Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 48446 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 242(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48446 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 242(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
“Calm down,” I said softly, patting his ass, my voice deep and low.
“I don’t want him to think about you like that, like he could fuck you, because only I fuck you!”
We were at the car now, so I put him down. He was still fuming and not losing any of his anger.
“I’m so pissed at you right now!”
“Don’t be.” I grinned and pulled him close. “I like that you’re possessive of me, of us. It means a lot.”
When I bent to kiss him, he parted his lips for me eagerly, but I took my time, and when I lifted just barely, not enough to miss the feel of his warm breath on my face, I noticed that his eyes were open.
“You’re supposed to close your eyes when I kiss you.”
“I’m a little bit afraid I’m dreaming right now, so I kind of don’t want to stop looking at you.”
“God, you’re so drunk and cute.”
“What?”
“Get in the car.” I held open the passenger door.
“I am not cute, and I’m not that drunk.”
But he was very much both.
I made sure he didn’t clunk his head as he got in the car, then closed the door. Once I was behind the wheel, he reiterated that yes, he was a little tipsy but not sloshed.
“Okay, darlin’,” I agreed, strapping him in. “Try not to puke in the car.”
“I’m not gonna be sick.” He was incredulous. “I drink all the time, Weber.”
Uh-huh.
I didn’t even say I told you so when I had to stop three blocks away so he could hurl up a lung. It would have been mean.
At home, I put a cool washcloth on the back of his neck as he threw up some more, then rubbed his back when it subsided to retching.
“This is supposed to be the most beautiful night of my life,” he groaned, head on the rim of the porcelain bowl, his skin moist, pale, and chilled.
“But this way it’s memorable.”
“I’m disgusting.”
“You’re drunk.” I sighed. “Did you even eat anything today?”
He ignored my question. “How can you even be in here?”
“Because all this don’t bother me none. Now get up, wash your face, brush your teeth, and I’ll get you some Tylenol and water.”
“This is gross, but I’m kind of hungry.”
“Okay.”
“And I want a shower.”
“Good.” I couldn’t stop smiling at him. “You do that. I’ll make you a sandwich and some soup. Meet me in the kitchen.”
“Thanks.”
I got up and left him then.
By the time he staggered to the kitchen and took a seat at the bar, I had a turkey sandwich made for him, plain except for a light smear of mayonnaise, and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. There was a glass of water as well, and two Tylenol caplets.
He ate while I cleaned up.
“Web?”
I leaned against the sink and looked at him.
“What are you planning on doing now that you’re going to stay?”
“I’m gonna work for your sister and take care of them boys. I don’t think her husband is comin’ back, but even if he does, she’ll still need me because they needed a nanny before.”
“I agree.” He cleared his throat. “Are you okay with doing that? Taking care of the kids?”
I crossed my arms. “I am. Are you?”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, you’re the one who has to say to people, I sleep with a nanny.”
He choked on his water, and I moved quickly, taking the glass and shoving a napkin in his face. “Don’t barf anymore.”
“What the hell!” he yelled. “Jesus Christ, Weber, I don’t give a shit what you do. I just love thinking of you here at home, in our home, puttering around, simply being with me every single day. All I want is—”
“A foundation.”
“What?”
“You wanna build. You want us to make a life together.”
“Yes. Exactly.”
I nodded. “The other day, Micah had to draw somethin’ that reminded him of me, and he drew me as a mountain.”
“He did?”
“He did, and it got me thinkin’. I am a mountain. I don’t have roots like you and your family, but I’m here and I won’t move. You can build on me, count on me, and we’ll use your roots, and I can make a home for you all.”
He was nodding, speechless, so I took him into my arms, cradling his head in my hand, smoothing my hand over his back, rubbing circles there.
“Oh God, please, Weber, be my home.”
“Thank you for believing I could be. I won’t let you down.”
He hugged me so hard, so tight, and kissed the side of my neck before leaning back.
“What?”
“Who is you all?”
My smile was huge.
SEVEN
The auditorium was full, and our seats were in the middle, so once we were sitting, there was no way to get back up. It was why, before we went in, I was squatting down in front of Pip, asking if he had to go to the bathroom.