Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
At the admission, I realize his breathing has picked up and taken on a rougher sound. He is obviously pumping himself with his hand, his body as primed and ready as mine is.
On that thought, I whimper and squeeze myself harder. Stars flicker behind my eyes and everything around me explodes in bright lights and wondrous sensation. “Shane!”
“I love that you scream my name when you come. God, yes. Fuck, Amber.”
I hear the words, my name, and know he’s reached his orgasm as well, and my body gives another little tremor before my legs fall to the mattress and I lay trying to catch my breath.
“Damn, if this is what you do to me over the phone, I can’t imagine the next time we’re together.”
I can’t help the smile that lifts my lips.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Gonna sleep okay now?” His voice sounds raspy and so close, as if he was by my side. But his arms aren’t around me, and I’m alone.
“I will, but I miss you.” The words come naturally and without thought, making me realize I am in so deep with this man.
“I miss you, too. Another week.”
“Seven days. We’ve got this,” I say as much to myself as to him.
“And then we’ve got each other.”
On that very pleasant thought, we say good night and I roll over, my body satisfied and my thoughts on Shane as I drift off to sleep.
* * *
Amber
The last economics class falls on the day before the final exam. I didn’t think I’d ever feel ready, but I know I’ve done all I can to get myself to the point where I can walk into that room with some confidence.
Shane is going over the more difficult concepts when I hear the low buzz of my cell phone in my bag. I forgot to shut it off before walking into the lecture hall, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
A quick glance tells me it is Carrie, who rarely texts, so I peek at the message. EVERYTHING IS OKAY but L.J. had a little accident. Five stitches in his leg. Wanted you to know but promise he’s FINE.
Panic and worry rush through me. I believe Carrie and trust her to take care of my son, and if something really serious happened, that text would have said to call her immediately. But to me, stitches are a big deal.
It means my boy’s first trip to the emergency room, his first time getting sewn up, without his mom there. Worried and needing to talk to L.J., I gather my things and, without a glance around me, rush out of the room. Without waiting, I drop my things right outside the door and pull out my phone.
A second later, Carrie’s face is on the screen. “He’s fine, Amber. I promise you.”
Tears fall from my eyes. “I believe you. It’s just that I’m not there.”
Carrie’s expression is soft and understanding. “He was a champ.”
“What happened?” I ask, leaning against the wall outside the classroom.
“He didn’t listen and ran to give Samuel the pair of scissors. I’m sorry, honey. I feel terrible and responsible.”
I shake my head. “No! It could have happened while I was there, too. I know he’s in good hands. Can I talk to him?”
“Samuel took him to the ice cream shop across the street from where we’re staying Uptown. I really felt like we were intruding on Landon’s privacy after so long.”
I smile in understanding. “Would you have L.J. FaceTime me as soon as he gets back?”
“Of course. Are you ready for your exams?” Carrie asks.
“One down, a paper turned in, and one more to go.” I don’t mention that it is the hardest one. I don’t want anyone to know how much I’ve struggled.
“Well, good luck and we’ll talk soon. And don’t worry.”
Easier said than done, but I don’t want Carrie to feel worse than she already does. We disconnect the call just as the class ends, and the students stream out of the lecture hall.
Realizing I took my backpack but left my small purse on the floor by my chair, I wait for everyone to leave and head back inside. I see my little bag on the floor and bend down to grab it.
When I rise, Shane is by my side. “Is everything okay? You bolted out of your seat and scared the shit out of me.”
I manage a smile though I still feel shaky and am beyond upset. “I’d left my phone on by mistake. Carrie texted me. L.J. fell and needed stitches. She said he was fine but I needed to talk to her.”
His gaze is one of complete understanding. “And? He’s okay?”
I bite down on my lower lip, which has begun trembling. “He is. He was running with a pair of scissors.” I shake my head and mutter, “Boys.”
Shane raises a hand and slides his palm behind my neck. “Did you speak to him?”