Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
With the bouquet stashed on the passenger seat, I head to the pet store, already imagining what a dog like Winnie might appreciate. The place is bright and smells like rawhide, but I focus on the row of squeaky toys and the mental picture of Sage's dramatic little Chihuahua. The smallest, loudest toy looks perfect for her, a rubber chicken that won’t stop shrieking. I pick it up and rush over to the register.
Back in the car, I run through a mental checklist, trying to picture how this night will go. The bouquet bobs on the seat next to me, mocking my earlier confidence.
A wave of nerves hits, but I shove it down, determined not to lose my edge. I remember Sage at the park, her stunning smile turning me inside out.
The vision throws me, and I overcorrect by cranking the music up, pretending like I'm not just a guy losing his mind over his new soulmate. But who am I kidding? I'm obsessed. I see every moment with her in detail, replaying it in a loop. I keep one hand on the steering wheel while rubbing the other one down the front my jeans to dry my sweaty palm.
I’ve never felt like this. Hell, I’ve never even been close. But here I am, unable to shake her from my thoughts. The way she walks into a room and takes my breath with her. The way she laughs at my stupid jokes and makes me feel like I’m seven feet tall. She’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted, and that’s terrifying. I flash back to our first meeting and how she completely floored me. That memory is burned into my brain like a sweet brand. I was supposed to be there for the kids, but one look at her and it was like my world flipped.
I saw her standing there, all buttoned-up confidence and shy smiles, and I was done. I meant to be smooth, meant to be charming, but I stumbled all over myself. Now, I’ve got my work cut out for me making sure she feels the same way.
With arms overflowing with vibrant flowers and a squeaky dog toy, I bound up the stairs, urgency propelling me forward to reach my girl.
My knock reverberates down the apartment corridor, and soon the door swings open. There stands Sage, radiant in a lovely pink summer dress and sandals, her smile lighting up the room.
I offer her the bouquet, my eyes betraying the intensity of my obsession, masked as charming affection. We share a laugh, but beneath it, my need for her is all-consuming.
She kisses me. “Come in,” she insists, pulling me into the warm, cozy apartment.
My gaze darts to the stunning woman lounging on the plush, velvet sofa. Her eyes, a mix of suspicion and challenge, lock onto mine as she extends her hand with a small smile. "Hi, I'm Eloise," she introduces herself.
I hesitate, feeling a tension in my knuckles and a pang in my chest. I shake her hand politely before stepping back to wrap my arm around Sage’s shoulder. "Nice to meet you," I manage to say, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil.
Following them into the cozy living room, I can't shake the feeling that Eloise's face rings a distant bell. "Do we know each other?" I venture, curiosity getting the better of me.
"My dad was the football coach for Riverbend Ridge High," she replies, her easy grin disarming my uncertainty. Ah. That’s how I know her. Atlas was the star quarterback for three years. Just then, Winnie nudges my leg, craving attention. I bend down, running my fingers through her soft fur, before handing her the squeaky toy chicken.
"Aww," Sage gushes, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Thank you for the doggy toy."
Leaning close to Sage, I whisper, "I'm trying to buy her affection."
"That's a great start," Sage murmurs back, her breath warm against my ear. Every glance I steal at Sage strengthens my determination to make her mine.
Sage pulls me toward the dining table, where an enticing aroma wafts through the air. The spread is a feast for the senses, with dishes artfully arranged amidst mismatched plates and flickering candles that somehow create a harmonious setting. I can't tear my eyes away from Sage, her presence commanding my attention, even as Winnie playfully nips at my ankle for ignoring her.
Chuckling, I lean over and sneak a tender morsel of steak to the little dog, her eager eyes lighting up with delight.
My hands move on their own, claiming little touches just to feel her soft skin. My gut twists with want. The urge to have her, and to keep her forever, drives me.
The table buzzes with easy chatter. Eloise grills me like I’m the main course, and I juggle answers, trying to show I’m serious about my feelings for Sage.