Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 142801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“Dilly is why you became a vet?”
I shrug. “Animals were easier. It’s the people around me that I found difficult. There was a time Mom used to be proud of me. For what I was studying, for what I’d planned.”
“I’m sure she’s proud of you still.”
I shake my head. “No, she isn’t. I mean, she’s always been critical about my appearance, frustrated that I don’t make the best of myself. But it was never about the best for me and more about getting myself a man. If I’d taken her lead, I would’ve snagged a husband at college and not worried about my GPA.”
Oliver surprised me earlier with the strength of his defense, and he surprises me again when he doesn’t speak, just takes my hand, offering me a silent comfort, allowing me to purge.
“Marry a rich man—that’s always been her focus. Like it did her any good. They divorced before dad came into his inheritance, so there was little of their wealth that came her way. Her next husband was a skinflint, and the reason I lost my dog. She didn’t die of natural causes. They had her euthanized while I was away at camp.” His eyes turn soft, but I rush on. “She was old, I get that, but Martin, Mom’s ex, said the vet bills were too much. But they didn’t even give me a chance to say goodbye.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Then Todd came along. By then, I was old enough to see that the issue was and always will be money. Money makes Mom compliant. She twists and bends to a mold because of it. It’s been hard,” I say, swiping at silent tears. “But it’s also been a good lesson. Wealthy men have the power to ruin you.”
“But not you,” he says quietly, staring down at our linked fingers. “You have an iron rod running through your spine. You’re strong, and you’re brave, and when you bend, you do so only out of love.”
“I’m sorry I lumped you in with them,” I say, tears falling freely, my words partially choked. “I didn’t give you a chance.”
“Hush now.” Everything seems tangled by my thoughts as he lifts my hand, my body comprehending his actions before my brain does. His lips are soft as he kisses each of my fingertips in turn. “Do you know, I adore you.” By his tone, he might be discussing the weather. “I suppose I’m just a little slow on the uptake when it comes to love.”
“Oliver?” Loves. Loves me?
His answer is a hum that’s not quite a confirmation as he presses a kiss to my palm. “Your eyes look so soft. Is it tears, or is it wonder?”
“Try shock?”
“Eve.” My name is a chastisement that feathers across my lips as he lifts my hand to the back of his neck.
“Wait.” My hand slips to his warm chest, the scent of him, of soap, spice, and man, calling to me on some level I don’t understand. “Wait just a minute. Are we talking strong levels of affection here? That you love having me around?”
He smirks, yes, smirks, with intent, and my heart begins to dance like a highly strung Chihuahua. On crystal meth.
“Well, I love having you, yes. But this is much bigger than that. Perhaps I should tell you how I admire you . . . ardently.”
A smile catches in the corner of my mouth. I can’t stop it from spreading. “Have you struggled in vain? Your feelings can’t be repressed?”
“This will not do,” he murmurs, pressing his hand over my mouth. “Sweet, lovely, frustrating Eve, I love you.”
His declaration brings emotions I never could’ve anticipated—feelings I’ve never experienced before. My hand clasps the back of his neck as my vision blurs, my heart overflowing with joy, with tenderness, with desire, and with every related emotion possible.
“You.” He breathes the word, gathering me close. “Do you remember telling me what you thought love would look like?”
“Yeah,” I answer, recalling the conversation and my harsh words.
“Love is choosing that person always, you said. That made sense to me somehow. I’ve never believed people just fall spontaneously in love. It has to be a choice. A choice to love or not. And I stand by that, because I didn’t fall in love with you, Eve. It didn’t happen by chance, and it wasn’t a mistake. My heart chose you, my darling.” He sweeps the hair from my face and presses his lips to my head. “And when you’re driving me up the wall, when we argue and snipe and can’t seem to agree on anything, my heart still chooses you. Again and again, over and over, without doubt and without fear, because even at those moments, I would still rather be with you than anyone else in the world.”
I begin to laugh softly and give my head a slow shake.