Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
“I’m really glad you two made up and Ashley was honest about everything,” he said, his voice low. “I’m sure your parents will be relieved and very happy to see you and your sister talking again, too.”
“I know they will. The situation hasn’t been easy on them, and I know they’ve been so conflicted and worried that Ashley and I would never repair our relationship.” She took a drink of her tea before meeting his gaze and continuing. “They’re going to the church a little early, since my dad is walking Ashley down the aisle, so I’m sure Ashley will tell them both about our talk today as soon as she sees them. For my parents, that will be the best gift ever, knowing that their daughters are back on speaking terms and no longer avoiding one another when they’re in the same room.”
“And what about Greg?” he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly and his voice turning gruff. “Are you going to be okay being in the same room with him?”
“Yes, of course,” she said, surprised by that protective vibe Chase was giving off. “He’ll be family after today, and I don’t begrudge them their happiness.”
“You’re incredibly kind and empathetic,” he murmured, lifting his hand and caressing the tips of his fingers along her cheek in a soft caress. “It’s impressive, because those are qualities I haven’t seen much of in my life.”
The admission made her chest tighten with sadness for this damaged, broken man and everything he’d endured. “Being kind and empathetic isn’t that hard. It’s all about being able to forgive people for the mistakes they’ve made, and I have.”
She couldn’t deny that the comment was also directed at him, at his situation with his father and all that resentment and bitterness she knew he still held on to over his childhood. Not to mention keeping Billie a secret to the very end of his life then dropping it on Chase like a bombshell. One conversation with her wasn’t going to diminish those feelings, but she really hoped that Chase opened himself up to the possibility of forgiving his father, and letting go of things that were no longer in his control to change.
But that wasn’t a discussion she wanted to have right now, not when she only had a short time left with him. And now that the uncomfortable tension between her and sister was gone, she was actually looking forward to the evening’s festivities, and having fun at the reception with Chase.
She glanced at the time on her cellphone, realizing it was later than she’d thought. “I think we need to head upstairs to shower and get ready for the wedding,” she suggested.
He nodded his agreement, and they went up to their room.
She opened her suitcase and sorted through her things, casting Chase a glance and giving him a playful grin. “I’d suggest taking a shower together to conserve water, but we saw how well that went this morning,” she teased. “It took twice as long and we ran out of hot water. Not that I’m complaining, but time is of the essence this afternoon.”
His eyes darkened with desire, as if remembering their sexcapades and all the dirty things he’d done to her with his mouth and his hands and his impressive cock. “As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right,” he said huskily, his voice tinged with regret. “We don’t have an extra hour to mess around.”
She silently mourned the loss of that hour of pleasure she was giving up, but the last thing she wanted to do was walk in late to her sister’s wedding ceremony. Although wouldn’t that stir up some juicy gossip in town, she thought with an inward grin.
Chase narrowed his gaze at her. “What are you smirking about?”
She couldn’t help but provoke him, just a little. “Us, racing into the church, all flushed and out of breath from sex and orgasms and—”
“Stop tempting me,” he said on a growl as he stalked toward her, looking heart-stoppingly sexy with that heated threat in his eyes that made her pulse race.
She laughed and held out her hand to stop his approach before they really did lose track of time. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” As much as she enjoyed this more playful side to Chase, she forced her mind back to more pragmatic matters. “I’m going to take much longer in the bathroom since I have to do my hair and makeup, so why don’t you go first?”
He did, and true to being a man, he was finished in less than twenty minutes. He walked out of the en suite, dark hair damp and his face freshly shaven, with nothing but a towel around his waist. Beads of water still clung to his chest, and she licked her lips as she watched one droplet roll its way down his abdomen and past his navel, imagining following that trail with her tongue and—