Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“Dad says she has too many,” he says, deep voice vibrating over my skin. “They bicker about it a lot.”
“You hear that, Mo?” I say, leaning forward to kiss the cat. “Maybe you can come live with me instead.”
When I lift my eyes, Brayden is watching me with unguarded intensity. My confidence may be low, but our attraction to each other is undeniable. Of course, the first guy I feel a spark for would be the neighbor’s son.
I bite down on my bottom lip, snared in his stare. His eyes drop to my mouth and his cheeks turn a lovely pink. Mine are probably just as red.
Being around Brayden Foss is dangerous to my sanity.
He chases away the cloud of depression that’s been hanging over me, filling my chest with warmth.
An inexperienced young man and a heartbroken older woman is a recipe for disaster. It’s a perfect storm for two people, who have no business being together, to fall in love.
It’ll only end in catastrophe.
Someone needs to be the adult around here and end it before it begins.
“You should take Mo home now,” I murmur, voice raspy, barely audible over Mo’s purring. “I’m sure Maggie is worried.”
Brayden lingers, eyes still hyper focused on my lips. “But you’ll be sad if we go.”
And if you stay, it’ll make me happy.
The last thing I need is another man to fill the place of the one I lost.
It’s unfair and cruel to the both of us.
“Bye, Brayden.”
He gives me a soft smile. “See you around, Casey.”
I really hope I do.
Brayden
Last night was…charged.
When Casey kissed the cat, I’d hoped she would kiss me next. But then, she sent me away, almost as if it pained her to do so.
It’s been killing me ever since.
I’m not crazy. Casey, for some reason, is attracted to me.
Why does Savvy have to work so much? I could really use someone to talk to. That person can’t be Dad, either. He’ll tell me it’s a mistake to crush over our neighbor and I’m sure he’ll have a multitude of reasons why.
She’s much older than me.
Her heart is freshly broken.
The woman is clearly going through some things.
But none of that bothers me. In fact, I want to talk to her about the things that have hurt her in the past. I’m a good listener and I think Casey just needs to talk.
So how do I get her to open up to me?
Meow.
Mo stands at the door at Gordon’s old unit, swishing his tail. I grin at the silly cat and abandon my trim work. Once outside, I scoop him into my arms.
“Want to go see our girl?” I ask him.
He purrs loudly, giving me my answer.
I close the door, and we set out on a discreet path to Casey’s, avoiding any areas that Maggie might see me with her cat. Once I reach Casey’s back door, I angle myself to keep Mo hidden.
“Brayden,” Casey’s eyes are wide as she takes in the cat in my arms. “What are you doing?”
I flash her a conspiratorial grin. “Mo wanted to visit. We’re on a clandestine mission. Let us in.”
She smothers a laugh as she hurriedly ushers us in. “Quick before she sees.”
After we’re safely inside, I pass her the cat. She’s all smiles as she cuddles him.
“I got you some presents today, Mo,” she says in a singsong voice.
Mo meows happily.
She sets the cat down and then leaves the kitchen. We follow after her up the stairs. In the bathroom, she’s set up a litter box and two small bowls. One is filled with water and the other has dry cat food in it.
“This is all yours for when you visit,” she tells Mo. “I have toys for you too in the living room.”
The cat sniffs at the litterbox. We take our cue to leave, letting him have his own space to do his business. As we exit, I glance into the guest room. What I see makes my heart ache for Casey.
It’s a nursery.
Unable to stop myself, I step inside, taking in the pretty shade of mint green on the walls.
“I know we’re not supposed to paint,” she utters quickly. “I’m sorry. I’ll paint it back white.”
I turn to look at her. “It looks nice. Don’t change it.”
Her eyes water and she looks down at her feet. “I might as well. It won’t happen. Not now.”
My gut twists as if I can feel the pain inside of her at this very second. Unable to stop myself, I approach her and tenderly stroke her cheek.
I just… I don’t know.
I want to make her happy.
Her sadness is so heavy. Maybe I can share it with her to lighten the load.
“You and Derek are over, but it doesn’t mean it won’t happen again for you,” I tell her firmly. “You deserve everything you want in this life.”