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)
I snort a laugh, understanding what she’s saying. “I’ll be honest with you. I’m an only child and I’ve spent my life invested in school and work. My social skills aren’t always on point.”
“Ahh, finally an imperfection. I dig it.” She loops her arm with mine. “I didn't think you had a single flaw.”
“I have tons of them.”
“Me too. I’m a clinger, although Kade enjoys that one. At least when I’m the one doing it to him.” She winks at me. Yeah, they cling to each other all day every day which is still kind of adorable.
“So not an imperfection?” I tease her back as she leads us down the hallway.
“You’ll have to let me know.” She nudges me.
“I don’t think your clinginess will bother me either,” I admit. “If you’re okay with someone who often gets lost in their own head and will forget someone is talking to them.”
“Is that why X’s staring doesn’t bother you? You’re lost in your head and don’t notice him.” I don’t know if she’s joking or being serious. “Because I would have smacked him by now if I was you.”
“I’m a healer.” I lace my tone to be extra sweet, making her throw her head back and laugh. I’ve thought about smacking him a few times, but he stays out of reach.
“What’s so funny?” My stomach flutters at the sound of his deep voice.
“Not you.” Collins tries to hit Xander right in the stomach as she walks past him, but Kade grabs her and pulls her to him. Her arm untangles with mine as she lets him take her. “We’re getting food, put me down.” Her protest is half-hearted.
“I can be funny,” X responds, actually sounding offended.
“Ha.” Collins barks a laugh. “Wait, that was kind of funny. You thinking you can be funny.” She wiggles to get away from Kade, but he doesn’t let her go. “Food.” She elbows him but he doesn't budge.
“I can cook,” X offers.
I shrug at Xander before I go to the kitchen. He’s not funny but I have a whole list of things he is. I wrote them down so I wouldn't forget and the list was confusing. I balled it up and threw it away because it made my head hurt. The same things I dislike about him are the things I like about him. It makes no logical sense in my head. How can I like that someone is grumpy? How can I still find it adorable?
“I’m serious.” X stomps behind me. I don’t have to look to know he’s following me. Those stomps are always hot on my heels.
“I’m starting to think you like me, X,” I throw over my shoulder. “I can’t turn around without you being up my ass.”
“I am not,” he defends, and I stop suddenly as I turn to face him. He almost runs right into me, proving my point.
“Show me how serious you are and make me something to eat. God knows I can’t cook.” I walk back toward the kitchen and smile to myself. “Try not to assault any fruit this time.”
He follows.
CHAPTER FIVE
XANDER
I look over my shoulder and see Kade walk with Collins out to the golf carts. Once the door closes behind them and we’re alone, I turn my attention to Lula.
“Okay that’s enough,” I snap, and it’s enough to stop her in her tracks.
She turns slowly to look at me and when she sees me standing there she crosses her arms over her ample chest. “Excuse me?”
I take a heavy footstep toward her and I see her eyes widen just a fraction as I move closer to her. “I said that’s enough.”
She rolls her eyes but then they come right back to me. “Look, you need to slow your mood swings because they are making me dizzy.”
“You have no idea how much you frustrate me.” I take another step closer and this time she backs up.
“Me? I’m not the one breathing down your neck while you’re trying to work. I’m not the one constantly grouchy just because I exist on this island.” She raises her beautiful chin in the air but it does nothing to make me lose my focus.
“I breathe down your neck because I can’t breathe when I’m not near you.” The confession falls from my mouth before I can stop it, but by this time her back hits the wall and I’m closing in on her. “I’m grouchy because you’re here and although I don’t know a damn thing about you, I can’t get you out of my mind.”
With her body pressed to the wall, I place my palms on either side of her so she can’t get away. Her arms drop between us and I move in so that my chest is pressed to hers.
“I’m not angry that you exist, Lula. I’m angry that you existed for so long without me knowing.”