Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“No.” I wrinkle my nose and shrug a shoulder. “I haven’t really had time to think about it. I guess I’d better come up with a plan. Eventually.”
I let out a sigh and shove my hands in my back pockets.
“If you’re ever interested in a partner, let me know.”
I feel my eyebrows climb into my hairline.
“Seriously? You’re dying to switch from contractor work to owning a bar?”
Walker shrugs a shoulder, then crosses his impressive arms over his chest. “I can do both. I’d be interested in a conversation if you’re ever willing to have it.”
Ideas start to spin through my mind, but I simply nod.
I’m ready to go home.
“I’m sure we can manage to have that conversation. Thanks a lot. How are your brothers?”
“Everyone’s doing well.” Walker nods. “Well, I’ll get back to it.”
He shakes Xander’s hand, then mine, and walks outside.
“He’s always been a man of few words,” I say as I turn to my man. “You’re too good to me.”
“I’m just the right amount of good,” he counters and kisses my forehead. I sense him check his phone over my shoulder.
“Is everything okay? What’s going on?”
“My agent called just as we got here. New endorsement deal with a sports drink.”
“Hey! That’s awesome, good for you!” I frame his face and pull him down so I can kiss him. “They’d be stupid not to want you.”
“You’re biased.” He grins, and his hands drift down my back to my ass. “Let’s go home.”
“Thank God. I need a shower.”
He waggles his eyebrows, making me laugh.
“You’re insatiable.”
“Where you’re concerned? Fuck yes, I am.”
“Thanks for the ride, and the detour,” I say to Tucker as I hope out of his vehicle. “Tell Darby I said hi.”
“I will. She’s been out with a sick horse all day.”
I frown at that. “I hope she’s okay.”
“I’ll make sure she is,” Tucker replies with a wink. “See you both later.”
Xander slips his hand in mine and weaves our fingers together as he leads me to the door.
“When will our stuff be shipped from Denver?” I ask him.
I wanted to pack a couple of suitcases, but Xander assured me that it would all be taken care of and I didn’t need to worry about it.
Now that I think about it, he does that a lot. Takes things off my plate. Makes my life easier.
“It’s already here,” he replies, and I stop cold and frown up at him.
“How?”
“The courier service already delivered it. Come on, Red, I can’t disclose all of my cool tricks.” He smirks, and then the sound of little feet catches my attention as Cally comes running over to greet us.
“Hey, little muffin,” I croon as I scoop her up and press my face to her side, enjoying the way her soft fur feels against my skin. “I missed you a ton. Were you lonely?”
“Ava came often,” Xander reminds me. He’s petting the feline, and she’s purring, her eyes half open as if she’s in heaven. “I have something to show you.”
“Yes, I saw it this morning.” I set Cally down, and then I’m in Xander’s arms, flung over his shoulder, giggling. “You’re going to hurt your knee!”
“No, I’m not.” He slaps my ass, making me yelp. “You’re such a bad girl.”
“Such a bad girl,” I agree with another laugh. “Are you going to punish me?”
“I should.” He’s walking me down a hallway on the first floor, and then he sets me on my feet and slaps my ass again. “But I love you too much.”
“Oh, sad.” I bat my eyelashes and stick my lower lip out in a pout, and he leans down to kiss me, and then I’m pushed back against the wall, and he’s kissing the hell out of me. “Gonna climb you like a tree,” I whisper against his lips.
“Later.” He grins. “I promise. Now, let me show you this. I’m proud of it.”
“I’ve seen it. Yes, it’s very nice.”
“Nice? The fuck?” He scowls, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Okay, joking aside. What do you have to show me?”
“Say it’s better than nice.”
“It’s better than nice.”
He narrows his eyes and leans in to whisper in my ear. “I’m going to edge the fuck out of you later.”
My thighs clench, and he smirks.
“It’s a date.” I wink at him.
He shakes his head and opens the door, then gestures for me to go first, and when I walk over the threshold, I stop cold.
Holy shit.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
XANDER
Ifucking love how playful she is. But I fucking hate it when the smile falls from her gorgeous face as she gazes around the room.
“I had Ava do this while we were gone,” I say quietly, shoving my hands in my pockets and leaning back against the wall so I’m out of the way. “If there are supplies that she didn’t think of that you need, we’ll get them for you. I like the lighting in this room, so I thought it would be the right space for you to paint.”