Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
She nods, and her cheeks flush. “But you used to be my stepfather,” she murmurs.
I nod, my eyes darkening. “Yes, and that’s something we’re going to have to work with because understandably, there are going to be some shocked parties when word gets out. But I mean what I say. I feel something between us that’s real, and it extends beyond the physical intimacy. I want to date you, honey, like a man dates a woman.”
She nods.
“That’s what I want too, Cyrus,” she says in a dulcet voice. “But what about Alyssa? And my mom? It sounds so complicated but we’re all family in a way.”
“I know.” I squeeze her hand. “But my marriage to Marilyn was a very long time ago, and we were only married a year.”
“I know but …”
I cup her face to shush her. “Besides, Marilyn’s remarried now, right?”
Josie nods.
“Yes, to Andy. They’re pretty crazy about each other, and honestly, I’m glad Marilyn met Andy when she did. They’re two peas in a pod and really happy together in suburban Connecticut. I don’t think she was ever cut out for the big city.”
I nod, and my purpose is clear.
“Good. I’m glad Marilyn is happy because she deserves that. I want you to know that I’ve never resented her for the separation. We just weren’t well-matched, and getting divorced was the right thing to do. It gave us each the chance to pursue the life that would make us happiest. Apart, of course.”
Josie nods thoughtfully.
“Yes, I agree. And I don’t mean to sound callous but I don’t think my mom ever pined over you either. It was just a chapter in her life that’s now closed.”
I nod emphatically. “Exactly. That phase is done now, and if there’s one thing I know about Marilyn, it’s that she always wanted you to be happy above all else. I still believe she wants you to be happy, no matter the circumstances.”
Josie shoots me a wry look. “I agree, but I doubt she ever imagined that might include dating her ex husband.”
I chuckle.
“You’re right, but tell me,” I growl while sliding closer to her. “If it was just you and me, and no Marilyn nor Alyssa, would dating me make you happy?”
She smiles sweetly, and looks into my eyes. “Yes,” she breathes. “So much, Cyrus.”
“Good,” I growl. “That’s all I need to know because that’s why we have to do this. At the end of the day, life is short and we should spend it with the people who bring us joy. This connection between us is real, honey, and if we just trust in it and give it a chance, I think amazing things will result.”
Josie looks at me with tears shimmering in her eyes and my heart lurches. God, she’s beautiful and my words are absolutely sincere.
“Yes,” she says as my soul explodes with excitement. “I want this too, Cyrus. It may appear bizarre and strange to the world around us, but I want to be happy and that means being with you.”
My heart swells so big it feels like my chest is going to burst, and I can’t hold back anymore. I need to kiss her, now. Taking her chin in one big hand, I lean down and kiss that plush pout, pouring my emotions into the liplock. Oh God, this is right, and there’s no way I could walk away from Josie because she’s already under my skin more than I care to admit. It might be too early to make bets, but I’m certain that this is the beginning of something incredibly real and gratifying; something that will lead me to the highest of heights, and also cushion me from the low blows that life deals along the way. As a result, I’m going to do whatever I can to keep this girl with me and to give our connection its best chance to flourish because this is only the beginning. The curvy girl doesn’t realize it, but I intend on keeping her and asserting my claim on her mind, body, and soul in every way that I can.
8
Josie
The couch bounces as Alyssa plops down next to me and throws her feet up on the coffee table.
“You have seriously got to start going out with me more. There are so many hot guys running around, and they’re all looking for eligible women! I mean, remember Ron, the guy I went out with last weekend?” My best friend pauses, wagging her eyebrows at me and I laugh. “Girl, he was beyond hot. The man is made of pure sex appeal, and it was oozing out of his pores.”
I shake my head at her, smiling. “Really? Oozing?”
“Yes!” Alyssa chortles while flashing a wicked smile. “Totally oozing and I haven’t even told you the best part yet.” She drops her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, even though we’re alone in the apartment. “Girl, that man was huge! I mean, full-on raw, ripe cucumber status. And he knows how to use it, too.” I’m guessing by the dazed look on her face that she’s still stunned by memories of Ron and his enormous tool. “OMG, we had so much fun in bed and I’m so sore now,” she sighs while stretching a bit. “But sore in a good way.”