Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 26892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
“Nolan, I can wrap these up…” My voice is filled with worry. We’ve never missed a deadline, and I don’t want to start today.
“Go enjoy your afternoon. It’ll give accounting a break from all your hours.” Nolan shakes his head.
“Baby girl,” Gavin rumbles in my ear, his burly arm wrapping tightly around my waist, effectively steering me toward the elevator before I can object. “Your boss gave you permission. You’re mine for the afternoon.” My thighs clench in anticipation, more than ready for him to make good on his promise from last night.
--
After our lunch at a high-end restaurant overlooking the harbor, Gavin having placed our order again, this time artisan flatbreads, steamed oysters, and crisp white wine, we sit and talk for two hours while eating, and my job slowly melts into the background. Once we’re done, Gavin doesn’t rush me back to my house or his place. Instead, he takes my hand, lacing his long, thick fingers through mine, and guides me along the boardwalk. The cool ocean breeze whips my hair around my face. Gavin notices, much like he always does, it seems, and stays close to me to ward off the chill. I feel like my body is on a slow simmer with every caress of his thumb along my wrist.
“Do you mind if I get a few things while I’m here?” I ask when we land near a vendor that offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade bread. Usually when I’m down here, it’s on the weekend, and you have to deal with a crush of a crowd or get here when the sun rises to get what you want.
“Of course.” I go about looking at the assortment they have on display, testing the firmness of the peaches and plums. He picks up a reusable bag they offer for sale, an amateur move on my part for not bringing one. Then again, I didn’t think I’d be leaving work early.
For the first time in months, I feel like there isn’t this dark cloud hanging over me, and it truly is freeing.
I pick a few pieces of fruit before heading to the vegetables, picking out tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers. I’m already thinking about breakfast tomorrow: eggs, bacon, slices of tomato, and the sourdough bread I’m making my way toward.
“Keep shopping, baby girl. I have to take this call.” I look at his handsome face. A frown is tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Okay.” I lift my hand to cup his cheek, initiating contact for the first time since our date, and he instantly relaxes.
“This is Rhodes,” Gavin greets after hitting the answer button and putting the device to his ear while keeping our gazes locked. “No, that’s not happening. Told you I was off-limits this afternoon.” He shakes his head, not to try and make me move, but because he’s clearly unhappy with the person on the other end of the line. I finish perusing the market and make my way toward the checkout area. I can hear Gavin in the background. His tone is deeper, threaded with annoyance. It sucks that our time together is coming to an end. I, of all people, understand. Now that I don’t have work to go back to today, I’ll more than likely read once I get home, or I can call the girls and meet up with them. They’ve been dying to get their hands on my closet since we went shopping for my dress for the auction and for the date.
“You’re not paying,” Gavin whispers in my air, then pulls out some cash and pays, leaving me standing there with my mouth hanging open. My last boyfriend could have never. I’m once again amazed at how much I let slide off my back, how I could have settled for the rest of my life.
“Thank you,” I tell him.
“Welcome,” he mouths, then finishes his conversation with a sharp “Goodbye,” putting his phone in his pocket, his hand going to my lower back.
“Is everything okay?” I ask as we walk back toward where his driver dropped us off.
“Emergency board meeting. I have to go back to the office,” he grumbles.
“I’m sorry.”
“I am, too. I would have much rather spent the rest of the afternoon and into the evening with you.” His thumb rubs soothing circles beneath my sweater. Somehow, along the way, he managed to work his way under the fabric, and I don’t mind in the least.
“You have an empire to run, Gavin.” He pulls me into him, and my hands settle on his chest.
“I don’t like leaving you.” When his mouth lands on mine, my eyes close, I rock back on my heels, and he holds me steady. Every time Gavin kisses me, it’s full of passion. He doesn’t half-ass it—he gives me his full attention and leaves me wanting more.