Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
We make it back to my place in no time and Vaughn never lets me help him with the bags. I finish the candy bar just as we walk in and he goes straight into the kitchen.
“Was it good?” he asks as he drops the bags down onto the counter.
“It made me hungrier, I think,” I huff, falling back onto the sofa. I didn't do much moving around today because all I really did was study. Still somehow I feel worn out, at least in my head. I should probably get back at it.
“Watch TV.” He walks over to the coffee table and picks up the remote. I never watch the thing and only turn it on sometimes so the house isn't so quiet.
“I should study.” I look over to my backpack that’s on the floor.
“Rest your mind.” He flips through the channels and stops when he lands on The Mummy. I perk up as he sets the remote down and goes back into the kitchen.
“This is my favorite movie,” I say, more to myself than to him.
“I figured you’d like that one. It’s why I picked it.” I glance over at him and see he’s unloading the groceries.
“Why?” I ask. I turn to watch him instead of the movie, and who can blame me?
“Between all the history books and what I saw on that Kindle of yours.”
“You looked at my Kindle?!” I shout like he’s been digging through my underwear drawer.
“There’s nothing wrong with a little romance.” He turns to look at me with a smug smile. “Do you write?” His question catches me off guard.
He’s a lot better at reading me than I realize. Vaughn plays the laidback brother with a carefree attitude and jokes, but he doesn't miss a thing. I think part of it might be an act, like when a woman plays dumb to get more information out of someone.
“I want to,” I admit, feeling shy now. “I mean, I have written some but—” I shake my head. “Never mind.” I turn back toward the TV.
I’m a history major with a minor in English. I love to read and write and I’ve read everything I can get my hands on since I was a kid. I was always drawn to history.
“Historicals.” Vaughn steps in front of the TV, blocking my view. I hadn't seen him move. “That’s what you’ve written, right?”
I shrug noncommittally even though he’s right.
“Don’t shrug it off. That’s fucking cool. You should let me read some of it.”
“You want to read it?” I snort, but his face doesn't change. It’s not playful and there’s no smirk pulling at his lips. He’s serious.
“I’ll think about it,” I give in.
I’ve never let someone read something I’ve written that wasn't for work or school. Not even Collins. She knows I dream of writing, but I figured I’d end up doing research or working for a museum of some kind, maybe even a library. One of my professors actually offered me a job after graduation but I turned it down. My plans were always to go back to Collins, but now she isn't there anymore.
“You think about it while I cook.” This time I see his cocky grin. “But I always get what I’m after,” he finishes before giving me one of those killer winks and walking into the kitchen.
I have a feeling he’s after more than reading my stories. The problem is this is real life. A man like Vaughn could leave me broken hearted since happily ever afters aren't guaranteed.
CHAPTER FIVE
VAUGHN
“How could you do this to me?” Berkley moans as she rubs her belly.
I laugh as I set the last dish on the drain and wipe down the counter. She’s laid out on the couch pretending to be unable to move while I clean up the kitchen.
“You didn’t complain when you had it in your mouth.” Her eyes pop open and I wink at her before she scowls at me. “It’s okay if you like it.”
“I would say something just as smart-mouthed back to you, but I’m too stuffed with good food to be witty.” She throws her arms over her head dramatically as she stretches and points her toes. Her couch is so tiny even she hangs off the edge of it and can’t lie on it fully. There’s only one bed in this studio flat and there’s no way either of us could sleep on that couch comfortably.
“So, about the sleeping arrangements.” I dry my hands and walk over next to her and wait. After a moment she tucks her feet and makes a small space for me to sit down.
“Wait, you’re staying in my apartment?”
I laugh and cock my head to the side. “Where did you think I was going?”
She shrugs and then looks around as if the answer will pop up. “I guess I just thought you’d get a hotel or something.”