Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
At the top of the steps was a pretty decent-sized landing. “This bedroom is mine,” she said, as she walked into a large bedroom. It held a queen bed that was fully made and even had decorative pillows. A large built-in storage cabinet sat directly across from the bed.
“I came up with that when I used the closet to make an en-suite bathroom.” She walked over and opened the sliding doors.
“Oh wow. That doesn’t look like it would hold much, but it does.”
“It really does,” she said. “Though, I do use the closet in the middle bedroom too.” She went through another door and flicked on a light. “In here is the bathroom I added.”
I walked into the bathroom and was surprised by its size. Along one wall was a long cabinet holding two sinks. Across from that was a huge walk-in shower, and a toilet was tucked into a corner.
“And behind this barn door is a storage closet. The contractor found an empty space, so it was perfect for a closet.”
“Nice.”
“Here’s my favorite bedroom, because it has all these windows,” Brystol said, when we walked into the room next to her own. It was again a decent space, with a full-size bed and dresser.
“This is the other bathroom,” she said, opening the next door and motioning for me to enter.
It reminded me of the bathroom downstairs, but the subway tile was mint green with black trim. There was one sink, a toilet, and a clawfoot bathtub.
“Original to the house, I take it?”
“Yep. Just like the half bath downstairs.”
The last bedroom at the end of the hall was Brystol’s office. It held a desk, some storage cabinets, and a chair with an ottoman. The walls were painted a warm gray.
“Your house is beautiful, Brystol.”
A look of pride washed over her face. “Thank you. I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and money into this place. My next project is the basement. I’d like to have a larger living room down there. The backyard is huge. Harper helped with the flower beds. If you look out this window…that space over there? The open one.”
Glancing out the window, I couldn’t believe how big her backyard was. It had to be at least an acre. “Yeah, the big open area?” I asked.
“Yes, that space. I want to make that an area where I can invite people over and watch movies. They have those portable screens you can put up.”
“That would be fun.”
She smiled, and a faint blush hit her cheeks. “That’s it for up here.”
We started down the steps and ended up back in the living room.
“Would you like something to drink, or…did you simply want to scope out my house for some reason?”
I grinned. “I’ve always wondered what your place looked like. But I will take something to drink, thanks.”
“I’ve got lemonade, pop, and water. It’s a little early in the day, but I also have beer.”
“Water, please.”
I followed her into the kitchen, leaned against the archway, and watched as she moved about. She opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of water, and handed it to me.
“Listen, if this is about last week, I’m sorry for how I acted. What happened is in the past, and I should have let it go years ago.”
I raised my brows. “Are you calling a truce on this war we’ve been having all these years, then?”
She shrugged and gave me a weak smile. “I guess I am. I’m tired of fighting with you, and if this thing works, I’ll be pregnant, and I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“Do you honestly think I’d do something to risk you or the baby’s health?”
With a shake of her head, she replied, “No, but it can be pretty stressful trying to come up with witty insults directed toward you. It’s hard work, believe it or not.”
I stared at her.
She shrugged. “What?”
Taking a drink of the water, I put the cap back on. “I didn’t come here because of that. I came because Denny told me you were getting the blood test done, and they were both in a court case today in Boston so they couldn’t be there. I know they were upset. But I thought maybe you’d like someone to go with you just in case it’s not…well…good news.”
She studied me for a moment before clearing her throat. “That’s nice of you, Gavin. Thank you. A week ago, I would have told you to go screw yourself, but today…I find myself not wanting to get this information alone.” Her eyes met mine. “You’ll have to do.”
I let out a gruff laugh and shook my head. “Well, if it did take, it hasn’t compromised your ability to be a bitch.”
Smiling, she replied, “Isn’t this truce starting off with a bang.”
I winked, and she quickly looked away.
“What time do you need to be there?” I asked.