Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
And when the server asks if we want dessert, Elijah orders my favorite, chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
As we’re waiting for the desserts, I rub my hand over my belly. “I’m stuffed. Literally.”
He shrugs. “You can have a bite of the cake, and then we’ll take the rest of it home with us.”
Us. The way he says it fills my head with all kinds of fantasies.
“Have you thought of boy names?”
The question throws me off. This whole time I’ve thought I was having a girl, but the pictures in my purse tell a different story. “No. I haven’t… I didn’t even think…”
He shrugs, sensing that my anxiety is rising. “It’s okay. You have time.”
I take a deep breath and let it out. “You’re right. I do have time. I’m not going to stress about it.”
He nods. “How are you liking the job?”
I put my hands on the table. “I love it. I’ll be honest, Eli. I thought you were creating a position for me since I’m Kane’s sister, but I think you actually needed me.” I shake my head. “Not me, but I mean… you know… you needed help.”
He puts his hand on top of mine. “You were right the first time. I needed you. You’re fitting in great at the office, and you’re doing a really good job. I’m really happy to have you there.”
I couldn’t stop my smile if I tried. “Me too, Eli. I’m happy to be there too.” I shake my head. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to be back here in Whiskey Run. And having you and Kane as part of my life means everything.” I nod. “This was the right decision.”
Something sizzles between us. There’s no denying it. It’s like I can feel the attraction, and my body heats up.
He stares into my eyes, and his voice is husky, filled with emotion. “And just so you know, I’m not going anywhere, honey.”
There’s a promise in his words, but before I can ask him what he means, the server is back with our desserts.
The promise lingers between us as part of me believes him, and that could change everything.
CHAPTER 9
ELIJAH
It’s like I have a permanent scowl on my face.
It’s been a week since Sam’s doctor appointment, and it has taken everything in me not to claim her as mine. I want to. Hell, I want to more than anything, but I don’t think she’s ready for it. And the fact that every one of my single male employees has been in and out of the office to flirt with her is making me crazy.
She’s polite to them, and I’ve asked her if anyone is bothering her, but she says she’s fine.
I roll my eyes. Fine.
I push the button on my phone. “Carrie, can I see you for a minute?”
Carrie comes in seconds later with notepad in hand.
“Do you have lunch plans?”
She shakes her head.
I nod. “Can you please take Sam out for lunch? She’s going to say no, she needs to work, but it’s not good for her to sit at her desk all day. She needs to know she can go out for lunch.”
Carrie tilts her head at me. “It’s like that, is it?”
I don’t even blink. “Yeah, it’s like that.”
Her smile widens. “Yeah, I’m happy to take her to lunch. With all the work she’s done, we’re completely caught up.”
I snap my hand on the desk. “Good. Take a long lunch. Enjoy it. Use the company credit card.”
She stands up and is about to walk out the door and then stops and turns. “You know… I bet a pedicure with a foot massage would really be good for her too.”
I point at her with a chuckle. “I see what you’re doing there.” With a laugh, I tell her, “Do it. She’s not going to want to, but you two enjoy lunch and pedicures, massages, whatever.”
Carrie claps her hands together. “Great, I’ll forward the phones to my cell.”
I shake my head. “No, I want you to enjoy this too. I know you’ve worked really hard to get this hospital project ready. Enjoy it. I’m going out for a few minutes, but I’ll have the phones.”
Carrie nods excitedly. It’s only a few minutes later that Sam knocks on my open door.
I rise from my seat and come around my desk. “What’s up, honey? You okay?”
She looks worried. “Carrie wants to go to lunch and get pedicures, but I don’t think—”
I take a step toward her because that’s just how it is. I’m drawn to her. I can’t keep my distance. “I want you both to go and enjoy yourselves. You’ve been working hard and deserve this.”
She takes a deep breath. “Right. I deserve this. I can transfer the phones to my cell and—”
I shake my head. “It’s already taken care of.”
She doesn’t want to, but she agrees. She feels uncomfortable because she isn’t used to someone caring for her, but that’s all I want to do.