Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 97409 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97409 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Collins,” he starts to say, eyes wide but not looking at me. I can already hear the letdown talk he is planning. The question is, how long do I let him go on before I say I don’t want anything from him, but I’m having his baby?
“Okay, you don’t need to say whatever it is you were thinking of,” I start. I reach for the glass of peach tea, my mouth suddenly drier than a desert on a July day. The sweetness hits my tongue right away. “I’m sorry,” I repeat as I put the glass down.
He grabs the cup of coffee he ordered and brings it to his lips. “I was going to say I sort of deserved that.”
“Sort of?” I sit back. “What do you mean, sort of? You literally took off while I was sleeping.” He looks down. “It really doesn’t matter anymore. It happened and it’s over.”
“Which is why I wanted to talk to you. I owe you an apology. What I did was not right.”
I scratch the side of my head. “Which part?”
“I’m—” he starts and then stops. “Are you saying you regret sleeping with me?” His voice has gone really low.
“Um.” I hesitate and laugh nervously. His face turns ashen white, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he swallows. “It was a wake-up call, that’s for sure.” I tap the table nervously with my finger. “Anyway, I wanted to meet you here because I wanted to talk to you.”
“I don’t regret that night,” he rushes out. “I, for one, really enjoyed myself.” His head tilts to the side, a twinkle in his eye.
The bell on top of the door rings, and two ladies walk in. I recognize them. They are in charge of the library in town. One of them looks over at me and smiles as she holds up her hand to wave hello; the other turns her head. Fifty percent is better than zero percent.
“Are you okay?” Theo asks, and my attention turns back to him.
“Yeah.” I suddenly want to get this over with so I can get out of here and get on with my day. “It’s—” I shake my head. He doesn’t get to know me. “Okay, so you wanted to see me, wanted me to tell you there are no hard feelings between the two of us,” I say quickly before I chicken out, “and that what happened with us was a onetime thing.”
“No.” I stare into his eyes and tilt my head to the side. I’m sure the look on my face is, Let’s be real with each other, so he caves. “Well, yes. But—”
“Listen, Theo,” I start, and then look around to make sure no one is looking at us or can hear us. The only ones nearby are the two librarians, but they’re engrossed in conversation.
The doorbell rings again, and this time it’s Brock coming back in with his daughter, Sage. I’m expecting him to just motion at me with his chin, as if to say hi, but instead, he starts walking toward us. I inwardly groan, nervous that Brock is going to say something that will have Theo thinking the worst of me before I can tell him I’m carrying his child. It’s one thing to have a baby with a stranger, it’s another when she’s the town pariah.
“Hey, Collins, how’s it going?” Brock pulls out a chair and sits down, which shocks me. He’s never sat down with me before.
“I’m okay,” I reply, unsure of what is happening.
“How’s that new tire holding up?” My eyes quickly fly to Theo.
“Still rolling, so I guess it’s fine.” Theo is about to say something when Sage cuts in.
“Dad, I’m going to go in the back and tell Everleigh we’re here.”
“Okay,” he says and then turns back to us. “This is a lot of food for just the two of you.” There are untouched pieces of cake, pie, cupcakes, and lemon squares spread across the table.
“Everleigh said we had to try them.” Theo chuckles. “What’s up with you?”
“Not much.” He shakes his head. “I just got off the phone with my guy for the crane part you guys were waiting for.” He picks up a square and pops it in his mouth. “It’ll be here tomorrow. I’m assuming you guys aren’t going to be working at the barn until then.”
“No.” Theo shakes his head. “Caleb was the one who was taking care of that, so it’s going to be on hold until he comes back. I spoke to Charlie this morning about it.” Charlie owns Mustang Creek Ranch, and he specializes in equestrian therapy.
“Cool.” Brock pushes away from the table. “I’m going to go and see my wife.”
“See you later,” Theo says. Brock nods at me, gives me a smile, and turns to walk away.
“Wait, you work here?” I ask Theo.