Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
“I’d be worried you’re nesting, except you’re not showing. Unless it’s new?” Lyric says, taking a sip of coffee.
“Who’s pregnant?” Sable asks, sitting down at the table, greeting everyone.
“Not me,” I pipe up without hesitation. I’m on birth control, which is a good thing, too, since Locke and I dispensed using condoms about a minute after we got together.
“Well, I have some news,” Sable says thankfully. I feel like between Locke’s accident, Jace throwing a shit fit, and my brother and me making up, it’s been all about me, and having that kind of attention isn’t my cup of tea.
“Do tell the class.” This comes from Kennedy. Out of all of the women in this tight-knit group, I’d say she’s the one who’s the most quick-witted.
“Colt and I are trying.” The sheer happiness in her tone tells me all I need to know. Colt, who was a single dad before Sable entered his life, has Nellie, a cute fun-filled arts and crafts lover. “We don’t want to wait much longer and have an already bigger age gap between siblings.”
The girls start chattering, veering from one subject to the next. I interact when I can and listen where it’s needed. Asher is working doubles again, and Lennon is at home with their twin girls a lot. This is her self-care time to decompress before she heads home for the day. Lyric mentions Shae and Coralynn are at their parents’ today, celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary. There are a few other side conversations going, but I can’t keep up with all of them.
Instead, I dive into my breakfast sandwich until Ronnie nudges me in the side.
“Are you good, like, really good? I can shift the schedule around some if you need.” I take a sip of my iced coffee, realizing that I’ve sucked back more than half and it’s going to be a second order kind of day. Oak & Brew is all about sustainability; you only get to-go anything if you’re ordering out. If you dine in, it’s coffee mugs, clear glasses, ceramic plates and bowls, and real utensils. It also reminds me that I need to get Locke out of the habit of buying bottled water when he already has a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
“So good. Jace is playing nice, and Locke is at his doctor’s appointment by himself. Which is bothersome because he rarely remembers what they say when I’m there, and I’ll undoubtedly get all the wrong answers when I get home, but other than that, life is going back to normal. As for taking time off work, absolutely not. I’d really like to get back to the schedule I had before the accident, but I need to know his limits first. So, I’ll probably text you either way this afternoon.” Typical man, I swear. His mom and I had a laugh about it in the hospital. I thought it might have been the anesthesia or pain meds, but when I went to one of his appointments once he was out, boom, he forgot every single thing.
“I fear most men are like that. Either way, let me know. We’re here for you, no matter what.” We return to the conversation, telling each other what plans we have for the week. Our table gets louder as time flies, the baristas come out to offer us refills, and it isn’t until hours later that I realize I really needed this.
“Well, that’s Tys. My man needs me.” She stands up, drops some money for a tip on the table, gathers her things, and makes her rounds with hugs. Then one by one, each woman slowly disperses until Sable and I are the last ones left.
“Wanna go for a walk?” I suggest, looking at the time. Locke is probably still at his appointment, and after two iced coffees, plus food, I’m feeling sleepy.
“I’d love to, but I have to get to my meeting. Next time?” she suggests.
“Of course.” We leave together, Sable going one way and I the other. I’m going to meander around town for a bit before I head back to Locke’s. Maybe I’ll even pop into a bakery to pick up a few sweet treats to share with my man later today.
20
Locke
“It’s been weeks, Jade. Get in the house and get naked. I’m sinking my cock inside your cunt.” I smack her ass as she walks up the front porch steps. We made it home at the same exact time, and I’ve never been more excited to get home than I am today.
“But your arm?” The door opens, and she immediately toes off her shoes, then drops the dessert box and purse on the table.
“It’s good, sugar. Got the clear to resume certain activities. Fucking my woman is one of them.” I watch as a shiver slides down her spine. Jade also does what I’ve wanted since the moment I got the news.