Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
He grabbed the other side of the comforter, helping me pull it up over the sheets. We worked in silence, grabbing the pillows and putting them up on the bed, like we’d done this before. As soon as we were done, Walker sat down on the chair in the corner and started putting on his boots.
“So, what you got planned for the day?”
“All kinds of fun things,” I scoffed. “I have to get some groceries before I pick up the boys, and then, we’ll probably go over to check on Mom. I want to take them some dinner and see how she’s doing.”
“Have you heard anything from her today?”
“Dad sent a text this morning and said she was sore, but she seemed to be doing better.”
“Good. Glad to hear it.” He stood, then walked over to me, dropping his hands to my waist. I inhaled a deep breath, taking him in with a smile. “Think you can make time to see me this week?”
“I’ve got the boys.”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t mind.”
“You don’t?”
“Yeah, they’re your boys. I’d expect them to be here,” he said simply. “I could grill or something… Might even get them to help.”
“That would be nice.”
“Then, figure out what day works best for you, and let me know.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
He hesitated for a moment, then let out a deep breath, “I’ve gotta get going.”
I knew it was coming, but that didn’t stop the knot forming in my stomach. I wasn’t ready for him to go, but the night was over, and it was time to get back to reality. I nodded, even though a small part of me wanted to ask him to stay a little longer.
“Okay.” There was a beat of silence, and I dropped my gaze for a second before adding, “I had a really good time last night.”
The words sounded more vulnerable than I’d intended, and he didn’t miss it. He didn’t respond right away, and I worried that I’d said too much until I saw that look in his eyes. It was the same look he’d given me last night, right before he kissed me.
He didn’t say a word. He just leaned in closer, and just when the anticipation was becoming too much to bear, he pressed his lips against mine, kissing me passionately. God, he felt so good, smelled so good, and I couldn’t help but let myself get swept away. My hands went to his chest, and I clutched his T-shirt in my hands,
And just when I started to forget where I was, he pulled back, breaking our embrace. He almost smiled as he said, “I’ll call about dinner.”
“Okay,” was all I could manage.
He held my gaze for a second longer, then turned and walked out of the room. I stood there and listened as his footsteps faded down the hall. Seconds later, the front door opened and quickly closed again. And just like that, the house felt empty in a way that made me miss him before he’d even made it out of the driveway. I walked over to the window and watched as he backed out of the driveway. As soon as he was out of view, I groaned, “Back to reality.”
After a quick check in the mirror, I hurried downstairs, and I was about to go make a cup of coffee when Milo started wailing and dove for my ankles. In and out he went, crying in the most annoying way possible. I bumped his rear with my foot, scooting him out of the way as I fussed, “I already fed you, Milo. You’re getting too fat!”
To that, he wailed even louder and went back to my ankles, seemingly even more determined to trip me. “Okay, fine. But don’t come crying to me when the vet puts you on a diet.”
I went to the kitchen and put a little more food in his bowl before making coffee. I wanted to get to the grocery before the lunch rush, so as soon as it was ready, I poured some into a tumbler, grabbed my list from the fridge, and was on my way.
By the time I made it to the grocery store, I’d settled in and was about to focus on getting what we would need for the week. I grabbed a cart and started going down aisle after aisle, letting myself fall into the routine.
I stocked up on the boys’ favorites, including Lucas’ cereal that had way too much sugar and Thomas’ protein bars that cost a small fortune. I also grabbed everything I’d need to make poppy-seed chicken. I knew how much Mom loved it, and I hoped it might lift her spirits.
Then, almost without thinking, I steered the cart toward the meat section. I threw in some hamburger meat and hot dogs, then buns, cheese, relish, and anything else we might need if Walker made good on his offer to grill. But I didn’t dwell on the thought. I didn’t have time to.