Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 580(@200wpm)___ 464(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 580(@200wpm)___ 464(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
We haven’t been together all that long even when counting the last time and that kiss at the bonfire, but this feels right for us, and I know he’ll keep his promise to give us a beautiful life.
We kiss once more before my feet land back on the tiles. “So we’re going to bust you out of this place and get you home so I can take care of you. How are you feeling?” I press my hand to his forehead.
“I’m getting married and having a baby. I’d say life is pretty fucking grand.”
Even on meds, he’s a handful and all mine. “I think you’re going to live.”
38
Shane
“A little to the right. The table is blocking my view.”
Cat picks up her mat and shuffles closer to the pool. “Here?”
“Perfect.”
She bends away from me in the downward dog pose, causing me to shift my—fuck. Okay, that fucking hurt. I use my right arm this time and tuck it behind my head to watch my wi—fiancée do yoga on the deck this fine morning.
The good life.
And then the meds kick in, and my eyelids grow heavy again.
I wake up to see Cat asleep next to me, curled on her side with her hand on my stomach. I reach over and stroke her head, not meaning to wake her but in appreciation of her being here. She canceled her week to stay and take care of me and take me to the doctor.
She lifts her head, worry gripping her gaze. “Is everything okay?”
I touch her again, letting her silky hair flow through my fingers. “It’s perfect.”
Her grin widens as she sits up, shifting to lean against the headboard. “You have a broken shoulder, and life is perfect?”
“Yes.” I start to adjust, so she helps arrange the pillows to support my back when I sit up. “I’ll heal in no time. You heard the doctor. And he called me a star—”
“Yes, yes. He called you a superstar patient.”
“And he wasn’t referring to my fame.”
“You sure about that?” she teases, her laughter shaking her shoulders. “I kid. I kid.” She taps my nose. “You’ve actually been a really good patient. I expected a lot more whining.”
Leaning over to the point I know I can before it hurts, I wait. “Sorry to disappoint.” She meets me halfway. Partners.
“Not a disappointment. I thought you’d need me more.”
I rub her leg and look at her face, not liking the sadness that has permeated her features. “You know I need you. As a matter of fact, I could use some special attention right now under the covers, Nurse Cate.” I lift the blanket to show her that I haven’t lost my desire for her.
“You’re incorrigible, Shane Faris.” She climbs out of bed, padding toward the bathroom.
Still holding the covers, I ask, “That’s a no, right?”
“Yes.”
“It’s a yes?”
“No.” And then I hear her vomit. “Ugh. It’s the second time today.”
I drop the covers because I realize we’re entering a new relationship era.
Two weeks later . . .
“What is this?” Cat walks around the back of the vehicle, taking it in.
“It’s your new car. An SUV technically.”
“I have a car.” She points across the driveway. “The Toyota.”
“Now you have a new one.” I present with both hands out. “A Volvo.”
Her gaze bounces between me and the SUV. I can tell she likes it because her eyes have brightened, but she doesn’t like that she likes it so much. “You can’t give me this gift, babe. It’s too expensive.”
Confused, I ask, “What do you mean?”
Her eyes find mine across the top of the hood, and she laughs. “I know money is no object—”
“Money’s an object that I like to spend on you. But it’s not like I’m buying a two-hundred-million-dollar yacht.”
She walks to the front, sliding her finger along the emblem. “I’ve always wanted to go on a yacht.”
Tipping my head, I smirk. “Random but noted. As for the vehicle, it’s a Volvo, babe. Safest in its class. The inventor of the seat belt. Airbags all around to protect the kids and you.” I catch her smiling. She’s warming up to the idea. “I got a car that I thought you would like and fits what you would look for in value and reliability. But if you’d like something else, choose whatever you want sensible or impractical. I want you to have what you want.”
“I do like it. It’s pretty in this blue. Reminds me of your eyes.” If she’d let me spoil her rotten, I would.
“I thought you’d like it.” I open the driver’s door. “Get in. I want to show you the best part.”
She doesn’t bother coming around to the driver’s seat. She opens the passenger door and slips onto the leather.
“The interior color is called camel, not beige.” No beige for my babe. I ease in carefully, not to irritate my shoulder, and ask, “Notice anything?”