Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
“Max is a fucking asshole.”
“I’m starting to see that.”
“Oh, I’m going to show you, Candy. Your standards for people need to be lifted. I’m going to make sure that happens.” He drops his finger from under my chin. “I’m going to ruin you.” He smirks. “In the best of ways.”
I think he already has.
Chapter Ten
HOLLIS
When we finish with breakfast, I have Candy go up and get her boots and coat. I want to show her around town. I don’t give a shit what Kindred wants right now, but having that all off my chest is a relief.
Over breakfast, I hadn’t asked Candy how she got here or why she chose my home. We both know that unspoken question is hanging in the air. I’m going to let her go at her own pace for now. It’s hard to pump my own brakes. I have always been an all-in-or-out personality, but there are things I can do behind the scenes. That way when she’s ready, I’ve already got everything handled.
It should be no surprise to me that when a woman caught my attention, I’d be the same way. All of this should be irking me, but it’s not. In fact, each new little thing I learn about her only sinks me further. I recall my father saying he knew the moment he met Mom that she was the one. She’d been a waitress that wouldn't give him the time of day. He wore her down, and once he had her, he never let go.
I want to beat the shit out of this Max. The only thing he is good for is sending Candy running to me. That reminds me to pull out my phone and fire off a few texts. Candy Gwendolyn Snow is a somewhat unique name. My resources shouldn’t have a hard time finding out information. I’d rather her tell me on her own terms, but I also need to be able to protect her.
“Are you sure you want to take me around town?” Candy asks when she strolls into my office. “I’m sure you have work or whatever.” I’m noticing that she worries that she’s in the way or being a bother. I want her to bother the fuck out of me and stand right in my path.
“This town pretty much runs itself. Then there is Kindred.”
“Why isn’t she mayor, then?”
“I asked the same thing. She doesn’t want that responsibility. I think she’s got other plans in mind for her future.”
Kindred loves this town. It's a part of her. She doesn't say it, but I know she wants the rest that goes with that. Married with kids and a white picket fence. The thing is, I don't hear of her dating, but who is she going to date? A local? I think if the man for her was local, they would have been together long ago.
“Well, I hope whatever it is, she gets it. She’s so sweet.”
“And a pain in the ass.”
“I can see that.” A sweet giggle leaves her. “The water thing was pretty funny.”
“I’m glad I could let her check something off her bucket list.” That makes her laugh harder. The sound causes my chest grow warm. “Come on.” I hold out my hand to her. She takes it.
“We’re not walking?” Candy asks when I open up the passenger door to the gator I pulled out while she went to get her things.
“You’re pregnant, and the cab will keep you warm.”
“This is like a fancy golf cart.”
“This handles better and won’t get stuck.” She slides in. “And it will keep you warm too.”
“You know, I might be pregnant, but I can still walk around.” Candy smirks playfully.
“I’ll park it when we get to the center of town. The driveway is slick. I think someone is coming today to fix the heat sensors in it,” I tell her before hopping in the driver's seat and heading down the drive and into town.
The way her whole face lights up when she sees something she likes is sweet as fucking hell. From the bits and pieces I’ve picked up from her past, you’d think she’d be jaded, but she’s not.
“This town is full-on Christmas.” It’s what we’re known for.
“It is. That’s the draw. It’s the town’s busy season. Come spring, it will lighten, but many still come out for the shops and bakery. There will also be a farmers market until summer.”
“I love that. What about summer?” Good, I need her to love it here, but if the city is where she wants to be, then so be it.
“That’s our time. The summers are slow and peaceful. Allows the locals to do a reset.”
“This is the kind of place you could raise kids.” More of the tension I’ve been holding over her leaving lessens. This is the plan.
“It is.”
“But you don’t want kids.” She says it casually, but I catch her trying to read my reaction out of the corner of her eye.