Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
My eyes slowly become heavy, the crisp, cool sheets, the thick and plush patchwork quilt that my mom handed down to me, an heirloom from my grandmother, and the noise of the whirring fan lulls me to sleep. I roll over on my side, putting my hands in a prayer-like pose, letting out another yawn when a loud, shrilling voice.
I sit straight up, ripping the eye mask off my face, “What the hell was that?” I flip the light on, looking every which way, ready to figure out why I would hear people in my room. I adjust to the brightness, feeling like I’m losing it, when it happens again.
“Oh, dear god, my neighbor must be deaf.” My ears perk up at hearing a squall, a few moments later, and I realize it’s none other than I Love Lucy. I vividly remember watching reruns of this show growing up, and it seems now I get to listen to it in my dreams. I turn my fan up to the highest setting, get back into bed, turn the light off again, and this time, even my mask isn’t doing me any magical tricks. I’m apparently up for the foreseeable future.
**
My alarm blaring after what felt like only falling asleep for two minutes, I’m exhausted, looking like what the cat dragged in, and am ready to bang on my neighbor's wall only to give them a dose of their own medicine. Except I’m not an asshole, and while all I can think about is my lack of sleep, I’m also riddled with worry about what’s happening on the other side of my wall.
I’m walking to my car, firmly in my thoughts, sipping on my extra-strong, extra-bold brewed cup of coffee with more creamer than necessary, but that’s what happens when sleep deprivation kicks in.
What I’m totally unprepared for is the man I see walk toward me, the sip I was about to take is no longer a concern. I’m no longer drowsy and concerned about looking for a place to lay my head. Nope, I’m wide awake and looking at a man who lives in the same apartment complex, or at least I hope he does, because seeing him around would surely brighten my day.
The parking lot is packed full, the morning sun is shimmering off the cars, and it’s already starting to get warm this early in the day.
He walks toward me, allowing me the opportunity to take him in. His jaw is strong, unmistakably rugged and masculine, dusted with dark stubble. When his mouth curves slightly upward—not quite a smile, but the slight hint of one, like he can read my mind or something. His eyes meet mine, catching the light from the sunshine, steady, intent, and a warmth that settles in my lower abdomen. Our gazes lock, and his light green eyes meet my hazel.
His clothes are faded and worn, pulling tight across his broad shoulders and powerful chest. The few buttons at the top are undone, showing off his throat and upper chest, causing my eyes linger there a smidge longer than I mean them to. The jeans he’s wearing sit low on his hips, hugging his strong thighs that look more than capable of carrying his fair share of weight.
I tell myself, this is only a figment of my imagination, it’s the haze of sleeplessness sucking me in, and then the deep rasp of his voice says, “Mornin’ ma’am.” Adding a tip of his head and stirring a swirling sensation right between my thighs.
“Oh, hi. Good morning,” I reply, hoping I didn’t sound like a bumbling idiot. He shoots a wink my way, saunters past me, and I guess my morning is turning right side up with the eye candy I hope I get to see daily.