Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
We both pet our dog while we sit in silence, processing the shit we just went through.
“It’s insane,” Kelcie whispers. “It feels like I’ve been living in some evil kind of twilight zone.”
I inhale a deep breath, then slowly let it out. “I hope to God it’s all over now, or I’m buying us an island.”
A mixture of a sob and laughter sputters from her. “I just want to move to the farm and forget the outside world exists for the next year or so.”
“I agree,” I murmur before pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Her eyes lower to the bandage. “When I saw the blood on your neck, I had a flashback of my mom. I’m sorry I passed out on you.” Her gaze lifts back to mine. “What happened after I passed out?”
“Nothing worth repeating.” Lifting my hand, I place my palm over the faint red mark from where Colby slapped her yesterday. “We’re both okay, and it’s all that matters.” I take in every inch of her face, my tone soft as I say, “What I feel for you transcends love. I’ve written so many words, and I can’t think of one to describe the emotion you evoke in me.”
Lowering my head, I seal my mouth to hers, and instead of trying to explain, I show her how I feel.
Chapter 31
Kelcie
Three months later . . .
The aroma of sizzling bacon draws Lick and Rocket out of their beds and to the kitchen.
We got Rocket a month after we moved to the farm. The puppy had zoomies twenty-four seven, and Levi almost named him Zoom. But I saved our new addition to the family and gave him a more badass name. There was no way I was naming our baby after an online app.
While Lick stares at me with a cute look I find hard to resist, begging for a piece of bacon, Rocket drops his ball right by my feet. He lives for playing catch. I swear it’s all he’d do if we gave him half a chance.
Opening their treat cupboard, I give them each a chew stick that’s good for their teeth. While Rocket devours his right on the spot, Lick takes hers to her bed, enjoying the treat at a much slower pace.
“Something smells good in here,” Levi says as he comes into the kitchen.
He was up until two this morning, writing the ending to his book. He still has editing to do before he can send the manuscript in, but at least he finally typed “The End.” It was such a big moment for him, he looked a little emotional.
“Why are you out of bed?” I give him a playful scowl. “I told you to rest today. You worked your butt off and deserve a lazy day before you start with edits.”
Gripping hold of my chin, he presses a kiss to my mouth, then meeting my eyes, he replies, “I got up because you’re not in bed.” He leans past me and steals a slice of bacon. “And I smelled food.”
“I’m making a big breakfast to celebrate you finishing the book,” I tell him.
The corner of his mouth lifts, and a happy emotion flashes over his face. “You are?”
God, I hate that Levi had such an awful childhood. Every time I do something that’s as natural as breathing to me, he has this stunned reaction. Then I just want to hold him, and that leads to sex and no work getting done.
“I am.” I grin at my man while keeping an eye on the bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. “My parents taught me to celebrate every achievement and special day.”
“I like that.” Levi grabs some coffee, then leans back against the counter and sips on it while watching me. “You’re spoiling me rotten. Thank you, my muse.”
“Ooooh, this is just the start. We’re celebrating you all day long. I even got you a gift.”
I almost whittled my fingers to the bone to get the surprise ready on time, and I can’t wait to see his reaction.
Levi straightens up, curiosity lighting up his eyes. “What did you get me?” When I shake my head, he moves closer. “Food can wait.” I shake my head again, and it has him setting down his mug and folding his arms around the front of me while resting his chin on my shoulder. “You can’t tell me you have a gift for me and expect me to wait.”
“I can,” I chuckle as I place the bacon on paper towels so the oil can drain. “The growing suspense is the best part about getting a present.”
“I don’t like suspense,” he grumbles, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Please.”
“Nope.”
Another kiss is dropped beneath my ear. “Pretty please.”
Laughter bursts from me as I check the hashbrowns before dishing them onto our plates. “You’re getting it tonight,” I tease him.