Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
You’re getting ahead of yourself.
She’s barely agreed to see where things go. Planning trips is probably moving too fast for her.
“She mentioned wanting to go to the city. Something about wanting to see a college. I was thinking she could take a few days off school so we could make it a little longer than the weekend.”
“Jamie,” I sigh. “You know how important school is, hence her wanting to visit NYU. That’s where she wants to go to college.”
I know she’s in her own world ninety-nine percent of the time, but would it kill her to pay the smallest bit of attention to the shit our daughter says?
“I’m well aware of where our daughter wants to go to school,” she snaps defensively. “And it’s only a few days. I don’t get to spend a lot of time with her and—”
“By choice,” I point out, refusing to let her get away with acting like her daughter is being kept from her.
She could spend time with Taylor whenever she wants. She chooses not to come around more than once a year.
“Well, not all of us were destined for the small-town life,” she volleys.
And not all of us were destined for parenthood, I think, but don’t say out loud since Taylor is standing in front of me, begging me with her eyes to say yes.
“I don’t know.”
“Dad,” Taylor groans. “Please.”
She doesn’t see her mom often, and we both know if I say no, it’ll probably be several months before she’s back in the area again.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell them. Then, to Jamie, I say, “Once you know the dates, text them to me, and I’ll look to make sure they don’t interfere with any exams or school functions.”
“Thank you, Dad!” Taylor exclaims, grabbing the phone. “Love you!”
She takes off up the stairs to continue her conversation with her mom while I finish preparing dinner for Kinsley and me. She didn’t invite me to the shop, but she did mention she’d be there, doing inventory, so I figured since she couldn’t come over for dinner, I’d bring dinner to her.
I called Scott, who let me know Kinsley’s last appointment of the day should be done by six o’clock, so at a quarter till, I head over to Exposed Ink.
“Sorry, we’re—” Kinsley looks up from the desk, but when she sees it’s me, she changes directions. “What are you doing here? Is our appointment tonight?” she asks in confusion.
“Nope.” I lift the cooler I packed. “I brought dinner.”
Her eyes light up in shock and curiosity. “What did you bring?”
I lock the door behind me, switch the Open sign to Closed, and have a seat on the couch. “Come see for yourself.”
Kinsley gets up and joins me while I place the containers of food on the table.
“Whatcha got there?”
She leans over my shoulder, but when I turn to answer her, our faces almost collide. Her eyes meet mine as she drags her tongue along the seam of her lips to wet them.
“Chicken Alfredo,” I say, my eyes not leaving hers. “But right now, I’m thinking the only thing I’m hungry for is you.”
Kinsley’s cheeks heat up a beautiful shade of pink. “Too bad because I forgot to eat lunch, so I’m actually starved for real food.”
“You got it.” I lean in and kiss the tip of her nose and then back away. “Here you go.” I hand her the container and silverware and then pull out the drinks and cups I brought.
“Is that sweet tea?” Her eyes go wide.
“Yep, and it’s homemade.”
“Shane Evans.” She sighs. “You really do know the way to my heart.”
She opens the lid, pours some sweet tea into a cup, and takes a sip.
“Oh my God.” She moans, taking another sip.
“Damn, Kins,” I say with a laugh. “Keep making noises like that, and I’m going to toss you on that pool table and eat you for dinner.”
“Maybe if you’re a good boy and eat all your dinner, you can have me for dessert.” She leans in and brushes her lips against mine. “But I can’t promise how sweet I’ll be.”
She smirks playfully, and stick a fork in me because I’m done.
Sour Kinsley was already a force to be reckoned with.
Sweet Kinsley captured my heart.
But sexy Kinsley … she just might be the death of me.
“My goodness, that Alfredo was delicious.” Kinsley sets her container down and leans back to rub her food belly.
“I’m glad you liked it. I know Italian is your favorite, so I figured you might.”
Kinsley smiles softly at me. “You’re like the perfect book boyfriend, only you’re real. You’re a good dad and a great cook. You have a noble profession and a cute dog, and you own your own house.”
“But …” I prompt because with Kinsley, there usually is one.
“No buts.” She shakes her head. “I just want you to know how amazing you are.”