Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 65108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
“Where you’re standing now isn’t a blind spot,” I inform her with a grin and reach out for her. “Get back here, smartass.”
I tug her to me and let my lips fall over hers, nipping playfully. She grips my shirt in her fists, holding on as I kiss her like my life depends on it.
Because there are moments, like right now, that it feels like it does depend on it. I can’t get enough of her. For a man who’s lived his entire adult life practicing patience and endurance, I don’t have any of those skills when it comes to Ellie.
I crave her.
She is my biggest weakness.
And I won’t have her here with me forever, so I’m indulging in every damn second I can.
I have my hand under her shirt, and my mouth on hers when we hear someone calling out.
“Ellie!”
She pulls out of my arms and stares up at me. “It’s Callum,” she whispers.
“He’s been interrupting us all week,” I grumble and take her hand when the voice gets louder and closer. “Come on.”
I pull her along after me, running away from Ellie’s brother. We’re both laughing and looking back, hoping he doesn’t see us playing an adult game of hide and seek.
We run all the way around the house and then back to Ellie’s apartment. We finally make it inside, both panting and out of breath, laughing with each other.
“That’s another first,” she says, leaning on the wall to catch her breath. “I’ve never run away from my brother before.”
“I bet you’ve also never almost gotten caught making out with your security detail.”
She pauses and tilts her head as if she has to give it some thought to remember. I reach out for her with a growl.
“Okay, you’ve got me there,” she says, giggling again as she shoves her sweet fingers into my hair. “I’ve never made out with any of my security before.”
“Damn right.” I hoist her over my shoulder and carry her up the stairs. She slaps my ass, so I return the favor, planting the palm of my hand on the round globe of her rear end.
“Ouch.” But she’s giggling, so she’s clearly not hurt in the least.
“You hit me first,” I remind her and set her down when I get to the top of the stairs. Before I can say anything else, someone knocks loudly down below.
“Ellie!”
“What’s his deal?” Ellie asks in exasperation. “Stay here. I’ll go answer it.”
I don’t like being out of eyesight of this woman, so I stand on the stairs and watch her go to the door, my weapon ready in case anything goes sideways.
She cracks the door. “What do you want? And why are you yelling like a lunatic?”
“Let’s go grab some lunch.”
“Really? That’s why you’re screaming bloody murder?”
“I’m hungry.”
“No.” She backs away and tries to shut the door, but Callum’s hand shoots out to stop her. “I’m busy, Callum.”
“Fine, then.” He sighs deeply, laying the guilt on thick.
“I thought you were out on the boat?” Ellie asks.
“They’re calling for an afternoon thunderstorm.”
Ellie nods in understanding. A storm caused Ellie and Nina’s boat accident last year.
It’s a moment I never want to relive.
“I came all this way to see you, and you’re really going to turn me down for lunch? Let’s try that diner in town. Ed’s. I could use an American burger.”
I can’t blame him there. Ed’s has the best food in town as far as I’m concerned.
She sighs and then shrugs a shoulder. “Okay. Give me fifteen to get ready, and I’ll meet you up at the house.”
“Brilliant.”
Callum finally leaves, and Ellie shuts the door with a cringe. “I’m sorry, but he’s right. He came a long way to see me.”
“It’s fine, sweetheart. I’ve had blue balls since your brother got to town, what’s a few more hours?”
She wrinkles her gorgeous little nose. “What are blue balls?”
I laugh and follow her back up to the kitchen. “It’s a painful condition when a man’s been turned on but has no relief.”
She rolls her eyes, making me grin. “Oh, please. I think you’ll live. Besides, my family will do that to you. I’ve been living with blue balls all of my adult life.”
I laugh and shake my head at her. “That’s not possible, babe.”
“Not from where I’m standing.”
* * *
“Okay, why did everyone keep Ed’s from me?” Ellie asks once we’re back in her apartment. She’s rubbing her hands over her full stomach. Since the storm passed, Callum decided to go back out on the boat for the rest of the afternoon with David, his personal security. “I’m stuffed. But it was absolutely delicious.”
“They’re the best in town,” I say in agreement. Not eating anything while on duty with Ellie was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. I don’t usually have a problem with watching those I’m guarding eat. I’m not a junk food junkie.