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)
But it’s the large patio that has me standing in awe. Words won’t do the beating of my heart justice.
He whispers in my ear, “Want to go out there?”
The excitement heard in his tone transfers, and I nod. “Yes, I do.” Calling him charming didn’t do him justice. He knew I wanted fresh air, and like magic, he gave it to me.
Shifting around me, he goes to the door and pulls a rod from the top of the frame and unbolts it. Pushing forward, wind slips in through the opening. He holds it open for me. I wouldn’t say it’s the size of a basketball court, but I don’t know those measurements, and it’s massive out here. My eyes return to him on a swivel. “How do you have a pool up here?”
He grins. “Just do. I wouldn’t suggest skinny-dipping unless the underwater lights are off. Unless you’re an exhibitionist.”
“You’ve met me, right?” The pool is tiny, but it’s enough to enjoy an afternoon if you need to cool off.
Chuckling, he says, “I have. Just letting you know it’s an option.” He lets the door close and starts toward the turf-covered area. I follow him to a row of four lounge chaises. He grabs towels from a cabinet and a blanket from a large trunk. “I thought we could lie out here. Horns aren’t the same as the ocean, but maybe it can help you sleep.”
I just fell for this man all over again.
Dragging two together, he spreads the towels down and then sits, patting the spot next to him. So stinkin’ cute. I lie next to him as he reaches over me to tuck the blanket in on the other side of me before he snuggles close under the covers. “What do you think, Sunshine?”
His eyes have a renewed energy, lifting his expression and bringing it to life. He did this for me, brought me out to get fresh air, but it sure looks good on him.
He leans over and kisses me. Even when deepened, there’s no intent behind it other than connecting. It’s not a base to lead to a home run or a puck to a goal . . . wait, not sure that makes sense. I need to learn about hockey quickly.
I cuddle in the nook of his arm, resting my head on his shoulder. “Thank you.” I flip my index finger up. “And don’t say you’re welcome.”
“You are, though.” I don’t have to see the smirk with the smugness all over his response.
“Good night.” I’m pulled to say more. Even though it was said in the aftermath of making love earlier, this is love. This is the kind found in the day-to-day that reminds someone they’re not alone. We’re not alone anymore. “I love you.” I don’t whisper. I let the wind overhear my heart speaking to his and whisk it away, so the world knows.
“I love you, too, Sunshine.” His lips meet the crown of my head, and warmth blossoms in my chest.
The sound of the city lulls my body into relaxation, but it’s the safety of his arms that has me falling deeper—into sleep and into love with him.
“Is the blindfold really necessary, Daniel?”
Leading me by both hands toward him, he replies, “Yes.”
“I’m not saying I’m against being blindfolded and getting another smack on the ass from you—”
“What?”
“What?” We’re not moving, so I’m thinking he caught what I was throwing down.
We start moving again. “We’re revisiting this conversation another time.”
“I’d rather revisit you pene—”
“The Maverick of Hockey.” That’s not Daniel. I try to free my hands, but he’s holding them like he knows I’m freaking out.
“How are you doing, Billy?” Daniel asks.
“Good. Good,” this Billy guy replies. “Is this the little lady?”
“It is.” Aw, Daniel says that with such pride.
Clearing my throat, I say, “I’m right here. And thank you for the compliment, Billy.”
Daniel comes closer but still holds my hands so tight I can’t shake them free. “Promise to leave on the blindfold, Summer?”
“Yep,” I lie like a dog getting away with the Thanksgiving turkey.
As soon as he releases one, I reach for the blindfold. His quick reflexes have my wrists trapped in just one of his hands. “Disappointing,” he says with a chuckle.
“What can I say? Being at someone else’s mercy isn’t my favorite.”
“Trust me, you’re going to like this surprise.”
I hear a metal door protest when it’s opened. My mind reels through fifty different scenarios of where we might be, from jail to the top of the Empire State Building. I have no clue, so I might as well go with the flow. “Well, let’s get on with it, then.”
We move forward. I hear the door close, but this time, the lock doesn’t get bolted back in place. There’s that silver lining. When we find our way into another area, it’s more echoey. “Hello?” I call out to test if my voice comes back to me.