Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 95273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Yum.”
When we were finished eating, we took the leftovers over to Abbi’s office so she’d have something for dinner, too.
She looked fucking exhausted, but she put on a brave face for Daisy and me, giving us hugs and kisses, and even took a minute to scarf down a piece of pizza before she gently shooed us out so she could dive back in.
She was buried in white sheets and towels and had her computer screen up with a big calendar that she was swearing at.
“How many people are you down?” I asked her.
“Three,” she murmured. “Too many during this season. I’ll figure it out.”
“I can clean,” I offered with a shrug. “I’ll buddy up with you.”
“I can clean, too,” Daisy agreed, and to my horror, Abbi’s eyes filled with tears.
“Okay, I love you two, but I have to get to work so I can come home tonight. Thank you for dinner.”
I pulled her to me, my hands on her sides, and pressed my lips to her forehead. When she sighed, I tipped her chin up and gently kissed her lips. “I’ll see you soon.”
She nodded, and then I brought Daisy home.
We made it through the bedtime routine just fine, and then I got her settled into her bed and read her three stories before those pretty brown eyes drooped closed.
And now, it’s eight-thirty, and there’s no sign of Abbi.
Me: How’s it going there?
The bubbles bounce on the screen as I sit on the couch.
Blue Eyes: Just finishing up. I’ll do the last of it in the morning. Is Daisy in bed?
Me: Just put her to sleep. Come on home, baby, and I’ll take care of you.
She sends back the heart emoji, and I get to work upstairs, getting her favorite lounging clothes together and making sure there’s a big, fluffy towel waiting by the shower.
When Abbi walks in, her shoulders are slumped, her pretty blonde hair is in disarray, falling out of a low ponytail, and her eyes look…defeated.
“Oh, baby.” I pull her against me and hug her close as she sighs and hugs me back. “I’m sorry that it was a rough day.”
“Me, too,” she murmurs. “I know that I’m going to have turnover, but it’s so inconvenient during the busiest months.”
“Are you hungry?”
“A little.”
“I have a plan. How about a nice, hot shower, and then you can come down here and have a snack, and I’ll rub your feet. Or anything else that needs to be rubbed.”
She tips her head back, giving me a fake scowl. “Is that an innuendo?”
“It wasn’t, but it could be.” I relax a little when she smiles. “That’s my girl. Come on, shower first.”
With her hand in mine, I lead her upstairs, and her face softens when she sees that I have everything ready for her.
“You’re the best,” she whispers before I start the water, letting the stream warm up.
“I’m just a mortal man, in love with the most beautiful woman in the world.” I kiss her forehead before I pull her dirty T-shirt over her head and toss it into the hamper. Then I make quick work of her jeans and underwear, tossing them into the hamper, as well.
God, she’s fucking gorgeous. I know she’s self-conscious of her curves, but I can’t get enough of them.
However, now is not the moment for sex. That’s for later.
“Come on, my hard worker. Into the shower for you.”
“Thank you,” she says, lifting up on her toes to kiss my chin before she steps under the hot spray. “Oh, God, this is heaven.”
I grin at her and then shut the door of the shower, giving her privacy.
“I’ll be downstairs when you’re done.”
“I won’t be long.”
“Take your time, Blue Eyes.”
Once downstairs, I pop some popcorn and add Abbi’s favorite seasoning to the top, then arrange a plate of cheese and crackers and pour her a glass of wine, then I turn the A/C down a bit to make it colder in here and start the fireplace.
I don’t know what it is with women wanting to make a house feel like the arctic tundra, just so they can curl up in blankets and start a fire, but I’ve learned that it’s a thing.
And I want my girl to relax tonight.
I hear the creak of the stairs and turn to find Abbi descending them, and when she sees the food and the fire, she grins.
“This is so great.”
“Come on,” I instruct her, holding out my hand. “Let’s get you off of your feet.”
“Yes, please.” She takes my hand, and I kiss her knuckles as I lead her to the couch and get her settled.
“I have food for you. Hold on.”
After grabbing the goodies from the kitchen, I return to her and watch her sigh in happiness.
“Let’s start with wine and popcorn,” she says, and I pass her the bowl and the glass of wine, then pop a cracker and cheese into my mouth. “This is a great way to end a shitty day.”