Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“I can tell.” Rolling onto my side, I tuck the blanket between my legs. “Tell her I owe her one.”
“She seemed to be enjoying herself just fine. She was singing to Emily. I’ve never heard her sing.” He sounds happy and wistful. “Is it possible that I might actually…”
“What?” I try to turn to look at him but he pins me and curls into my back.
“Nothing, it’s a silly thought.”
“There’s no such thing.”
“I just feel content,” he sighs softly and kisses my shoulder. “As though all things are going to work out better than I could have imagined.”
“I really, really hope you’re right.”
“Well!” I grin, stretching tall. “The doctor was right. I just needed sleep.”
“Twenty hours’ worth,” Nathan laughs, handing me a tray with toast, cereal, a mug of coffee and a cup of tea. “I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer.”
“This is perfect. I’m so hungry.” My stomach confirms that with a growl. “You’re the best.”
“Then maybe you’ll reconsider the bedroom ban?”
I smirk after filling my mouth with rice pops. “We shall see.”
“What if I promise to never lie to you again?”
“Is that a promise or are you asking me if you should?”
He hesitates, confused by my question.
“I don’t want you to make me promises that I don’t want nor expect you to keep.” I rub my eyes and place the spoon in my bowl. When I offer him the toast he politely declines with a slight shake of his head. “Like you said, we should have our own things. They just shouldn’t compromise our happiness.”
“Right.” He seems just as confused as before. “This relationship thing is hard for me to grasp. There are so many rules that didn’t apply during my life of solitude.” When he sees my frown he adds, “I’m not complaining, I’m enjoying the experience… mostly. I just wish I could figure this out.”
Damn, now I feel awful. He really is trying and I’ve majorly spat my dummy out in a way that isn’t helpful to either of us. “You’re right.” I place my hand on his. “I think we both need to be a bit more understanding and less demanding of each other.”
“So… does that mean the bedroom ban is off?”
I laugh and place the tray to the side. “Okay. The bedroom ban is off.” Then he dives on me.
Gwen: Thank you so much for all of your help yesterday. We all really appreciate it.
Patricia: It’s no problem. That’s what family does. Correct?
Gwen: If you need anything at all, we’re also here. We look forward to seeing you again.
I think back to yesterday when she got tears in her eyes after receiving my permission to be on her own with my children and my heart twangs in the same way it did then. For once, just this once, make it so Nathan gets what I know his heart must desire – a mother who loves him to his very core. She won’t be able to get that time back and neither will he, but she’s found a good place to start in his children. Our children.
Kerim is at work today and I make a note to approach him at some point before nightfall. I want to clear the air between us; there’s no use being a coward anymore. We have things to discuss, not just about our relationship but about the promotion he offered me. I need to know where I stand.
The second he’s free, I follow him out into the smoking area and wait for him to light his cigarette before I sidle up to him, hands tucked into my pockets.
“The dreaded conversation,” he grins and inhales a long drag before blowing it out into the air away from me. “I’ve been waiting for when you were ready.”
“Oh.” I chew on my lip and kick at the ground with my shoe. “Now I don’t know what to say.”
“Look,” he takes another drag, this time blowing the cloud of smoke towards the ground, “I know I’ve been too forward with you, but what I said about your talent is all true. I wasn’t just offering you a promotion to seduce you. I wouldn’t be idiotic enough to try.” He smiles warmly and reaches out to take my hand in his. “I like you, as a friend. I’d like to be more, as I’ve said, but I respect that your heart belongs elsewhere and instead offer you my kitchen.”
Thank God.
“I can see your relief,” he smiles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Do you think so little of me?”
“No, of course not.” I slide my hand from his. “I’m just grateful. I’d like to still accept, as long as things aren’t weird between us.”
“Not at all. That was all my mistake and I’d hate for it to ruin the ease we had.”
“Me too.” I waft my hand through the smoke, pushing the silvery floating threads around the air. “You should quit.”