Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 91840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“You won’t be able to walk straight for a week,” he says, the words a sexy growl.
I take him at his word because I know he means it. And I can’t freaking wait.
He opens the champagne with a pop that makes Gucci jump, so I stroke her to soothe her. Gabe pours the champagne into two glasses.
I pick mine up and hold it out. “Toast?”
“To us.” He taps his glass against mine.
“And to my bad driving that brought us together.”
“So, you finally admit that you’re a shitty driver.”
“I admit nothing.” I grin and take a sip of my champagne. The bubbles go straight to my head.
Gabe opens up the picnic basket. “I hope you’re hungry ’cause there’s a fuckload of food in here.”
“I’m starving,” I tell him.
“I got some food for Gucci, too.” He pulls out a Tupperware container and pulls the lid off. “Chopped apples, pears, grapes, and strawberries. That okay for her?”
The fact that he brought food for her warms my insides.
“That’s more than okay.” I beam at him.
“What?” His brows push together as he hands her container of food over to me.
“You love her.”
“Who?”
“Gucci. She’s grown on you. Go on, you can admit it. I won’t tell anyone.”
“Fine,” he huffs. “I like her. But I don’t fucking love her. She’s a goat, for fuck’s sake.”
I’ll take that. It’s the best I’m going to get from him.
“I love you,” I tell him.
His eyes meet mine. “Love you, too. Now, feed your damn goat, so we can eat.”
I blow him a kiss and put Gucci’s food out for her while Gabe serves up our breakfast.
Waffles, pancakes, and fresh fruit. Fresh bread rolls and a selection of cheeses.
This man knows the way to my heart.
When I’m stuffed to the brim and I can’t fit in another thing, I move over to Gabe’s side and lie down, resting my head on his good leg. Gucci is wandering nearby, sniffing some flowers.
“I love it here,” I tell him, looking up at him.
He brushes my hair off my forehead. “I’ve been in touch with an architect.”
“You have?”
He nods. “I told him what I’m looking for here. He came to scope it out the other day. Said he’s going to draw some plans up and come back to me with them next week.”
“Wow. That’s exciting. You’re finally going to build your home.”
“Yeah.” He runs his fingers through the strands of my hair as he stares out at the stunning view of the reservoir.
“Well, I’m super happy for you. What did you tell him you wanted?”
His eyes come down to mine. “A ranch-style house. With a paddock. And a swimming pool.”
That’s what I said I’d put here if I were building a house.
“You stealing my ideas?” I tease.
“No. Just kinda hoping, if I build your dream house, it will give you a reason to stay.”
My mouth dries, and my heart starts to hammer in my chest.
Is he saying what I think he’s saying? No, surely not.
I sit up and turn to face him. “You could build a shack, and I’d stay. I’m here for you, Gabe. Nothing else.”
His fingers trace a line along my jaw. “Speedy, I want to build you a house because I want you to live in it with me.”
Oh.
Wow.
“I know that it might seem soon, but we’ve been living together from the start. Before I was even in love with you. Living with you, spending all that time with you, is what made me fall in love with you. So, why wait? Don’t look for an apartment. Stay with me at my apartment. Live with me permanently. And, when the house is built, move there with me. You and Gucci.”
“Gabe, I…” I’m struggling for words for the first time in my life.
“Don’t think about it. Just say yes.”
I stare at him, thinking this is crazy but knowing it feels right.
I press my hands to his face and kiss his mouth hard.
“Yes,” I whisper against his lips. “Yes, you beautiful, crazy man. Of course I’ll live with you.”
Gabe
We’re on the way to the hospital, so I can finally have this fucking boot taken off. I can’t believe it’s been six weeks since Speedy literally crashed into my life.
And, now, I’m in love with her, and she loves me back. And we’re going to build a future together.
It’s nuts but amazing. I’ve never been happier than I am with her now.
No one gets me like she does. No one makes me laugh harder or turns me on like she does.
She knows the worst things about me, and she still loves me.
She’s incredible. And I’m the luckiest guy in the world.
With a smile on my face, I roll my window down and light up a cigarette. Then, I reach across the console and take hold of her hand.
She glances at me and smiles, and my insides light up.