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)
He studies me, his eyes deep and assessing. “You’re happy.”
“It’s more than happy. Everything is coming together.”
“Very well-deserved. Cheers.” Alex clinks our glasses.
I smile through another sip and take in the ingredients on the island. All items I recognize well from my time living here. “Is it Mexican night?”
“It sure is. Alex and I have been dying for your cooking. We couldn’t decide on which dish, so I bought everything and you can choose.”
I let out a loud giggle that turns into an unladylike snort. “Guess my cooking is a good reason to invite me over. Is the guest room still available in case we finish this pitcher?”
“Always for you.”
“One more thing.”
The way Alex says it has me sobering quickly.
“I know you’re used to doing things on your own and this new squad of friends is new. But if you ever feel lonely again, you call our asses or come over. No invitation needed. We love you.”
Tears threaten to spill, and I swallow hard, loving these two men.
“Understood loud and clear.”
“Hop in, girlie.” Pepper slants her head apprehensively as I pat the seat next to me.
Oh, for fuck's sake. I shiver, extending the blanket to her side. She jumps up happily. “Spoiled pup.”
She barks in response, communicating her approval by snuggling into me. I pull the golf cart out of the garage, tightening my scarf and yanking the blanket to cover us both. The wind whips around us on our way to Holmes Court. In late October, it’s hit or miss on the fall weather. Our days are bright and cool, but our nights are dropping fast. Soon, the time will change and it’ll be dark well before the salon closes.
As I drive, an ache sits heavy on my chest. Ford hasn’t been home in almost three weeks. The few hours we stole between his original work assignment and his Reserve weekend seem like forever ago.
The night he was supposed to return, he called with the news he had to go out on a scouting mission.
I was sad, disappointed, and felt a myriad of other emotions.
Ford was downright pissed.
Furious, to be exact.
He couldn’t say or explain, but the emanating fury in his voice had my hair standing on end.
We had a lot more communication than that first week, talking several times a day. With each conversation, it was obvious he was more and more on edge.
I tried to hide my feelings until the gifts started arriving.
First, the flowers at the salon.
Fuck, I love you.
Then, the gift basket on the counter at home with the wine from our first date.
Never liked wine until that night, babe.
I drank half the bottle on the porch, staring at the stars.
Finally, the large overstuffed envelope arrived with blueprints and sketches.
Three home designs with differences I wasn’t prepared for.
Time to speed up our plans. You don’t like these, we’ll re-group.
That night, I cried myself to sleep in the bed covered by the most amazing house plans ever.
Pepper’s bark brings me out of my head and, without realizing, I notice I’ve stopped in front of the empty lot. My mind goes to the sketches. I try to picture each of them sitting on this property.
Everything about the Whitman home is incredible, one of my favorites being the view at dusk right as the sun sets behind the mountainous terrain. Depending on the season, you can appreciate the beauty of the leaves changing, the snow sticking to the high trees, the endless greenery—it’s all breathtaking.
Right now, I watch the last of the sun disappear, and clarity knocks the breath out of me.
The plan that will allow the perfect view from the wall of windows across the back of the house, including the master bedroom.
Excitement bubbles to the surface and I squeal, accelerating so fast we lurch backward.
Major and Ace are in the garage when I pull up, both scowling in my direction.
“What the fuck, Rowan? It’s fifty degrees outside.”
At the sound of the gruff voice, Pepper pops up, wagging her tail.
“We needed fresh air.” I instantly realize my mistake.
It was instinct to bring Pepper. But this is Major and Jewls’ brand new house.
“I didn’t think it through. Pepper can stay outside.”
Major’s lips form a firm line and he shakes his head. “The dog is welcome anytime. But if the temp drops any further, I’m driving you home in the truck.”
He gives me the double whammy. The voice and the look that says it’s best not to argue.
I grab the bottles from my bag and hop out.
“Housewarming gifts. Bourbon for you and sparkling wine for the mama. Figured Ace already has the fridge stocked with beer.”
“You’d be right.” Ace raises his bottle. “But bourbon sounds good.”
As I get closer, they step together, blocking my way through the garage.
“How are you doing?”
A lump forms in my throat at the tenderness in Ace’s question. I see Major almost every day at the house, but it’s been a while since I’ve spoken to Ace.