Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Ford blows out a frustrated breath, flipping pancakes. I hop off the counter, hugging his back and placing a kiss to his shoulder, before going to the fridge to grab some fruit.
“My product line is my passion project. Before my grandma passed away, we shared a love for making homemade beauty products. Mostly body scrubs and lip balms. It was simple, but it was our thing.”
“Sounds special.”
“It was. In high school, I found my penchant for science. Dad always adored me, but the first time I announced my plans to study chemistry in college, I swear he shed a tear. He said he’d waited my whole life for me to show he passed something down.”
“Been around the man several times. Hotch Ellis gave you a lot more than your love of science.”
“He did, which is why I studied my ass off, working toward my dream. After graduation, I shared my plans. To perfect a product for hair and skin, I needed to be a professional. So, I became a cosmetologist to learn more about my science and my clientele’s needs. They agreed, becoming my silent partners and helping me buy my building. The salon started off slow, so I threw myself into building the business in order to survive. When it started doing well, I hired some stylists and took a step back to work on the products. I already knew my focus would be on botanical ingredients, so my plan was in motion.”
“How’s it going?”
I shrug, hating this part of my story. “I was just getting my mind in the game when I took some time off.”
I dare peek up from cutting strawberries to find his eyes burning. “Meaning that fucker took you away from your work?”
“Something like that. He can’t take all the blame, considering he didn’t have a clue about that part of my life.”
“You’re wrong. He can shoulder all the blame for not being man enough to accept you. Goddamn arrogant son of a fucking bitch.”
The spatula in his hand snaps in two, one end flying across the kitchen.
For the first time, I don’t feel shame or stupidity. Instead, his anger sparks a warmth that seeps inside of me.
I put down my knife and make my way to him, framing his face and scaling my nails through his soft stubble. His eyes drop to mine and I rise to kiss him.
“He wasn’t significant enough to know my dreams and goals. No one was until yesterday.”
The storm in his gaze lightens, and he presses his forehead to mine. “There is nothing insignificant about you, Rowan.”
“You’re making me believe that.”
“Baby, you’re killing me.”
“And you’re changing me. For the better.”
“Fuck the pancakes.” He tosses the mangled spatula to the side and lifts me.
A thrill shoots through me, but the sounds down the hall bring me back to reality. “I can’t be the reason Jewls doesn’t get her breakfast.”
“Let her fiancé handle her.”
I’m about to agree when my stomach betrays me, rumbling loud enough for him to hear. He glances at my stomach and places me back on my feet. “Keep your sweetness to yourself until after I can feed you.”
“I’ll do my best.” I back away as Jewls and Major enter the kitchen.
She gives me a knowing look, popping a strawberry in her mouth. “How are you this morning?”
I smile at my friend, answering with my own grin. “Absolutely perfect.”
12
FORD
I round the curve to the kitchen and stop dead, slinking behind the column. Jewls glances down the hall to their bedroom then tiptoes to the pantry. She shuffles through the bottles of vitamins and supplements, grabs a large tube, and sneaks to the corner.
A chuckle threatens to erupt as she pulls out three Twizzler strands and shoves them in her mouth. A low moan escapes and she ducks as if the sound might give her away.
“Busted.”
She jumps high in the air, the tube clattering to the floor. “Fawd!” My name is a garbled mess with her full mouth.
I pick up the container and read the label, trying to keep a straight face. “Gas relief?”
She finishes chewing, glaring at me until she swallows. “No one wants to talk about gas, so it was my safest option.”
“Have you ever spoken to Major about our time in the service? That man won’t blink an eye at this.”
She huffs. “It was my only hope!”
“How about you cut back on the sweets?”
“It’s not my fault. He’s becoming unbearable.”
“He’s protective. This is all new to him, and he’s not sure how to handle not being in control. You’re carrying his children.”
“Twizzlers are not a risk to my pregnancy.”
“Fair enough.” I hand the tube back. “Your secret is safe with me.”
She flashes me a grateful smile and snags another piece before stashing it at the back of the shelf.
I hold her eyes, feeling the change in the air. I’ve been around this woman enough to know when her professional training kicks into gear.