Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
“No,” I hurry to clarify. “Two years, at least. Maybe three! And he hasn’t broken anything in at least six months. Until you showed up, I’d given up on romance.”
She grunts, a very cute grunt that makes me wish we were back at my place. Naked. Or at least eating that amazing meal she had planned. Instead, the ingredients arrived just as we were preparing to leave, and went straight into the fridge.
Though, I probably could have left them on the kitchen counter. The apartment is freezing. Turns out garbage bags are even less effective at keeping a space warm than ancient glass windows…
“Seriously,” I add. “I’m not a manwhore, and tonight was amazing. You’re amazing.”
Her gaze softens. “Yeah? You still like me? Even though our perfect night ended in disaster?”
“I more than like you,” I say. “I’m just sorry we didn’t get to have dinner and arts and crafts share time like we planned.”
“It’s all right. The food will keep. We could try again tomorrow night if that…isn’t too soon.”
“Not too soon,” I assure her. “I can’t wait to see you again. This isn’t casual for me, Caroline. I want more than a one-night stand. Way more.” I want forever, but even in my love-drugged state, I know better than to say that part out loud.
At least, not yet…
But soon, maybe. The way she beams up at me, trust and warmth in her gaze, as she whispers, “Me, too,” assures me I’m not alone on this crazy train. Caroline is right here with me. And if we’re both feeling the same thing, maybe it isn’t crazy.
Maybe it’s just…meant to be.
I pull her coat tighter across her chest. “But you should head back to the hotel before it gets any later. We’ve been out here for hours. Let me call you a car.”
“No way,” she says. “I’m staying until we find him. I swear, I have a feeling he’s close.”
I grunt. “Maybe, but it’s almost midnight. Even if you head back right now, Millie’s going to wonder why you’re dragging in so late.”
“Not necessarily. I told her I was meeting up with an old friend from college. Old friends sometimes go for drinks and stay out until midnight.” She lifts her fist to her lips, fighting a yawn. “I mean, I’ve never done it myself, but fun people do. Millie doesn’t know that I’m not fun yet.”
“You’re the most fun.”
“I’m usually in bed by nine thirty,” she says, arching a brow. “Ten at the latest.”
“Hot,” I say, pulling her close again. “That means we could be in our pajamas by eight.”
“Or six,” she says, leaning into me with a grin. “Sometimes I change into my pajamas before I cook dinner, so I can have as much time in my comfy pants as possible.”
“Love comfy pants. Such easy access.” My hands drift down to her ass, squeezing it through her coat and dress. “Not as easy as a dress, but still good.”
She loops her arms around my neck. “I like the thought of PJ time with you.” She fights another yawn. “And not just because I’m tired.”
“That’s it, I’m calling a car,” I say, reaching into my coat pocket. “We have to get you in bed ASAP. You’re filming tomorrow.”
“But I don’t have to do a competition or anything,” she says. “I just have to lay on a table and get massaged. I don’t need sleep to do that. I want to stay. I hate the thought of you out here alone in the middle of the night.”
“I’ll be fine,” I say, pulling up the car service app.
“No, don’t. Seriously.” She lunges for the phone, which I easily pull out of her reach. “What about muggers? You could be robbed and shot, and I’ll never forgive myself.”
“I won’t be robbed or shot. This is a very safe neighborhood, and I’m bigger than ninety percent of muggers and thieves.” I tap the final button, confirming the ride. “There. It says Jamal will be here in…three minutes.”
She props her hands on her hips with a huff. “Bigger doesn’t matter when the other guy has a gun.”
“Safe neighborhood, remember?” I take her hand. “And I won’t stay out much longer, I promise. I don’t have to be on set as early as the contestants, but I told Ainsley I’d be there by the time the losers’ competition starts. I can’t afford to stay out all night, either.” I sigh. “And I have to find something thicker than a trash bag to cover that window until I can get someone to replace it, or my heating bill will be through the roof.”
She squeezes my fingers. “Maybe try propping some pillows against the bag or something? That way Greg could still push through and get in if he found his way home. He might get tired of the mean streets and come back on his own, you know.”