Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 94903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Although I understand where he’s coming from and his reasons for not wanting to act on his attraction, that doesn’t mean we can ignore it. Ignoring it would only make it worse. We’ll have to find a way to ignore it while acknowledging it.
“She’s my priority,” he says. “If I’m open to messing around with you, that leaves room for mistakes.”
“I understand your point. For the record, I respect that. It seems like you are a good dad, and I wouldn’t want to do anything besides help you with Kennedy.”
He sinks back into his chair. Relief washes across his handsome features. “Mom swears you’re the right person to help with Ken and, honestly …” A grin twitches against his lips. “I might not disagree.”
“You might not, huh?”
“Well, I mean, in your favor, you seem like you’ll be hard for Kennedy to steamroll.”
I laugh. “That, I assure you.”
“So we have a plan then?”
I study the small cut on his bottom lip and the calluses on his hands as he folds them on the tabletop. I want to do this. But I don’t want to have it turn into a soberfest.
“Okay,” I say, smiling. “We have a plan. No action on the attraction. Besides, not knowing what your cock feels like in my mouth will make it easier to focus on your daughter.”
He adjusts himself. “Seriously, Megan?”
“Kennedy isn’t here, and I don’t officially work for you yet.”
“Fine. Then for the record,” he says cockily, leaning toward me and lowering his voice, “not knowing what your pussy tastes like will make it easier when you’re asleep a few doors down the hallway from me every night.”
I tug at the hemline of my shirt to get some air around me. Did it just get hot in here?
“That’s what we’re doing, then?” I ask, fanning my face. “I’m staying in your house, and we’re going to move around each other like we’re two people who didn’t just confess we want to perform oral sex on the other?”
“Yes.”
I lift a brow. “You think that’s possible? This is your life, your kid. You better be sure.”
“It’ll work as well as pouring a sports drink in your radiator.”
“Hey, that did work.”
“Speaking of, did you make an appointment for your car? Or call the rental company?”
I laugh in disbelief. “No. When I walked in here an hour ago, I thought I’d be leaving town in the morning, so I wasn’t worried too much.”
“Suit yourself,” he mumbles, shifting in his seat. “I’ll make an appointment for you.”
“No. I need to turn it in tomorrow. Your mom said I could use her car while they’re gone.”
He stretches his arms over his head. The corner of his shirt slips up, displaying the expertly crafted muscles lining his sides.
How will I do this for thirty days?
I pause.
I’ll do this because it’s what’s best for me. This time away from life is what I need.
Besides, I can already see why a relationship—sexual or otherwise—with Chase would never work. He’s gorgeous and probably amazing in bed with those rough hands and scruff, but he’s a package deal. He and Kennedy … but there’s also Maggie and Lonnie to consider. They’re long-term people. And I’m … not.
I’m thirty-day people.
“We’re going to need some ground rules,” I say, looking at his face again.
“For what?”
“To make this arrangement work.”
“Okay. Like what?”
I lean forward, pressing my chest together to create cleavage in the V-neck of my shirt. As expected, his gaze falls on my breasts.
“Like that,” I say, sitting back again.
His eyes lift to mine. “Point taken.”
“No undressing me with your eyes,” I say.
“No flaunting that little body around in my face.”
I snort. “Oh, okay. Well, how about this? No walking around the house in your underwear.”
“I wasn’t walking around the house.”
“Fine. No getting naked in a room without the door locked because now that I know your cock got hard when I walked out, I’d rather not walk in on you like that again.”
His eyes burn.
“Also, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring girlfriends home,” I say, feeling out his dating situation.
“I don’t bring anyone home. The only people who will come over are my brothers.” He narrows his eyes. “By the way, I’m talking with Gavin.”
“Me too.”
Chase flinches, looking uncomfortable.
“What?” I ask. “What’s wrong?”
“Is there something I should know about you and my brother?”
“Not really. Gavin is my only friend in Peachwood Falls, and I’m pissed at him for playing me like he did.”
He blows out a breath. “I’m not sure I like you being friends with him.”
“Well, I’m not sure I give a shit if you like it or not.”
He lifts his chin. I do the same.
He straightens his shoulders. I do, too.
He gives me a look like I’m pushing his limits, and I raise him an I’ll walk out of here if you don’t like it.