Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
“What changed?” Gabby asks, her gaze soft on mine.
“I hated the people I worked with, disliked the pretentiousness surrounding me. I’d already made enough money to put it in savings and do what would make me happy.” I lift my shoulders in a shrug. “I didn’t know what that was at the time but I saw this house advertised. It was rundown and needed renovations and it called to me. So I bought it and moved here.”
She looks around the bedroom that still needs massive painting and work. “I like it, too. I can envision the entire house when it’s finished. It’ll be a home.” Her lips curl up in a smile, and I want nothing more than to kiss her.
She pats my chest. “Go on. I want to hear it all.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re a bossy thing. Okay, fine. I began the reno process. One night I met Zach and Remy at The Back Door and offered up my bartending services. I worked evenings for a couple of months and enjoyed it. Eventually, Remy had to go back to the city to the Manhattan bar, and they promoted me to manager.” I shrug. “The casual, easy lifestyle works for me.”
“Thank you. I know you weren’t in the mood to revisit the past.”
“I don’t mind telling you.” And I don’t. She listens and understands me on a level that shocks me, given she comes from the world I’ve been so disillusioned with.
“How about that shower?”
She climbs off me, and a cool chill rushes over my skin.
“You go first. If we shower together, I’ll forget you need some time to recuperate before we go again.”
“Tonight,” she says, and my cock hardens at the promise in her words.
I nod. “Tonight,” I agree.
“I’m going to use the other bathroom. All my stuff is in there.” She walks out of the room naked, more comfortable with her nudity around me than I expect.
She’ll be at least twenty minutes in the shower, and I don’t want to tempt fate by us both using the hot water at the same time. I could use a cup of coffee. I rise to my feet and pull on my track pants, walking to the kitchen.
No sooner have I pulled out a K-cup than my doorbell rings. I’m not expecting company.
I stride to my door and look through the glass. An older woman stands outside, leaning on a brightly decorated cane. Her hair is blonde with light streaks of gray, and she wears long sleeves in ninety-degree weather, a pair of pressed slacks and sneakers, no doubt for better balance. On the street behind her, a black Lincoln Town Car with a driver appears to idle.
I glance at her face. The moment I take in her emerald-green eyes, I know who she is and open the door. “You must be Gabby’s grandmother.”
“What gave me away?” she asks. “My good looks?”
I grin, liking this woman already. “Your eyes. Come in.” I have no doubt Gabby will want to see her grandmother. She was the first person mentioned when she listed who she could trust.
But what if she wants Gabby to return home? Will she be swayed by the woman she adores? A pang gnaws at my gut, but I push it aside. Gabby has the right to make her own choices, and I have to respect them. Even if somehow, I’ve done a one-eighty and want her to stay.
I grasp the older woman’s free arm and lead her to the kitchen. “Have a seat. Can I make you a cup of coffee?”
She lowers herself into a chair, leaning her cane against the table. “No, thank you. The doctors are worried about my blood pressure and have me cutting back on caffeine. I’d sneak it but I can’t risk dying and leaving Gabriella alone with her parents. It’s a pity my son turned into such a social climber.” She tsks. “I see those wide eyes. You’re shocked. Gabriella didn’t tell you about me? I say what I think. To anyone.”
I try my damnedest not to grin but lose the battle. “She told me you’re one of the only people she trusts. That alone made me like you but now I see where Gabby gets her easy-going personality. She’s lucky to have you, Mrs. Davenport.”
“Annabelle. Don’t make me look over my shoulder to see if my mother-in-law came back from the grave.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Annabelle. Gabby’s in the shower. I’m sure she’ll be out soon, and she’ll be happy you’re here.” I pause. “Why are you here? Just to see your granddaughter?” I can’t hold back the question plaguing me.
“I’m here to see if you’re good enough for my Gabriella.”
She catches me mid-swallow, and I cough. “Excuse me?”
She grins, and I see glimpses of Gabby in her expression. “My other granddaughter, Penelope, who I love dearly but could never convince to be her own person, keeps in touch with her sister. I’m well aware Gabriella has feelings for you. So tell me, why should I approve of you?”