Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Finley snickered, then mimed zipping her lips.
I chuckled before giving her a slow, sweet kiss. Unable to help myself, I traced her bottom lip with my tongue, but I pulled back when she opened her mouth. If I kissed her like I wanted to, it would be morning before I let her go.
I sighed and kissed her forehead. “You are too tempting, baby.”
Finley pouted for a second, then nodded, her expression resigned. “If I hadn’t grown up in a family where football was basically our religion, I might have pushed you to come upstairs. But I get it.”
Her reply just made her all the more perfect in my eyes.
“But you better win, Rhodes Channing,” she ordered. “Or you’ll have to deal with me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I grinned and gave her one last kiss before turning her and gently pushing her toward the elevator. “I’ll call you,” I told her before taking one last, long look to get me through until I saw her again. Then I braced myself for the cold and left to go home to an equally cold shower and my empty bed.
5
FINLEY
My first date with Rhodes was amazing, but it wasn’t until early afternoon the next day that I realized I had forgotten how I had teased him about his rusty dating skills when we were at the stadium. He’d definitely proven himself with the Italian restaurant he brought me to. And his kisses, even though I had wished for more of them.
Even though Rhodes had held back, the feel of his lips against mine had left me breathless. So much so that I never thought to tell him how impressed I was with his arrangements.
Taking a break from checking the market for trades I was thinking about making today, I reached for my phone to send him a quick message.
Me
Good afternoon! You definitely weren’t exaggerating about knocking the rust off your dating skills.
I set my phone back down, assuming I wouldn’t hear from him for a while since the Nighthawks were due to fly out soon for their game on Saturday. Much to my surprise, a notification pinged only a few minutes later.
Glancing at the screen and seeing his name, I curved my lips into a grin.
Rhodes
Told you I’d make sure you enjoyed yourself. ;)
Remembering the surge of desire I’d felt when he kissed me, I used my hand to fan myself.
Me
I’m still thinking about the manicotti and wishing I hadn’t eaten it all so I’d have leftovers for lunch today. Great pick!
Rhodes
Vince’s cooking is the best. He’ll be happy to hear you liked it so much that you needed another serving today. Don’t be surprised if you get a double portion. Thanks for the perfect idea for another gift.
My brows drew together as I stared at my phone, trying to figure out what he meant.
Me
Another gift?
Rhodes
Keep an ear out ’cause you’ll be getting a couple of deliveries today.
I didn’t think I could have dreamed up a more perfect guy if I had tried. He had wiped away any doubts I’d ever had about waiting so long to date by being so thoughtful. And sexy.
I could so easily picture Rhodes getting a lot of my firsts. Maybe even all of them. I’d already given him two, after all. My first real date and kiss.
Me
You really didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it.
Rhodes
Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you.
Me
I’m thinking of you, too. Fly safe and kick butt in your game on Saturday.
Rhodes
Wish you could be there, baby.
A delicious shiver raced up my spine. I loved hearing him use “baby” in his deep voice, but something about seeing it in black and white was special.
Me
I’ll be watching from home, and then if you win, I’ll be at the next game. Promise.
Rhodes
When, not if.
His confidence only made him more attractive.
Me
Protect Prentice Wright like you’ve been doing all season, and I’m sure you’ll be right.
Rhodes
Gotta admit, I love how much you know about football.
There was a soft tap against my door, and then Glynnis called, “Got a delivery for you, Finley.”
She had a key to my apartment but never used it without my permission.
“Come on in!” I yelled back.
Me
Need to run. Sounds like your first gift is here. Talk to you later.
Rhodes
I might not be able to reply quickly, but I’d still like to hear from you while I’m gone.
Me
Whatever you want.
Rhodes
Be careful what you offer, baby. I might take you up on it.
Glynnis trotted toward me, carrying a shopping bag from a Midtown East store with an eclectic array of gadgets. Her gaze darted toward my phone and asked, “Ooh, are you sexting with that handsome hunk of yours?”
“No, we’re just texting. Like normal people.” I set my phone down and pushed my chair away from my desk.
She jerked her chin toward my cell. “If you aren’t sexting, why did you put it face down so I couldn’t see what you two were saying?”