Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Roman hurries after her. “Dad and I did yesterday.” He took pride in the job we did, but to hear it in his tone is double the reward.
I look at Dolly when it’s just the two of us. “Are you really okay with this?”
“I’m really okay with this. Roman is a joy, polite, and brings life back into the house again. And you’ve done that for Summer. I’d like nothing more for you two to have the time alone you need.”
Pushing out a breath and a chuckle, I grasp the back of my neck. “Thank you, Dolly.”
Before I reach the door, she says, “Summer is strong, I’ll give her that.”
I turn back. “She is.”
“It would be nice if she didn’t have to be so strong all the time. When she lets her guard down, take it as the honor it is and protect that heart of hers.”
“I won’t hurt her.”
Our eyes stay unblinking until she breaks our gaze. Giving me a cheeky grin, she says, “Best not. I’m the last person you want to deal with.” She pulls a bowl of veggies out of the fridge to set on the counter. When she looks back at me, she adds, “Go show her a good time. She deserves it.”
“I will.”
I leave the kitchen and text Mia:
Did Roman ask you about staying in Mountain Laurel Cove when I come to the city?
She doesn’t reply right away, so I start up the stairs to pack my bags. Before I reach Summer’s bedroom, my phone buzzes with a message:
He said he’s having the time of his life, so if you trust the family, I’m okay with it. How long?
I type:
Two nights.
Mia:
I’m good with that. He’s loving it and said some days he doesn’t play video games at all.
I reply:
He’s having an analog summer, and it’s been great to see him so happy playing outside. He never wants to come in.
Mia:
I’m happy to hear that. I’m heading out, but I wanted to tell you that I’m glad you two are having this time together, Daniel.
Me:
I am too.
Mia:
Have a good trip.
Me:
Thanks.
There’s a lot to accomplish in a short time, but having Summer with me and the private time alone have me ready to take on the world. New York, here we come.
CHAPTER 22
DANIEL
The reserved parking spot underground didn’t faze Summer. She said nothing about the private elevator that’s reserved only for the penthouse. But . . . I feel exposed when the elevator door opens, and we’re greeted by the expansive view of the city and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Not because I don’t get a high every time I see it, because I still do. It’s a daily reminder of what I’ve accomplished.
I don’t want anything to change between us when she experiences my lifestyle, though. I get that it will be a shock. But I’ve never lied to her. So I’m nervous about how she’ll react.
“We’re here,” I say.
“Why so ominous?” She laughs, but I spot her nerves in the breaks of it.
If I weren’t carrying our luggage, I’d hold her hand. “Not ominous.” I take a breath just as the door slides open. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Her eyes pivot forward through the golden light flooding into the elevator. She doesn’t move. Not one step is taken, though her mouth hangs wide open. I set a bag down and lift her chin. “We’re here,” I say, hinting at next steps.
The elevator door starts to close, spurring her into action. “Oh.” She hops off, throwing her hand in front of the door to hold it open for me. Giving me the sweetest smile that I hoped would travel with us from Mountain Laurel Cove, she says, “That was close.”
My smirk is automatic, shoulders relaxing as she spins in a circle in the entry. Saving me isn’t something she realizes she’s done, but I’m beginning to believe she has and not just from the elevator closing on me. “Make yourself at home.”
When she turns around, the light doesn’t just shine on her face. Her entire body seems to lift in a breath of air. “This isn’t a home.” She peeks at me. “It’s like a hotel.” Rushing forward, she heads straight to the windows. She’s about to press her hands to the glass but stops herself. “I’m afraid to touch anything.”
“Don’t be,” I say, setting the bags down at the opening to the hall. I walk to her. “Everything is replaceable except you.” Wrapping myself around the back of her, I rest my chin on top of her head and appreciate the view. When I dip my head to the side and kiss her temple, she eases into me, wrapping her arms over mine.
“You’re doing a good job of getting me into bed, ya big charmer.”
“I wasn’t even trying. That’s just my skills, Sunshine. Wait until you see me on the ice. It gets really good then.”