chapter 7
Holly
“Should have chosen a longer one,” I mutter as I try desperately to tug it down.
Hunter wraps his fingers around my wrist, his touch branding me and comforting me at the same time. “It’s perfect.”
“It’s not the perfect size,” I say, and instantly regret letting the words leave my mouth. I don’t want to let him see my biggest insecurity.
“I disagree entirely.”
“You wouldn’t think that if you were in show business.”
To my surprise, he steps closer. He takes my face in his hands and he stares intently into my eyes. “Your body is absolutely perfect. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
Then, before I even know what’s happening, his lips are connecting with mine. His kiss is gentle and exploratory. He’s holding me so gently, like I’m precious to him.
The moment he licks his way into my mouth, my hands go to his flannel shirt. I grab handfuls of the material and yank him close, plastering my body against his. I’ve never felt chemistry like this with someone. My body is zinging all over.
I didn’t know it was possible to feel this much passion, to feel this alive. It’s all because of the mountain man whose arms I’m in.
His phone beeps, and I force myself to let go of him and suck in oxygen. I shove against his chest, forcing my fingers to uncurl from his shirt. “Eat. You have to watch your blood sugar.”
He’s still staring down at me, his eyes hooded and his gaze filled with desire. “The only thing I want to eat is you.”
“Pizza first.”
He cups my face again, running his thumb along my puffy, swollen lips. “That’s not a no.”
My cheeks grow warm. “It’s not a no.”
We take our pizza into the living room and eat on the couch, watching the snow falling and the twinkling Christmas lights. Now, I can see why he set it there. He can see both at the same time.
The snow has started falling again, adding a fresh white blanket to the trees and ground. I’m so grateful. If I could just stay here forever and always watch the falling snow with Hunter next to me, then life would be perfect.
We watch it fall for several minutes. He’s pressed up against me, his jean-clad thigh next to my bare one. I can feel the heat coming from his body and more than anything, I want to curl up in his lap.
“My favorite thing about Christmas is the lights. As a kid, my parents had addiction issues, and you know, when that happens, your parents care more about their next high than luxuries like electricity. Our trailer was always cold and dark. That made Christmas my favorite time of year. Seeing all the lights on our street made me feel a little less alone for a few weeks every winter.”