Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“I hate to admit when I’m wrong, but I fear in this instance, you might have been right. I didn’t sleep a wink last night.” I attempt to pull back from him. Jagger being Jagger isn’t having any of it.
“Should have called, texted, emailed. I’d have loaded up in my truck to come and get you. No more of that, yeah?” I’m about to respond when I hear a certain noise come from between us. Jagger Steele, the big muscular Viking-like god, is holding his kitten in the crook of his arm. “See, even she agrees with me,” he says with a wink.
“We’ll see, though I’ll warn you. Sleeping with me won’t be a lot of fun. I tend to move non-stop, so you can forget about getting any rest.” I look from him to the black kitten. One paw is lifting up to explore Jagger’s chest, and I don’t blame her one bit. “Want to introduce me to your friend?”
“This is Shadow. She’s a goofy thing. Bought her more cat beds than an animal should have, yet she chooses to sleep on dirty piles of clothes.” I extend a finger at her nose, waiting to see what she’ll do before I pet her. When Shadow nudges me for more, I take her word for it and slide two fingers back and forth on her head. She makes a buzzing noise, soft and continuous. “I think she likes me.”
“What’s not to like, Lili?” Jagger is biased, but that’s okay because so am I when it comes to him. “By the way, I don’t want to know how you know you move non-stop or who told you that, but I’ll be fine. You pack a bag, or are we driving back to your place later today to do so?” He cocks an eyebrow, and his upper lip lifts, giving me a playful smirk.
“Nobody told me. The proof is in my bed sheets every morning as well as my pillows being tossed on the ground. It’s good to know you don’t like hearing about my past, though, and I don’t need to know yours, either.” I wrinkle my nose, causing Jagger to laugh, low and throaty. It makes my pulse quicken. He must see what he’s doing to me with the way his look turns dark and seductive.
“Didn’t answer my question about clothes. You can wear mine or none at all. As for a toothbrush, I’ve got a spare from the dentist in the drawer.” I haven’t said yes, no, or maybe, and he’s making plans for tonight. It looks like I’m staying with him, since I’m unable to put up a fight, because a peaceful night of sleep, with Jagger wrapped around me and Shadow snuggled at our feet, sounds perfect. The last part he’s unaware of yet, it might take some persuading, and I’m not afraid to use any method imaginary to make it happen.
“I can see how this is going to work. You’re barely dressed, therefore I’ll be barely dressed, and we’ll be one happy barely dressed household?” I joke, not caring in the least about what Jagger wears. As for me, I’ll be pilfering a T-shirt, one I’ll more than likely hide in my purse in order to wear at home. You know, when I grow a pair of lady balls and don’t blurt out how badly my insomnia gets to me in new places. Naomi mentioned earlier today to buy a radio to play music, or a sound machine. I heard Scott in the background mention a fan. That’s not a bad idea, either. While tonight should be fine at Jagger’s house, there’s always tomorrow night. Which means I’ll be making a stop at the big box store in town, and I’ll probably purchase all three, because who knows what will work best for me?
“Now she’s getting it.” Jagger’s hand slides to my lower back, and he guides me up the front porch steps and into his house. The front porch beckons me to make a cup of coffee and sit in one of the rocking chairs he has to one side. There are two with an end table in the middle. On the other side is a hanging porch swing, another chair, plus a smaller table to put your drink on. This has Eleanor written all over it, pure comfort to complete Jagger’s style. The taupe and cream rock façade on the bottom half the house, siding that’s darker in color on top, and the wooden gables scream no white and pristine is allowed in his domain. The best part is, it’s sheer perfection. “Did you build your home?” I ask, more than ready for the answer to be yes.
“Yeah, about ten years ago. I got tired of staying in a camper at the laydown yard. Took me quite a while since I didn’t want to cut corners. Also knew this would be my place forever. The backyard is the only thing I took care of when I moved in; made for a heck of a mess. Not the best thinking on my part.”