Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
I was already hopelessly in love with Wills, but seeing this side of her, how hard she and her family love each other, elevates those feelings to a whole new level. She has so much love to give. She’ll make a great partner and a patient, determined mom—if that’s what she wants.
“What?” She nudges me with her elbow.
I arch a brow. “Eh?”
She arches one back. “You’re staring.”
“Just admiring the view.” She wouldn’t believe the truth.
Eventually, we move to the kitchen. Like everything with the Reddi-Grinst clan, preparing dinner is a loud, boisterous affair. Georgie barks orders, and we all follow them. I mostly try to be helpful and stay out of the way.
At the end of dinner, I still have no idea what Sam does for a living, but I’ve heard a million stories about Willy’s childhood. Her family is intense, and I feel like I’ve spent the evening with fifty people instead of five.
After dinner, I clear the table and help load the dishwasher, while Sandy and Georgie prepare dessert.
Willy gets started on the pots and pans while Isaac takes a call and Sam follows orders from his moms. I step up beside Wills, fingers grazing her lower back. “Why don’t you let me handle the dishes? That way you don’t ruin your pretty nails.”
“It’s okay. I’m getting them done early next week anyway.” She blows a wayward strand of hair out of her face, but it sticks to her glossed lips. She puffs out another gust of air, trying to free it, but it doesn’t work. She tries again with the back of her wrist but her hands are sudsy.
“Let me help you.”
She turns toward me, lips pursed.
I use my sleeve to wipe the suds away, then free the hairs from her lip.
Her fingers graze the back of mine. The diamond catches the light, and I capture her hand. “I can’t stop thinking about last night.” I kiss her knuckle.
Her breath catches. I can’t read her expression, but her lips part as her eyes find mine.
“You gonna let me take care of you again?” I trail the fingers of my free hand down her side.
“Dessert is ready!” her brother calls from the dining room.
“Maybe. If you can be a good boy.” Willy gives me a sultry smile as she steps around me.
I would do just about anything to earn that privilege. I follow her back to the dining room, where everyone else is already congregated. They stopped by an Indian market on their way over to pick up Sandy’s favorite sweet, burfi. Her mom used to make it for her on special occasions growing up.
Once again, the conversation is loud and boisterous, filled with laughter and good-natured ribbing. When dessert is over, her brothers get ready to head back to Isaac’s condo. It’s in one of the exclusive high-rise buildings overlooking Lake Ontario. Last I heard, the penthouses were going for eleven million because of the view and the amenities.
“Why don’t you stay there instead of here?” I ask as her family stands near the door, putting on shoes, making sure everyone has their phones and purses, and that her moms have their gifts.
Willy shakes her head. “It’s four-thousand square feet of minimalist-decorated penthouse. It’s massive. I can’t afford a cleaner. Also, it would be incredibly lonely and sterile. I like this. I have a roommate to share the load with, and our schedules make it so we’re not in each other’s hair all the time.” She motions to her apartment. “It’s cozy, it’s the right price for me to keep saving, and I can walk to work.”
I hear all the other things she doesn’t say, like she can take care of this on her own, and it gives her the autonomy and independence she’s so fond of.
Willy’s moms hug me and thank me again for the gifts.
“We’re planning to hit the escarpment first thing in the morning. You up for a hike tomorrow, Dallas?” Sam asks.
Willy digs her nails into my arm and mutters, “Say no.”
So I do the opposite. “Bruce Trail?”
“You know it?”
“It’s been some years, but I’m totally up for it.”
“Awesome.” Sam fist-bumps me. “Hemi can send your number over, and we’ll make a plan.”
“Sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.”
I get a fist bump from Isaac as well, and everyone hugs Wills before they’re out the door. She lets it fall closed and peeks through the eyehole for a second before she turns to me. “You should fake sick tomorrow.”
“It’s a hike. How bad could it be?”
“Isaac climbs mountains for fun. When he says he’s going for a hike, he’s not going for a leisurely stroll in the woods to enjoy nature. He’ll turn it into an expedition, and you’ll be hiking for hours.”
“Babe, I’m a professional hockey player. I have stamina for days. I’ll be fine.”