Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
My stomach clenches thinking of the possibility of what all the orders could end up being. As strange as it might sound, it’s freeing. I don’t have to skirt around a thing I might want; Caldwell is simply going to move us forward. There is no overthinking every single decision. It makes it all that much easier for me. It’s perfectly real, like him, I’m finding.
“Why don’t you change for dinner? I need to make a few quick calls.”
“Sounds good.”
I dig through my bag to find a beachy dress. I’m not sure what kind of restaurant we’re going to, but this is an island resort, so this should be fine. I grab a few more items to take with me into the bathroom.
I pause when I hear Caldwell speaking. It’s not in English, which isn’t surprising. Outside of America, people speak many languages. It was one of the hard things I had to learn. I still struggle with the few I’d taken in college.
I can’t help but wonder who he is talking to. The language sounds obscure but regal. I can’t recall off the top of my head which language his home country speaks. I step back, not wanting him to think I’m listening in. Not that I could if I wanted.
It’s a small reminder that I don’t know this man. I should have sent Truly a text to give her a few details, but I find I want to hold on to this for a little longer. To have it all to myself.
I’m sure she’s going to chew me out. You don’t hop into staying in a random stranger’s hotel room. He doesn’t feel that way, though. I’m pretty shy, but he has me opening right up. That could be the drinks too.
When I step back out, he’s off the phone, and I notice he changed too. He’s now in shorts and a light linen top, displaying all the tattoos he has on his arms. Caldwell is by far one of the most intriguing people I’ve met, but I don’t get out much either.
“You’re gorgeous,” he tells me.
“Just a dress.” I try to wave it off. It’s a light yellow with purple flowers on it. It matches my sandals and the small clip I put in my hair to hold it back from my face.
I never paid too much attention to what I was wearing, but I put a little extra effort in when I went to freshen up and get out of the sweats and messy bun so that Caldwell could see me looking more put-together.
My mother would be proud. She might be part of why I don’t often put a ton of effort into getting ready. Mom could spend hours changing from one outfit to another. Picking out jewelry alone could take her thirty minutes. We were always late, and I hate nothing more than being late. If you’re early, you’re on time, but if you’re on time, you’re late. I have lived by that motto.
“I got us a table at one of the restaurants downstairs, and then if you’re up for it, we can go for a walk on the beach.”
“That sounds nice.” When he holds out his hand for me to take, I get an excited flutter. How many times have I heard other girls talk about that sensation? I was starting to think it was really a myth, but Caldwell has proven that fully wrong.
He tangles our fingers together before leading us out of our suite.
“Have you stayed here before?” I ask as the elevator descends.
“Not this one.”
“It’s very romantic.”
“It is. Probably why my brother booked it.” He gives a slight shake of his head but smiles as he does. “My brother doesn’t do anything in halves. He’s all in or out, and if he’s in on love, he’s going to go full throttle.” That sounds scary but fun too.
“How about you?” I ask, peering up at him through my lashes.
“I can ride a fence and play Switzerland when I need to, but I tend to live in the gray.”
“I live in the never get in trouble. Whatever color or line that is.”
“And now you’re doing the complete opposite?”
A small laugh leaves me. “I don’t know what I’m doing, honestly.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re doing it with me.” He leans down and brushes his mouth against mine. I let my eyes fall closed as he starts to deepen the kiss, but the stupid elevator doors slide open.
Caldwell lifts his head, and I see two ladies watching us. He gives a polite smile, his hand going to my back to guide me off as they step on. When I glance back over my shoulder, I see them whispering excitedly to each other. I feel a flutter of curiosity as I wonder if they recognize him. It makes me miss Truly, seeing those two girls together.