Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 264(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 264(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
"I mean, I'm a driver," I remind her, shrugging, trying to downplay it. "Driving is what I do."
"Wait, how do you know it would be a few days' drive? I didn't tell you where I was going." Naïve but not stupid.
"I just figured that since you're flying, and it takes about three to four days to drive across the country."
"Right, duh." A small laugh leaves her. "But you'd do it for me?"
"If you wanted."
"It could be fun." She pauses, thinking over what she is about to say next. "We could maybe stop a few places along the way. Make it more of an adventure.”
I should say no. Turn around and take her back home and hand her over to this Roland, but I know me. He'd end up dead. I don't think my ball of sweet energy would be too happy about that, and keeping her happy is all I want to do right now.
Chapter Five
TEDDY
Hope blooms in my chest that I can still make this all work. It actually might be better. Tristan never takes Lily with him on his trips. This one might get him to pull his head out of his own ass. Lily might not believe it and find it laughable, but I think he's in love with her. I can't blame him; Lily is easy to love. She's a saint. I don't know why she deals with me and Tristan. That sounds exhausting. I'm me, and I exhaust myself.
"So?” I nudge him along for an answer. Wait, I don't know his name. I only knew that a car was coming from the company I had contacted.
"That does sound fun."
"Really? Fun means being stuck with me for a few days? Trapped in a tiny space." I might as well get that out there now.
"I won't mind being stuck with you."
"Promise?" I don't want him to do this because he feels obligated. He's been so kind, and I don't want to take advantage. It sucks when people do. I know from experience.
"Promise." He gives one stiff nod as he says it.
"Oh my gosh!" I bounce in my seat. "This is going to be so fun. There are so many places we could stop along the way. One is a cheese museum!"
"I like cheese." His tone is flat; he doesn't sound like he does.
"I don't like cheese; I love it. Never met a cheese I didn't like."
"What else do you have in mind?"
Wow, he sounds really into this. "I don't know your name." I laugh. "That's crazy, right? I'm going to travel across the country with you, and I don't know your name."
"It's Killian."
"Really?" Killian sounds dangerous. He may be large, but I wouldn't describe him as looking dangerous. If he were any other person, he would have gagged me already so I'd stop talking. I think I’m in the clear.
The thought of being tied up and bound by him flashes through my mind, making heat flood me. Where did that thought come from? Oh my God, I'm a total pervert. My mind just skipped past normal sex. It's those dirty books. I know it.
"That's what I've been told."
I snort a laugh. "It's just a scary-sounding name. You'd be better suited with my name. A big teddy bear."
"A teddy bear," he repeats with a slight shake of his head no.
"Oh sorry, is that a bad thing?" Did I insult him? Lily is always talking about Tristan's ego. I might have dented Killian’s. "Did I hurt your ego?"
A bark of laughter leaves him, surprising me. I jump back a little. The sound is warm and deep. It feels like it courses through my body, settling right between my thighs. I feel my cheeks heat because for some reason I can’t stop having these thoughts about him.
“You did not hurt anything.”
“Okay, phew. I got worried. I know what it’s like when people say mean things or judge you before giving you a chance.”
“This happened to you?” He sounds a little angry. I can’t help but smile. Killian is a total sweetheart. Actually, his name might fit him. It’s like when people call tall people shorty. It’s the antithesis.
"I was picked on in school. It's why Grams did homeschooling for me. She couldn't take me coming home crying every day."
"They made you cry," he grumbles. "What are their names?"
"Are you going to track them down?" I laugh and smack his shoulder. He shrugs, pretending like he actually might. Sweet and funny.
Lily says all men are dicks except Roland. I think Killian can get on that list too. "Sorry." I rub the spot I smacked. I wave my hands around. "I'm a touch person."
"You're fine. I am too." I smile at his response until it settles in more. Who is he touchy with? I'm only around Roland and other staff at home. They have been with me for years, often feeling more like family.