Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 115308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 577(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Jesus, I could kill her mother for the damage she’d wrought. “What I know is that there is no one like you and any man would be lucky to belong to you,” I whispered.
Her eyes turned glassy again. “I have serious trust issues, Bear.”
“I know. I’m not scared of your trust issues.”
“We would be diving into the deep end. We’re supposed to get married in two months.”
“I know. It was my idea.” I grinned, sensing her defenses crumbling.
“I … I don’t like when you flirt with other people, and you need to be able to be—”
Damn it. “Not flirting with other people because it means something to you isn’t a hardship. I’m quite happy to direct all my sexual energy at you.”
“You can be a one-woman guy?”
“I’ve been a one-woman guy since the moment we met.”
Something flickered over her expression. “No, you haven’t.”
“Emotionally, I have. For months, I thought I’d have to watch you marry another man, and you have no idea how much that killed, My. If you think for one second that now that I have a shot at making you mine I would jeopardize that by fucking around, then you don’t know me at all.”
“Bear—”
“I will convince you.” I stepped back, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. “I’m going to let you process everything because as much as I want you, I want you to want me back and not just physically.”
She continued to gape at me as I retreated toward the staircase. “Bear …”
“Take all the time you need,” I forced out. “I’ll be here when you’ve decided what you want.” Then with all the willpower I had, I turned and began to descend the stairs, trying not to wince at my bad ankle.
“Text me when you get home so I know you’re okay,” she called out, her voice shaking.
“I will, beautiful.”
“And we’re going to talk about the football pitch no longer being a safe place. You can’t just tell me that and expect me to forget about it or leave you alone in it.”
I grinned, knowing whatever happened, I was forgiven. “I know. I promise we’ll talk,” I called back. “See you soon.”
Hopefully sooner rather than later.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
MAIA
At the beep of my phone, I stuffed my hand in my dress pocket, in such a hurry to see if it was Baird responding to my text that it flew from my fingers when I plucked it out.
It bounced off the back of the head of the man in front of me.
I gasped. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” My cheeks flamed hotly as he turned to glare at me.
Grace, who sat on my left, smothered her laughter as I awkwardly fumbled to collect my phone from the space between our feet. Once my phone was in hand, I pushed back my hair and straightened in my seat, offering the man another hurried apology.
His expression softened into a flirty smirk. “I’ll forgive you if you put my number in your phone.”
Okay, I had to hand it to him—that was smooth.
Before I could respond, my dad’s palm shot out between me and the guy. “Not with my daughter, Ric.”
Ric’s gaze flew to Dad who had stretched past from his position on Grace’s left to intervene. We were currently sitting in the stands of a local football ground near Grace and Dad’s house, watching Lockie play against a team from Glasgow in the under 16s league.
“Your daughter?” Ric gaped, glancing between me and Dad. “Never, mate.”
“Had her young. That still means you’re too old for her, so keep your eye on your son and off my kid.” Dad’s tone held more than a hint of warning.
“She’s engaged, anyway, so the point is moot,” Grace reminded us with a sweet smile, trying to deflect the tension.
“Aye, okay.” Ric seemed unbothered but then turned around while rubbing the back of his head.
I did feel guilty, but it didn’t stop me from holding my phone screen up to my face.
It was Baird.
Before we arrived at the game, I’d texted him.
I know you’re giving me space, but I’m checking in. I’m here if you need to talk.
I was so worried now he’d finally admitted he was messed up about the game after his injury.
He’d finally texted back.
All OK. Wth the lads at Blantyre 2day. U ok?
My fingers flew over the screen.
Watching Lockie’s match. As long as you’re really OK??
I’d barely lowered the phone when it beeped again.
My heart flipped at Baird’s response.
I’ll be fine. Next time u txt or call it’ll be cos ur ready 2 talk about us.
Muttering under my breath at his stubbornness, I tucked the phone back into my pocket.
“Yes, Lockie!” Dad suddenly roared, standing up and clapping with a bunch of other parents.
Damn it, I’d missed my brother score a goal. “Bloody men distracting me,” I huffed, watching my wee brother celebrate with his teammates.