Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
I turn and take the offered keys. I didn’t mention to him last night that they’re my spare set. That’s neither here nor there since I’m not comfortable with anyone other than Aunt Hildy and my employees having an extra set of keys to my bar.
“Thanks again for trusting me with them, Opal.”
Studying his face, I nod. I have no idea how late he was here last night, but he looks like he got a full night’s sleep. On the other hand, I tossed and turned until I finally dragged myself out of bed and into a warm shower an hour ago.
“Thanks again for helping with the flood.” I turn as soon as those words leave me to unlock the door.
I don’t want to feel as flustered as I do, but something about him makes me restless, as if there’s a force of intense energy in the air that can’t be contained. I’d blame it on the mind-blowing sex, but I’ve experienced the same sensation ever since I crashed into him and spilled Dicey Dip on his suit jacket.
As I step into the bar, I’m greeted with a fresh fragrance filling the air and dry floors beneath my black ankle boots. I chose this footwear because I’ve worn them for years through brutal snowstorms and unrelenting downpours. I knew I’d risk nothing if they came in contact with water, although I had faith that Draven, William, and the men called in to help would have it all taken care of.
“I’ll put these roses in the vase with the others,” William says as he brushes past me so he’s right in my view again. What a view it is.
All six feet plus of him is a sight to behold. Add the tailored gray suit and oxfords on his feet to that, and he’s the epitome of what many women in this city are looking for.
Good looking, successful, and great in bed.
I scrub a hand over my forehead. It does nothing to ease the ongoing anxiety I’m feeling. The internal debate within me hasn’t quieted at all since I slept with William. I want him desperately, but I’m scared. I’m fucking terrified of what will happen if I let my emotions dive into the fray.
Who am I kidding?
I’m already feeling things for him that reach beyond admiration for his ability to get me off. I like him as a person.
Once he’s done arranging the white roses with the violet ones still left from the last bouquet, I suck in a deep breath. “Thank you, William. They’re beautiful.”
He nods as he studies me. “I’d tell you that they pale in comparison to you, but that sounds trite or insufficient. You’re fucking magnificent, Opal. Every time I see you, I think you’ve never looked lovelier, and then you show up like this, and I think, Christ, she’s breathtaking.”
My gaze jumps from his face to the cup of tea and the flowers before it lands on the floors. It’s all too much. He’s too much. If only I had met him years ago before my life was ripped to shreds.
I suddenly feel a sense of loss over what might have been if we had crossed paths at a different time. Tears well in my eyes, so I tilt my head back to try and recover. I can’t cry in front of him. Being this vulnerable has never ended well for me.
“Opal.” My name is wrapped in a growl as it leaves him. “You’re crying. Shit. Tell me what’s wrong.”
I don’t stop him when he sprints toward me, and as he wraps his strong arms around me, I let myself fall into his chest. I cling to his vest, taking deep breaths to stop the tears. “It’s you.”
“I’m a bastard,” he snaps.
It comes out so harsh that I can’t help but smile. I know he can’t see it, so I lean back a touch. “You’re not a bastard.”
“I made you cry,” he says, running his thumb over my cheek to catch a single tear. “Whatever the fuck I did, I’m sorry. Tell me what it is so I never repeat it.”
I wish it were that easy, but this is impossible to explain, and doing so would only leave me feeling more exposed, so I go for the easy answer, “I appreciate all of this so much. You brought me flowers and tea. You stayed to help clean up the water. I’m touched by everything you’ve done.”
His expression softens as he stares into my eyes. “I’d do anything for you, Opal. I mean that. If you want me to wear a sandwich board with Turquoise Crown printed on it to spread the word about your bar, I’ll do it. I’ll even hold a big red arrow and dance on the sidewalk out front on the day you open to drive the customers in.”