Total pages in book: 174
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
He strolled back to me.
Stealing the air.
My breath.
Injecting me with hope instead.
He set the plate down in front of me then took the spot to my side.
Then he leaned in and breathed in my ear, “Eat, wife.”
“You’re awfully bossy after sex.”
He clamped a hand on the top of my thigh. “Only after really, really good sex.”
Redness blazed, and I dug into my food. The savory flavor of the hot eggs bursting on my tongue and making me realize just how ravenous I was. I basically scarfed it down while Cash slowly ate beside me.
A dark chuckle rolled from him. “Hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Did I use you up a little too much last night?” He uttered the words along my jaw, and a shiver rocked my spine.
He’d taken me five times throughout the night. Every time I drifted to sleep, I’d wake to needy hands gliding over me.
Sometimes it was rushed and hard and possessive.
Others tender and adoring.
I couldn’t tell which I liked better.
The only thing I could be sure of was I liked everything Cash Cunningham did to me.
“Never.” It was a heaving wisp. “But I have to admit, I can barely walk.”
Was that pride that flashed through his hazel eyes?
Dang it, I liked that, too.
He smoothed his thumb over the top of my thigh. “Don’t worry, I’ll just carry you.”
“You’d better be careful, Cash Cunningham. I’m going to start thinking you’re trying to spoil me.”
He brushed back a lock of my hair and leaned in to brush his nose against mine. “Newsflash. I am trying to spoil you. Don’t expect me to stop.”
I finished off my last bite then shifted so I could set my hand on his cheek. “I think I’m going to like it here.”
He had me out of my stool and propped on the counter in a flash, the man shoving our dishes aside to make room.
“That’s right, you are.” He tore the sheet away and shoved his sweats down his hips. Fire lit as he wound himself between my thighs. “Let me show you just how much you will.”
From where it sat on the bathroom vanity, my phone lit up with a text. I was brushing my teeth, so I finished and rinsed my mouth before I grabbed it. My heart squeezed when I saw it was from my sister.
Hadley
What happened yesterday? Did you see it through?
Me
We did, Hads. And it’s real. Not just for the safety of the children, but because he loves me.
It felt like it took forever for her to respond.
Hadley
What does that mean?
I inhaled a breath, the joy pressing full as I tapped over the screen.
Me
It means we’re going to be together. Permanently.
I paused, then sent another.
Me
We’re going to stay here. With him. After everything is settled with Ethan, this is going to be our home.
Nothing came through for the longest time before one finally blipped through. I could almost feel the caution in her tone.
Hadley
I thought your intention was only to have him help with the Ethan situation?
Unease suddenly pulsed heavily in my stomach. I knew our relationship was complicated. That we were just figuring things out between us, and she was likely thinking I was leaving her behind.
But I wouldn’t allow us to be separated again. I was finished wasting time. Not saying what I needed and wanted. Maybe now, when Ethan was out of the way, we could all be together.
At peace.
Me
I know we’ve only reconciled, Hadley, that you’ve just started your life over, but I want you in our lives, too. Maybe you could consider moving here, too. Once we know it’s safe.
Hadley
Oh, Daisy…I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Me
The people here are incredible. I never expected it. Never expected to feel this way. I think you would love it here.
Hadley
Are you sure this is what’s right? It all happened so fast.
I didn’t hesitate.
Me
Without a doubt.
Hadley
Have you heard anything else from Ethan?
Me
No, but we’re watching closely.
I wouldn’t tell her the promises Cash had made.
Hadley
Are you afraid?
I glanced at myself in the mirror. At my matted hair and the joy that shined in my eyes. I turned back to my phone.
Me
For the first time in years, I have faith that everything is going to be okay.
Me
And it will be so much better if you’re here with us.
The three bubbles popped up and stopped about ten times before a text finally came through.
Hadley
Maybe I will plan a trip out.
Me
I would love that.
Hadley
Just…be careful, Daisy. I don’t want you to get your heart broken again.
My answer was instant. Given without reservation.
Me
I won’t. He loves me, and it’s time we finally lived our lives the way we were supposed to.
An hour later, Cash and I were traveling through Moonlit Ridge.
He eased through the busy town, people roaming the sidewalks that fronted boutiques and restaurants and bars before the road came to a T.
The view that opened up ahead of us was awestriking. A dazzling expanse of blue water hugged by a ridge of gorgeous mountains. Pine trees edging the forested area.