Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Chapter Five
After viewing the absolutely perfect house next door to Sam’s, Nicole immediately agreed to the rental. She and Henry Brown, a nice older man, had shaken hands, and with them moving out for good tomorrow, she could be in this coming weekend. In true small-town fashion, the couple wasn’t worried about doing a background check because they were happy to take Sam the cop’s word, and he’d vouched for Nicole. Promising to forward the lease information tomorrow, they said goodbye, excited to let their children know about the rental.
Nicole had a new home.
Suddenly overwhelmed, she tried not to panic. She had to make a list of things to do—talk to Joe, her landlord, and give notice; pack up her apartment; hire movers . . . or could she do the move in short car trips?
“Are you okay?” Sam asked as they walked back across the lawn.
She nodded. “I think I’m just in shock.”
He laughed. “Good shock, I hope.”
She thought about the kitchen and the space, the beautiful bedroom with a small chaise lounge giving her a place to curl up and read. “Awesome shock,” she assured him. “I’m going to love living in a house.”
“I’m going to love having you next door,” he said in a husky voice.
She shivered at the sexual innuendo inherent in his words and his tone.
She followed him inside his house and into the kitchen.
Without warning, a yawn hit. She covered her mouth but was unable to stifle the small noise that escaped, and she laughed.
“The day must be catching up with me. I’m exhausted.” She turned to Sam. “Would you mind driving me back to town?”
“Yes, I think I would mind.” He stepped closer, invading her personal space, not that she cared.
He smelled deliciously male, and her exhaustion disappeared, replaced by something far more pleasurable.
“I spent the whole day apartment hunting, and I worked up an appetite. I kept you company while you did your thing. The least you could do is stay and have dinner with me,” he said in a teasing but self-assured tone.
She was simultaneously amused and pleased with his blatant attempt to keep her around. “Pizza?” she asked hopefully.
“You got it,” he said with a satisfied grin.
She guessed he hadn’t been sure she’d stay. As if she’d want to be anywhere else. These uncertain, awkward moments were normal, but she knew for sure nothing was questionable about what she felt for this man. As long as she kept things simple and uncomplicated, she’d be fine.
“Toppings?” he asked, picking up the phone.
“Your choice. I’m easy.”
His eyes darkened at her accidental double entendre. He ordered a large everything pizza, requested delivery, pulled two beers from the fridge, and offered her one.
She nodded. “I’ve always had a weakness for a cold beer. Ever since college, other girls liked wine, but I preferred beer. I still do.” But her recent life hadn’t been conducive to brew.
Tyler, his mother, her parents, and their friends all preferred expensive alcohol.
He grabbed the opener from the counter, and as he popped the tops, Nicole’s gaze fell to his broad biceps and the muscles that flexed as he moved. She stifled an appreciative sigh that caught his attention.
His gaze held hers, a wealth of desire in that one look passing between them. He placed the bottles on the counter and extended his arm toward her.
Heart pounding, she placed her palm in his rougher hand.
He pulled her against him, aligning her body with his. She acted on instinct and wrapped her arms around his neck. It felt right. Good.
He felt right.
His hand came up to cup the back of her head, and he sealed his delicious lips over hers. They’d been dancing around this moment, building the yearning since the last time. The Nicole she knew didn’t have such fire and intensity of any emotions burning in her veins, needing to get out.
With Sam, she did.
So, apparently, did he.
There was no way she could not respond, and she kissed him back with more passion than she’d known she possessed—sliding her lips sensuously over his, opening and inviting him inside. He kissed her back like a starving man who was now devouring what he needed and taking more, storing up as if he’d never have enough. His hands moved from her head to her cheeks, his thumbs smoothing over her skin, causing small electric shocks all over. A heaviness throbbed in her breasts, and a definite pulsing began down below.
Unable to stop herself, she inched closer, threading her fingers through his shaggy hair. His masculine groan of appreciation reverberated through her. Oh yes, they were in this together, and she liked that as much as she liked him.
His lips swept down her cheek, her neck, and finally landed on the sweet spot near her throat, where he took his time, nuzzling and nipping at her skin. This time, she moaned. While he licked and teased her there, his fingers slid up her shirt and soon he cupped her aching breasts in his hard, hot hands. She arched her back, pressing herself against him, and he squeezed her harder, eliciting another moan. Heat settled between her thighs, and she squirmed, needing his touch there now more than ever.