Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Razor laughed. “We ate our way through every single restaurant and café we could.”
Maeve listened as both Eden and Razor recounted their trip. Halfway through, she saw Eden attempt to stifle a yawn, and she knew she was tiring her sister out.
“I think it’s time you head to bed,” Maeve said.
Eden chuckled. “I feel like a little kid right now. I’m so tired.”
“You’re working for two, don’t forget.” Maeve wanted to reach out and touch her stomach, but she held herself back.
“You’re going to need help with this,” Eden said, referring to the empty beer bottles, bottles of wine, and glasses all over the place.
“Not at all. I arranged this party, and I’ll clean it up. Go relax, and we’ll talk more in the morning.”
Eden threw herself at her. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
She’d missed her sister so much, but she also knew times were changing. Her sister was married and expecting her first baby, while she was ... not. Maeve had her work.
She got to her feet as both Eden and Razor left. Grabbing a large trash bag, she started to gather the mess to dispose it in the necessary recycle can. It took a little time, and she decided by the end of it, the next time Doc offered the use of his club, she was going to take it, no questions asked, seeing as it took her quite a few hours to clean.
With Eden in bed, she wasn’t going to use the vacuum and risk waking her. Most of the mess was gone, all the house needed was a quick buzz over with the machine tomorrow morning.
Closing up the house, she grabbed herself a large mug of hot chocolate and made her way upstairs. She took a shower in less than five minutes and was in the process of putting her skin care products on when her cell phone started to buzz. Doc’s name glowed on the screen, and she couldn’t help but smile. She was tempted to not take the call, but she was not going to sleep anytime soon.
“Hey,” she said. “What’s up?”
“Does there have to be something up?”
“With you to call, usually.” She patted her active serum onto her face, giving it a chance to absorb. She already had done her eye cream, and next she used her thick moisturizer to lock everything into place. Her hair was pinned back, and she made her way back to the bed as he started to talk.
“Nothing’s up. I was checking in with you. Seeing how you’re doing.”
“I wanted to catch up with my sister but I think between the party and jet lag, that is not going to happen, which sucked.” She wanted to sulk.
It had been so long with it always being the two of them. Now there was Razor, so it was three of them. Three of them to make decisions.
“She’ll have more strength in the morning. Also, you might want to go out for coffee rather than make it.”
“Why?”
“Pregnant women are a lot more sensitive to smells. It could set off her sickness.”
She pouted. She was a grown-ass woman, but she still pouted. “Fine. Fine. Is there anything else I need to know?”
“Pregnant women do get more emotional as each trimester wears on.”
“You know, you’re not painting pregnancy in a good light.”
“It’s different for everyone.”
She didn’t like thinking about Nancy. They were not a couple anymore, but it didn’t feel right talking about his past, pregnant ex.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to be patient. She is glowing, though. Did you notice that?”
“I wasn’t paying attention to your sister.”
“You weren’t?”
“No, you’re the only person I’m interested in.”
“Doc, you made it awkward.” But she felt her stomach twisting in knots.
“What are you wearing?”
She sighed. “If you’re hoping this is going to turn to some dirty talk, you’re mistaken. I’ve got a crop top that has seen better days. It’s more grey than it is white, and I think there is a hole down the side that I really need to fix. Also, a pair of pajama pants. I’m lying in bed, hair pinned up, face absorbing skin care, and a hot chocolate in hand.”
“And yet, you sound exactly how I would love to see you.”
“For real?” Maeve asked.
“Yeah, for real.”
Okay, the butterflies were not going anywhere. She couldn’t help but smile.
“How about you let me in, and I come and snuggle with you?”
Maeve frowned and she got off her bed and made her way toward the window, checking out the backyard. There he stood, phone to his ear, as it was still aglow, and that was how she was able to see him.
“Seriously, how long have you been standing there?” she asked.
“Long enough to make this phone call.”
Maeve stepped out of her room, moved slowly downstairs, and opened up the back door as quietly as she could. Years of having to leave for work made her a master at avoiding all the loose floorboards or creaking spots.