Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 41918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
I let out a groan, scrubbing my face. Now is not the time.
Rolling onto my side, I stare out the window, trying not to think about how close Emma is. Only a wall separates us. So close, but at the same time, so far.
I let out a huff, punching the pillow and flopping onto my back. It's no good, though. No matter how many times I tell myself to sleep, my mind keeps racing.
I don't know why, but from the moment I first saw Emma, I've been drawn to her. There's something about her. The soft curves of her body, the delicate features of her face, the sweet way she bites her lip when she's nervous. I've been trying to push those thoughts down, telling myself that she needs me to take it slow. But I just want to take, take, take, until she’s mine in every possible way. What am I going to do? What in the hell am I going to do?
6
EMMA
It’s morning. The bed, the room, and the ceiling above me are completely new and unfamiliar. Oddly enough, I don't feel uncomfortable like I thought I would. I don't even feel nervous.
Luke was nothing short of a gentleman last night, making sure I was settled into my own room before going to bed. But Luke is more than that, isn't he? He's got an intensity, an aura about him, that draws me in like a moth to a flame. His broad shoulders and strong jaw make my knees go weak, and when he speaks in his deep, husky voice, my stomach flutters.
As wonderful as the sleep was, it wasn't nearly long enough. The curtains are open, and as the sun rises, it creeps into the room and makes it way too bright to continue sleeping. So, at the ridiculous time of 6:30 AM, I'm awake.
There’s a drop in my stomach as I remember the fire last night. Then there's the overwhelming relief of knowing I'm safe and Luke is in the house with me.
My heart races as I make my bed. It's not something I really care about most days, but right now, the action of pulling the comforter straight and plumping my pillows feels strangely calming. As though if everything around me is in order, then things are going to be okay.
When I open the door to the hallway, it's silent. The house feels empty and still, which isn't unexpected. Luke has a life, obviously, and while I had been looking forward to seeing him, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I'm not here as his responsibility or burden.
After washing up, I head towards the kitchen, hoping there will be coffee.
There is, and there's also a note propped on the counter next to a bowl of fruit.
"Make yourself at home, Emma. There's coffee and cereal. I'm working in the garage next door if you need anything. Let me know when you need to head back to the university. Your things are on the dining room table."
The note is cute enough to make me want to sit on the counter and kick my feet, but the logistics of the day are making me hesitant about getting too swept up in all of this. What does he mean about my things? I came here with nothing but the pajamas on my back, the slippers on my feet, and my phone clutched in my hand.
The house is big, but not obnoxiously so, and I locate the dining room table easily enough. The construction of Luke's home makes it look older, more regal, but it's clear that he's done a significant amount of work on the space himself, including changing things to a more modern open floor plan. Sitting in the middle of a dark cherry wood dining table is my big blue duffel bag, which I know was sitting beside me in the closet I hid in. How the heck did it get here?
Confused, I approach slowly and open the bag with one hand. Inside is an odd—if extensive variety—of my clothes, my toothbrush, a few pairs of shoes, a tangle of random charging cables, and perched on top of it all, my laptop. Leaning against the duffel bag is my white and pink tie-dyed tote with all my school books, supplies, and papers in it that I carry to class.
Holy crap. I feel like I'm in shock. How did Luke manage this? It's only been hours since we got here last night. Did he really return to my dorm and pack this stuff for me? I didn't even think they would let him in. It doesn't seem like my dorm manager likes anyone.
I feel my heart swelling. It's hard for me to express, but knowing that he thought enough to take care of me this way is enough to send a shiver down my spine and leave a little warmth in the pit of my stomach.