Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
He laughed. “No, believe it or not, there are two of us here. I work most of the time, but I do get an occasional break now and then.”
I had walked over with my friends and could easily return to my car on my own. It was, after all, Moose Village and relatively safe. But a part of me liked the idea of spending more time with Lucas. He was fun to talk to, and attractive…even though I wasn’t the least bit attracted to him that way. Besides, he lived in Boston, and at some point, he’d be returning home.
“Well, I walked over with Harper and Aurora.”
“Then we’ll all walk back together. It’s dark out, and I’d feel better if you three weren’t alone walking the streets.”
Smiling, I turned to Harper. “Mr. Miller would like to walk us back.”
“I appreciate that, but Declan should be here any minute. I figured he would just give us all a ride.”
Turning to Lucas, I said, “I’d love some fresh air after smelling apples for the last few hours.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “Then fresh air you shall have.”
I grabbed my coat and said goodbye to everyone while Lucas spoke to Kian.
Cadie walked up. “Thank you so much for helping tonight.”
“It was my pleasure. If you ever need an apple pie made, don’t call me. I don’t want to see or smell an apple for the next few months.”
Laughing, she pulled me in for a hug. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Lucas motioned for me to head out first, so I waved again and started out the door. It was a chilly evening, so I quickly zipped my jacket.
“You didn’t have to walk me, you know. I could have grabbed a ride with Harper and Declan.”
He smiled. “I wanted to spend more time with you. I find you very interesting, Brystol.”
I felt my entire body warm at the compliment. “I find you interesting as well, Lucas.”
“What do you like about running a toy store?”
“Well, at first, it was just a job, and I didn’t really look at it as anything else. Then, once I fully took over the store, it became something different.”
“What do you mean?”
“It was always important to me for obvious reasons. It was my family’s business, so I wanted to make sure it continued to succeed. But once it became mine…it felt like a part of me in a way it had never been before. I learned everything I could about toys, and I truly enjoy seeing the kids come into the store and watching their eyes light up.”
“Do you want to have kids of your own someday?”
My steps faltered, and Lucas reached out for my arm. “Are you okay?”
I let out a nervous chuckle. “I’m fine. Sorry about that.”
We got to Memory Lane Toys and I unlocked the door and turned off the alarm before I motioned for Lucas to come in.
“I’d offer you something to drink, but…”
He laughed. “I don’t drink.”
My brows lifted. “Ever?”
“Oh, I’ve been known to knock back the booze, just not while I’m on assignment.”
I stared at him for a moment. “So even though you’re not with Cadie right now, you consider yourself on assignment still?”
“Of course. Just because I’m not with her in the same room, doesn’t mean that she’s not still my responsibility. I trust Kian, don’t get me wrong, but it’s my job to protect her, and that’s what I’ll do.”
Leaning against the counter, I smiled. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that was romantic, Mr. Miller.”
He tossed his head back and laughed. “I’ve never been accused of being romantic.”
The silence between us wasn’t awkward, and if it had been another place and time, I might have thought he’d be fun to go on a date with.
Lucas stepped closer to me, and I pushed off the counter. “Lucas, I have to tell you something before what I think what’s about to happen, happens.”
He quirked his brow. “Before I kiss you?”
I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. “Yes. That.”
“I’m listening.”
A nervous laugh slipped free, and I closed my eyes. “I don’t even know how to say this.”
“I’ve always found that the easiest way to say something is to just come out and say it.”
Looking at him, I nodded. “I’m pregnant.”
His eyes went wide with surprise. “Okay, that wasn’t what I thought you’d say.”
“It’s not my baby.”
A confused expression appeared on his face. “Um…what?”
“I mean, yes, I’m carrying the baby, but the baby isn’t mine. I’m a surrogate. My best friend can’t carry a baby, so she asked me if I’d carry her and her husband’s child.”
When he didn’t say anything, I nervously cleared my throat and said, “Yeah. That’s a real cock block.”
He laughed, and I smiled. “I think it’s amazing that you’re doing that, Brystol. But I’m not sure why it means I can’t kiss you.”