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)
"If you don't want to go, we could ditch and—"
"I'm going," I cut him off, making him smirk. "It's a good kind of nervous. Not one I'm dreading. I want everyone to like me."
When I went with Max to events, I was only worried I'd make a fool of myself and upset him. I hadn't actually cared what his college friends or whatever you want to call them thought of me. Most of them were rude and turned their nose up at anyone they didn't think met their standards. I didn't want to meet them if it meant being like them. Always rude to the staff and so on.
"Everyone adores you already. Except maybe the sheriff." I press my lips together. "Do you know anything about that?" I shake my head no. "You didn't try to frame him for a crime he didn't commit?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, and maybe I need a lawyer." Hollis lets out a low chuckle.
"I think you're already fitting in just fine."
"I love everyone here. Check out my nails. Tins—" I cut myself off this time. “I, uh, did them myself." They're sparkly gold.
"I wouldn't bust Tinsley for her rogue traveling nail service."
"She's adorable."
"She's also a master of mischief; she clocks in that adorableness."
"I can see that." We had so much fun at the salon together.
"Now, are you ready?" he asks. "Guests are already arriving."
"I think so." Hollis leans down, pressing a kiss to my lips as he slips his hand into mine, linking our fingers together.
"I'm ready to show my fiancée off." Hollis leads me out of the bedroom and down the hallway to the stairs, where I can see the party is in full swing already.
The entry is full of people lingering and taking their coats off while getting the drinks we have set out at the entrance. My eyes meet with Kindred's, who winks at me as we come down the stairs. She is sipping a glass of champagne. I see the sheriff not far from her. He’s not staring at her but everyone around her.
Before my foot hits the bottom step, Mary is there. “You look like a winter princess,” she gushes.
“Queen,” Hollis corrects her sweetly, making his mom smile bigger.
“And I might also say a bride.” I’m not shocked she’s quick to add that one.
"Thank you," I tell her.
"Come, you have to see everything. It was perfect before, obviously, because we're the best at making a party."
"Obviously," I laugh.
"But seeing people enjoying it adds to it."
"You're taking her from me already?" Hollis is almost pouting.
"You're the mayor. You have to mingle. I'll bring her back."
"Fine." He lets out a deep breath. His hand comes to my chin, tilting my head back. "Don't go far."
"You think I'm going to the moon?"
"Even twenty feet can be unbearable." I snort a laugh, but his face remains serious. I swear he can be ridiculous but in the sweetest of ways. I don't think he's possessive because he wants to control me. Hollis wants me close because he simply wants me.
"Not far," I agree. Hollis leans down, giving me a deep kiss. For a moment I forget we're surrounded by people. He has that effect on me. It can be rather freeing. The whole world melts away, and it is only the two of us. All my problems are gone.
When he lifts his head, I have to suck in a few gulps of air. "That was naughty."
"He's already on that list, honey," his mom jokes.
"Take care of her," Hollis tells her. She rolls her eyes at him before taking me with her.
"If anyone thought you were single and hadn't heard the news, they know now."
"I think the whole town knows. I heard there were emails."
"That, and there are people from the city here too."
"Really?"
"Yes, he invited some associates from his old life, and all were eager to come. People have been wondering about him. Nosy shits wanting to see if he's had a downfall or is living it up."
“They are stupid if they ever thought there would be a downfall of Hollis.”
“This is true. Besides, there is only one thing that could be his downfall.” Mary turns toward me, giving me a pointed look. “You.”
“I don’t want to be his downfall.” That sounds ominous. I only want the best for Hollis, whether I’m in his life or not. He might be a grump at times to people, so I’ve heard, but I’ve never borne witness to that side of him myself. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a good man to his core.
“No, I don’t think you will,” Mary says with such confidence. “I think you’re going to be his salvation. You brought him back to life. He’s just been going through the motions since the accident. I think he only took on being the mayor to keep himself busy. When you’re busy, you don’t have time to doubt or long for things.”