Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87298 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Ramsey.”
“Deacon.”
“I’m coming in close.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to kiss you again.”
This time I nod as my tongue peeks out, and I lick my lips.
“Killing me,” he mumbles as his lips press to mine. It’s just a peck compared to the kiss he gave me earlier. However, it’s still his lips connecting with mine, which causes a thrill to race through my veins.
I would never have imagined this is how today would have turned out. I went from dreading the shoot and wanting it to be over to hoping that the moment never ends.
I trace his bottom lip with my tongue, needing more of him. However, Deacon pulls back and points his index finger at me. “Behave,” he playfully scolds me.
I can’t hide my smile.
I don’t want to.
Deacon steps behind me and places his hands on my shoulders. He massages gently before he gives me a soft push. He does this over and over until I’m flying high, like a middle-schooler at recess. My hair is flying all over the place, and I’m thankful I thought to tuck my dress around my legs and between my thighs, or I’d be giving Palmer some X-rated material to shoot.
With each pump of my legs, my soul grows lighter, and the heaviness that seems to reside on my shoulders day in, day out fades away. “Higher!” I call out to Deacon, and his deep laughter fuels my own.
I don’t know how long I swing, but when I glance over and see Palmer staring down at her camera, I know my time is up. I stop pumping my legs and eventually drag my feet so the swing will stop. Deacon is there, offering me his hand. I don’t hesitate to place mine in his, allowing him to pull me to my feet.
His arm snakes around my waist, and his lips land on my temple.
“Wait!” Palmer calls out. “I need to snap that.” She runs over to us and bends down, snapping picture after picture.
“I think you got it, sis.” Deacon chuckles.
Palmer looks up at us with a blinding smile. “You two are pure gold. I cannot wait to start editing these and printing them.”
“I get one of each.”
“Sure. I’ll print you copies. Both of you.”
“Palmer.” Deacon waits until she looks up at him. “One of every image.”
Palmer’s mouth drops open, and I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen her speechless. Well, unless she’s standing in a room with all nine of my cousins. That’s a lot for any woman to take in.
“Palmer?”
“Yes, of course,” she says, looking at me, her eyes widening.
“Do you have what you need?” I ask her.
“This is so much better than I expected.” She glances at her camera. “I did have one more scene idea.”
“What’s that?” Deacon asks.
She points behind us, and there’s a quilt spread out on the grass. “Maybe just sit close to one another and talk? Or kiss? Or… whatever feels right.” She grins. Her smile is full of mischief, and if I’m not mistaken, a little bit of hope.
Deacon steps in front of me, giving his sister his back. “What do you think, sweetheart? You up for me holding you on the old blanket?”
“I think I can suffer through it,” I tease.
Who am I right now?
He steps closer. He raises his hand and waits for me to nod. He slides his palm behind my neck and leans in close. “Talking or kissing, Ramsey?”
“What?” I ask, confused.
“She said talk or kiss or whatever. You pick.”
“All of the above.”
He grins. The act has my heart doing flips in my chest. “Equal opportunist. I like it.” He slides his hands down my arms and laces our fingers together. He lifts both to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.
I hear the shutter of the camera, and so does he if the groan that comes from deep within his chest is an indicator. “Palmer, I’m on a date here,” he says. He winks at me, making me laugh.
“A date I arranged, big brother,” she reminds him. “A date you didn’t want to go on,” she says as he turns and guides us toward the blanket.
“I’m glad I did,” he whispers against my temple. “After you.” He motions toward the blanket.
Somehow I manage to sit without showing my ass. Literally, I make sure to tuck my sundress beneath my legs to keep the wind from blowing it up. Deacon lies next to me. He’s on his side, with his head propped up on his elbow.
“Lay with me.”
I take two seconds to think about it before I’m maneuvering into a similar position with my dress tucked in tightly between my thighs. Deacon reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I’ve had fun with you today.”
“It was definitely better than I expected.”
“Yeah? What were you expecting?”
“Lots of awkward touches and a disappointed Palmer.”