Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“So…friends only?” I asked, ignoring the way my stomach pitched and rolled with the idea of never having Caden’s hands on me again.
He winked and smiled again, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
I knew what I was doing…and I knew this meant he’d keep meeting up with Millie, and maybe even others. The thought of that made me feel even more sick to my stomach.
Finally, he answered, “Friends only.”
Pushing the covers off himself, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He sat for a few moments, then stood and began gathering his clothes. My eyes soaked in every bit of him so I could commit it to memory. I’d had him just a few short times, and I’d cherish every single moment.
I slid off the bed and grabbed my pajamas. Neither of us said a word as we finished dressing and headed back to the living room. Caden picked up his coat and walked to the door. I followed him, and with each step, I had to remind myself this was the right thing to do, not only for my heart, but for both of ours.
Turning, he reached up and pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear.
My entire body ached as I silently wished he would tell me that I was what he wanted. That I was the woman he wanted, and not just in his bed.
Instead, he leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. Not the lips…the cheek.
I was getting what I’d asked for.
Friendship.
“Merry Christmas, Lilibeth.”
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced a smile. “Merry Christmas, Caden.”
He opened the door and quickly slipped out, shutting it quietly behind him. The soft click sounded like a gunshot.
My hand shot up to my mouth to hold back the sob that threatened to come out. Turning, I leaned against the door and slowly sank to the floor. Then I buried my face in my hands and cried.
I knew I’d done the right thing. I was already losing my heart to Caden Wilde, and if I didn’t put a stop to it now, it would be shattered with disappointment.
Dropping my head back against the door, I let out a humorless laugh. Who was I kidding? I was already head over heels in love with a man who couldn’t feel the same. And I suddenly felt confused. Had I done the right thing? He may not have been able to give me his heart, but he clearly wanted to give me his body.
Could that have been enough?
Another round of tears flowed as I sat there on the floor.
“You messed up big time, Lilibeth. Big time.”
“Well?” I asked, as I spun in a circle with my arms open. “What do you think?”
Emeline, Ensley, and Moreen all looked at me with confused expressions.
“Wait—this is where you’re going to live?” Moreen asked, as she turned in a circle as well.
“What’s wrong with it?” I asked.
“Nothing,” Emeline said, as she smacked Moreen’s arm. “It’s charming.”
Ensley huffed. “Is that the word you use for ‘small’?”
“It is small, I agree,” I said, as I walked into my tiny kitchen. “But I prefer the term ‘cozy.’ And I have two bedrooms, so I can make one an office. Plus, it’s free. Yes, I know it’s above my parents’ garage, but…it’s free!”
“It’s better than the room above the shop,” Moreen said with a hesitant smile.
“Yes, it is,” I replied. “And did I mention it’s free?”
Ensley smirked. “A few times now. Listen, it’s clean, it’s cute, and it’s just you, so how much room do you really need, anyway?”
Pointing to her, I replied, “Exactly! I have everything I need right here.”
Moreen walked over and took my hands in hers. “I think we should go out to dinner to celebrate your new place.”
“Dinner sounds amazing,” I replied. “Emeline? Ensley? Can you do dinner?”
Emeline shook her head. “I would, but Rhett has a little class play tonight for the parents, and I don’t want to miss it.”
“I’m free, and I’d love to go.”
I smiled at Ensley, then turned to Emeline. “We’ll miss you, but we totally understand. Call me tomorrow?”
Emeline slipped on her coat and grabbed her bag. “I will. You guys have fun tonight. You should head to Granby and try the new Greek restaurant that just opened. I heard it’s amazing.”
“Oh, my client from this morning mentioned that place,” Ensley said, as she hugged her sister goodbye. “Give Levi and the kids a kiss and hug from me.”
“I will,” Emeline stated, before hugging Moreen and me. “Bye, girls!”
After walking Emeline out, I turned to Ensley and Moreen. “Greek food then?”
“That sounds amazing,” Moreen answered. “I’ve never been to a Greek restaurant before.”
My eyes widened. “You haven’t? Have you, Ensley?”
She nodded as she slipped on her coat, then her hat. “I have. It’s been a while. Josh, my client from this morning, lives in Granby, and he suggested I stop by for lunch, but I had to get back to the ranch for a meeting. It’s crazy that Emeline would mention the same place.”