Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I go through the process of brushing my teeth, dealing with my hair, and all of the other fun shit you have to do in the morning. Once I’m dressed, I pick up a few things around my room before I head out into the kitchen. I flip the switch on my one-cup brew system and grab a frozen breakfast sandwich out of the freezer to nuke while the coffee percolates.
A few minutes later, my arms are laden with everything I need plus more. My mother would be shocked to shit to see me carrying everything in one trip. Growing up, I’d be a little shithead, trying to get out of grabbing what I could. Dad would smack the back of my head to knock some sense into me, but it didn’t stop me from doing it. Only when I got older did I realize what a turd I was being. Now, taking two trips or hoping someone would pick up my slack is a thing of the past.
I situate everything in the SUV that’s parked in the garage, then rush back inside to double-check all the lights, coffee pot, and anything else that could cause an issue while I’m away. I miss living with a pet, but I’ve yet to head to the animal shelter to foster or adopt because I’m gone too damn much. Add in Luke and Shae’s wedding, and it’ll be a miracle if I don’t live at the office when they head out for their honeymoon. While you can shift routine appointments to fit a schedule when a doctor is out, the same can’t be said for babies. They come whether or not you’re on vacation, which means I’ll be helping Luke, and so will the other partner who started a couple of months ago.
After going through the house, I slide into the driver’s seat and make my way to Coralynn’s.
--
A lot of curves, turns, and a few cuss words later, I’m at Coralynn’s fifteen minutes later. I park behind her car, unfold from my own, grab the container of peppermints, and I’m making my way to the front door of the small cottage-style house she’s renting. There was a time when Shae mentioned Coralynn could take over the lease of her apartment, but Coralynn couldn’t make it work in the time frame it needed to happen.
I’m barely on the front porch when the door opens, and the troublemaker who keeps me wrapped around her finger in every way possible appears in the doorway.
“I’m ready for that taste now, Coralynn,” I greet her, setting the treat I picked up for her on the small table she has beneath the window. When she closes the door behind her, attempting to keep me out, all it does is help me go after what I want.
“I bet you are. Remember, it’s on my terms, and I get to name my price.” Her hair is tossed up in some kind of haphazard bun, with soft tendrils falling around her face and shoulders here and there. Her eyes are tinged with sleep, and it looks like she rushed to put on a robe over whatever night clothes she has on beneath, judging by the way it’s tied and the lapels being lopsided.
“I’ll take whatever I can get.” I’m in front of her before she can bat an eye. One hand hits her hip, feeling the heat of her skin through the layers and liking the curve just as much as I did the last time. My other hand cups the nape of her neck, digging my fingers into her tresses while backing her up until she’s in my favorite position: trapped between the door and me. This time, my hold on her will prevent her doing her favorite thing: running from me.
“And what if I don’t want your lips on mine?” Little troublemaker licks her lips, keeping the tip of her tongue hovering on the edge. I’m tempted to chase her in any way possible. The one thing holding me back is if she really doesn’t want this, want what’s brewing like a storm at sea. The last thing I’m going to do is take something she’s not willing to give, even with her body showing all the signs that she wants me, including the shirt she’s wearing beneath her robe.
“Then tell me no, Coralynn. I dare you.” I move closer, sweep my thumb along the curve of her hip, tighten my hold in her hair, and watch as her eyes close. Her breathing quickens, a shiver rolls through her soft body, and I’m more than sure I can smell her scent lingering in the morning air.
“I never could pass up a dare. Kiss me.” Her voice goes breathless. I’m already moving in closer when she says, “Please, Tony.”
The warmth of her fingertips traces up my forearms, slow at first, then they curled in to tug me closer. Her touch makes my muscles tighten and wake up every nerve ending all at once. When my mouth meets hers, the soft give of her lips, the slight catch of her breath, and the faint tremble that’s matching my pulsing thud beat by fucking beat, it’s so goddamn good.