Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
The anger in his tone has me tensing, but then his thumb begins to brush softly over the inside of my wrist. My gaze locks on where he’s touching me while my heart scampers off at a crazy pace.
“No interviews. I’m spending every day with Rachel, and I’ll probably take some time off so I can be there for Lainey,” he tells her before listening to whatever she says.
Easton adjusts his fingers until his index and middle fingers are right over my pulse. Realizing he can feel how fast my heart is beating, I quickly pull away from him.
His eyes snap to my face as he says, “Fine. Let me know how things go.”
As he ends the call, I glance at the garden and pool, feeling embarrassed and worried. I contemplate hightailing it into the house.
“Where were we?” Easton asks, and when I look at him again, it’s to see him setting the phone down on his thigh. “We should ask Rachel what she’d like to do.”
My voice is barely audible as I reply, “Definitely.”
“Nothing else you think we should add?”
I glance down at my wrist where I can still feel his touch.
Did he notice how my heart was racing?
Maybe I’m lucky, and he didn’t.
“Ahh . . .” My tongue darts out to wet my lips. “We could all tell her how much she means to us? We could share happy memories?”
“Good idea,” he agrees. For a moment, his eyes drift over my face, then he places his hand on mine and asks, “You look a little tense. Are you okay sitting out here with me?”
My heart races wildly as I answer, “Yes.”
With all his attention focused on me, he asks, “Do you feel safe with me?”
I don’t even have to think about the answer as I admit, “You’re one of the few people I feel safe with.”
“That’s good to hear.” His voice sounds deeper and intimate, causing goose bumps to break out over my skin.
My mind is starting to play tricks on me.
His palm brushes up and down my forearm. “Are you cold?”
Oh God, he noticed the goose bumps.
It’s a hot day, but I don’t want him to think my reaction is because of him, so I nod. “Yeah.” I clear my throat. “It’s a bit cool in the shade.”
The hell it’s not, but please believe my lie.
“Come here,” he murmurs as he lifts his arm.
“Huh?” I can only stare at him with wide eyes as he wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close to his side.
“I’ll keep you warm,” he chuckles.
Is this really happening to me right now?
I lean against Easton, my thoughts racing a mile a minute while conjuring up hopes that have no place sprouting in my heart.
Don’t, Nova. Easton is just being nice. He would’ve done the same for Rachel and Lainey.
“We’re home!” I hear Lainey call out.
I quickly pull away from Easton and dart to my feet. Walking to the open sliding doors, I force a smile to my face and say, “Are you ready to bake?”
“Yes!”
I move closer to the girls and notice Lainey’s best friend looks adorable with her pigtails.
“It’s great to finally meet you, Porsha. Lainey’s told me so many good things about you.”
A pretty smile forms on her face. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
“Nova’s my godmother,” Lainey says with pride in her voice. “But you already knew that.”
I give Lainey a sideways hug, then glance at the kitchen, where Frances is wiping down a counter. “Is there space for us, Frances?”
“Yes. The pizzas are in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them into the oven for twenty minutes.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
A wide smile stretches over Lainey’s face. “Pizza?”
I nod as I walk toward the kitchen. “Last night, you said you’re craving some, so I figured we could have it for dinner.”
“You’re the best!”
I notice the girls’ bags lying beside the couch. “Why don’t you take your bags to your room and wash up while I get the ingredients for the cookies ready?”
“Okay.” Lainey’s attention is drawn to Easton when he comes into the house. “Hi, Uncle Easton.”
“Did you have a good day at school?” he asks.
She nods. “Only one week until spring break. I can’t wait.” She glances around. “Where’s Mom?”
“She’s taking a nap but will be up soon,” Easton replies. “So be quiet while you’re upstairs.”
“Okay.” The girls giggle as they grab their bags and head to the second floor.
I walk to the pantry, and opening the door, I gather flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and anything else we’ll need to bake the cookies.
I carry my haul to the island and place it on the marble top.
Easton comes to rest his hand on my lower back and leans into me. “Anything I can help with?”
If the man keeps touching me, I’m going to start getting ideas that have no place being in my head.