Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 97386 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97386 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“I’ll call you later,” Amelia said. “Maybe we can all head into San Antonio and do some shopping.”
I nodded. “I’m meeting with the insurance company around noon, so I’ll let you know when I’m finished.”
“I’m glad they’re not making you wait until Monday.”
My chest tightened as I thought about the phone call last night. I could hardly talk when I called the insurance company. Mitchell ended up telling them what happened while I sat on his couch and held my knees into my chest. I’d had my few moments of weakness, and now it was time to pull my big-girl panties up and handle this like an adult.
Yes, I lost everything. But no one died. Milo was safe. I was safe. And currently standing in Mitchell’s kitchen with him half-naked. As much as I loved the view, I would never let him know. I needed to remember the wall I’d built. He might have been acting all sweet and kind, but if I let him in, I’d risk being hurt again.
A part of me knew he was trying, but I needed more time to figure things out. The last thing I needed was to let my guard down.
Hurt me once, shame on you. Hurt me twice…shame on me.
“Hey, you okay?” Amelia asked, touching my arm.
With a forced smile, I nodded. “Yeah, tired and ready to see Milo.”
Leaning in, she kissed me on the cheek. “Alright, talk to you soon. Later, Mitchell.”
“Bye Amelia.”
The second she disappeared I felt a tingle move across my body. Mitchell had walked up behind me. I wanted him to touch me…anywhere. I wanted something to ease the ache. But I also wanted to run like crazy.
“I’m, um, I’m gonna go get dressed so we can get Milo,” Mitchell said. “Doc isn’t usually open for long on Saturdays.”
I swallowed and watched him walk past me with his cup of coffee, into his bedroom. He’d given me a quick tour of his place last night, but I took these few moments to myself to really explore.
I’d already checked out the entire kitchen earlier. It was obvious Melanie had a hand in the design. Plus, Mitchell had every kitchen gadget known to man. I didn’t even think the man knew how to cook, but he was well stocked.
The kitchen opened into the living room, which lead to the terrace. I stepped out and took in a deep breath. It was a corner balcony that went around the side of the building. Glancing down, I looked at Main Street and all the people walking toward Lilly’s Café.
I sat down on one of Mitchell’s chairs and sipped my coffee while I people-watched. Lane walked up and I went to call out his name but he stopped in front of Lucy, Lilly’s daughter who worked at her mom’s café. I watched as they talked and couldn’t help but notice how much Lane flirted with her. It wasn’t like I cared—I didn’t have those types of feelings toward him. He was good looking, but there was something about him I didn’t like.
I also wasn’t sure he would last as a first-grade teacher.
He smiled, and then walked in the other direction while Lucy headed into the café. I shrugged. Of course, I could have Lane pegged all wrong. I doubted it, though.
I headed into the house and made my way through the living room. The décor was simple, classic with a slight ranch feel to it. His sofa and love seat were both made of a beautiful, soft leather. Running my fingers over it, I smiled. “This screams Mitchell Parker.”
I made my way down the hall and took the right turn that led to either the guest room on the left, or the office on the right.
“Which way do I go?” I asked myself. “Right. Office.”
I smiled at the large desk. I instantly fell into a fantasy of Mitchell taking me from behind as I laid across the massive oak desk. The things I wanted Mitchell to teach me. I closed my eyes and squeezed my legs together.
Ugh, stop this Corina.
After pushing my naughty daydream away, I glanced around the office. Everything was neat and in its place. Not really what I was expecting, but then again, why not? Mitchell was a cop; he was a responsible kind of guy, except when it came to my heart.
My eyes lifted to the bookcase behind the desk. Mystery books. I let out a chuckle while I made my way over to them.
“Let’s see, James Patterson, John Grisham, Agatha Christie…nice pick there.” I bent down to read the others. “Patricia Cornwell, David Baldacci, Frank Peretti.” Reaching for the Peretti book, I stood up and looked at the title. This Present Darkness.
“It’s a great book. You should read it.”
I jumped and let out a small scream. Spinning, I looked at Mitchell. “You scared me.”