Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 60268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry, man. I don’t know what I’d do without my woman.” He and Rose were not on the best of terms, but at least she was alive.
Baker worked chocolate spread all over the pastry, then sprinkled it with extra sugar and chocolate chips. Next, he rolled the pastries up, folding them inwards before placing on a tray. It wasn’t long before the pastries were in the oven baking, and tea was being brewed. Hardy grabbed some orange juice out of the fridge while Baker prepared fruit, eggs, and toast.
“You might want to be ready. She’s going to vomit before she makes it down here,” Baker said.
Wiping his hands on a towel, Hardy made his way upstairs. He was outside of her room when he heard the sound of vomiting coming from the bathroom. Without waiting for permission he rushed into the room and went for the bathroom.
Pulling back Rose’s hair, he rubbed his hand across her back.
“Hardy, what the fuck are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m helping you.” He rubbed her back, wrapping her hair around his fist.
“I’m vomiting.”
“I see.”
He winced as she heaved a second and a third time. There was nothing he could do other than sit around, and listen to her vomit. The sound of it turned his stomach, but Hardy wasn’t going to be put off. He rubbed her back, taking care of her the way only a husband should.
“I’ve got you, baby.”
Finally it ended, and Rose slumped in his arms, clearly happy for it to be over.
“I’ve got you.”
“I know.” She rested her face against his calf.
He caressed the back of her neck, trying to offer her as much comfort as he could. “Is it always this bad?”
“Not all the time. It comes and goes all the time.” She got to her feet, and Hardy gave her the space she needed. He watched as she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and collected herself.
While she was busy, he noticed the length of her legs exposed by the shirt. She rarely wore any clothes to bed, but whenever she did, she was always in larger than needed shirts. Even the negligee he purchased for her had to be larger than she needed. In the last couple of months, she’d gained a few pounds, and as far as Hardy was concerned, it made her look so damned desirable. He used to hate it when they’d go to places, and she’d go for the salad and ask for the dressing to be removed. No one liked going out to eat with the intention of having all the good stuff removed. What was the point in eating? Hardy hated it when he saw her eating carrot sticks or nibbling on celery. He’d never complained about it as he hadn’t wanted to upset or offend her.
Fuck, he just wanted to reach out and run his hands all over her curves. She was so damned hot, and he wondered how big her ass was now. All he’d need to do was reach out, and lift her shirt up.
Fisting his hand, he forced himself to stay in control.
Get a grip, Hardy. She’s not ready for that kind of shit yet.
“I’m surprised you’re still here.”
“I wasn’t in a rush. We’re all accepting Tate back home, and Lash is getting on his feet.” He wouldn’t be anywhere else but where he was, watching his woman get ready to face the day.
“Where’s Baker?” she asked.
“He’s cooking breakfast. I wanted to do it, but I didn’t have a clue what to do so I employed him.”
She chuckled. “He’s amazing in the kitchen. Millie’s going to be spoilt with him.”
“I don’t know. He seems a little hung up on his first wife. I doubt he’s moved on yet.”
“Do we ever move on from our first loves?” she asked.
Rose turned around, and Hardy stared into her eyes. “Have you?”
“Have I what?”
“Moved on? I was your first love. I want to know if you’ve moved on from me. If you’re ready for someone else.” The question was bitter on his tongue, and he tried to contain his anger.
“How can you ask me that?”
“We’re getting a divorce, Rose. You told me years ago I was your first love. I was the first man you were with.”
“Hardy, you’ve been the only man I’ve ever been with.” She rubbed at her temples, clearly not in the mood to be talking about this right now.
He couldn’t drop it. “Do you love me?”
She released a sigh, averting her gaze.
Breaking apart piece by piece, Hardy expected her to tell him she no longer did.
“Yes, Hardy, I love you. I still love you, and I will always love you.” She looked into his eyes. “There’s something I’ve got to tell you.”
He was jumping for joy inside. His woman still loved him. Anything else she had to say he could more than handle.