Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 97364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“I have some things I need to do.”
“Want some help?”
His glare hardens a fraction. The lines at the corners of his eyes deepen. “No.”
“Is it tour stuff?”
The muscles in his jaw tense. “Don’t do this.”
“Do what? Wonder why you said you loved me but now you’re leaving? I know, I have no right to ask it. I did the same thing to Daniel. Karma’s usually my friend but not today. I need to know. What is the life expectancy of us? Three days? Is that what you’re implying? I do better when I can prepare for things, which is crazy because I prepared to be dead by now, but I’m not and that’s really, really a spectacular surprise, but—”
“Three days,” he says with a firm finality.
I pinch my lips between my teeth and nod slowly for a few seconds. “Okay then. We have three days.” I climb off his lap and kneel on the floor between his legs, dropping the dress to the floor. “I was wrong. Today … sex is the answer.”
He spreads his legs wider and scoots down a little in the chair as I lean forward, grab his erection, and bring it to my mouth. I’m on my knees—naked. My tongue is giving his cock some special attention. I have no gag reflex. Yet … when I look up, all I see is a hint of a grimace, flared nostrils, and glassy eyes.
Pain.
Theo is in pain.
*
Theo drives me home and stays the night in my one-bedroom flat with a cheap double mattress on the floor and gaudy paisley yellow and pink sheets that were in the sale. We answer every question with sex. Then we pass out a few hours before my alarm goes off.
“I have to get to work.”
Theo makes some undecipherable noise, facedown on my bed, as I shove my feet into my trainers. I ache in places that I had no idea could ever ache. I will have to ride my bike to Nolan’s house, standing up the entire way. There’s no way I’ll be able to sit on that seat—for weeks.
“And your job is what again?” he mumbles, turning his head to the side and peeling open his eyes. His body engulfs the bed.
I may not walk right or sit on my bike seat for weeks, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to miss the hell out of this man for the rest of my life. Swallowing back that lump of regret, I smile. “I assist Nellie.”
“Assist her how?”
“Well, we shopped and ate lunch together the other day.”
“That sounds really helpful.”
In the past twenty-four hours, Theo has found it rather fun to say everything with a British accent. He’s such a cheeky bastard and his accent is total shit.
I wrinkle my nose and stick out my tongue as I grab my rucksack from the floor. “It’s quite helpful. Not that you would understand.” I lean over the bed to give him a quick kiss. “Bye.”
*
I didn’t think there could be an upside to Theo leaving me but until I can afford a car, I need to be able to sit down on my bike seat. It’s not possible to ride a Schwinn mere hours after riding Theodore Reed.
During the time I thought I was dying, I never once prayed to live. I never once thought I’d actually live. I meditated and gave thanks for every day I’d been granted, the people who shared the moments that had given my life great meaning, and the chance to experience so much love. However, right now, on the front steps of the Moore’s southern mansion, I’m praying—begging—for Nolan to be already gone.
The door opens. No such luck.
I smile, feeling the heat reach the tip of my ears as I shove my hands in my pockets, pull them out, fidget with the hem of my shirt, then shove them back into my pockets again.
“Good morning.” Nolan’s greeting seems a little too suggestive, like his smile.
Without a doubt, I’d be embarrassed if I were in his position. That’s the natural reaction when you witness something so personal. Isn’t it?
I move up the steps like an inmate making their way to the execution room.
“You’re walking kind of funny. Something happen?”
Oh bugger! My head bows, the first step toward my whole body collapsing in on itself. Death from utter humiliation is my likely fate.
“Your southern charm is slipping, Mr. Moore.” I survey the foyer like I’m seeing it for the first time. Anything requires more attention than Nolan.
“I was just showing concern for your health. Very gentlemanly of me.”
I roll my eyes as I make my way up the stairs, trying to ignore the pain and not look like I’ve been straddling a horse for days.
“Has Theo decided to stay?”
“No.”
“So, I should expect your resignation soon?”
“No.” I turn when I get to the top of the stairs.