Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Reading my thoughts, again, he murmurs, “I really want to kiss you.”
“So do it,” I breathe out.
His eyes ascend back to mine. “You sure?”
“Yes.” I swallow thickly. “I want you to kiss me.”
He doesn’t have to be told twice. One of his hands lands on the curve of my hip, and the other cups the side of my face. He’s a good half-foot taller than me, so he dips a little, and then his mouth connects with mine. The kiss is gentle at first, his lips brushing against mine. His tongue darts out, slowly gliding along my bottom lip, and I think he’s tasting me. His lips are the perfect mix of soft and strong, and when his tongue slides into my mouth, he tastes sweet, like the red wine we were drinking earlier, mixed with the icing from the cupcakes we had for dessert. Butterflies once again erupt in my belly, and I want to both squeal and cry because butterflies were supposed to be only for my husband, but now there they are, flying around for Brody over and over again.
After a few seconds of gentle kissing, he deepens the kiss, and my hands move between us, pulling on the front of his shirt, wanting him closer, as my tongue joins in, tangling with his. His hand glides up my side and cups the other side of my face, and I get lost in everything that is Brody Fields. His taste, his touch, the way our mouths meld together and move against each other as if we’re perfectly in sync.
When the kiss ends, he sighs softly, his forehead resting against my own as we both catch our breaths. “I had a really good time tonight.”
“I did too,” I tell him, meaning it. Lacey wouldn’t be thrilled to know that I’m already falling for the first guy I’ve gone out with. But I can’t help it. I didn’t realize how much I missed those damn butterflies until I felt them again after all these years. I know I barely know him, but I want to get to know him. I want to kiss him, talk to him, and go on more dates.
Now, I just have to hope Brody wants that too.
CHAPTER SIX
BRODY
I’ve never taken dating seriously. Sure, I’ve been on plenty of dates over the years, but none of them meant anything more than me having a good time. Aside from my family and Hayden, nobody has meant anything to me. When I was fourteen, my dad met Savy, and I felt real love for the first time. I saw the way someone acted when they put you first and considered your heart in the equation. My mom loves me, but her love has always been misplaced. She puts money and status and whatever guy she’s dating first. Hell, even now, she’s living in Florida with husband number four. I haven’t seen her in years, and she’s okay with that.
But Savannah Cartwright—now Fields—was different. She was the first woman to show me what love looks like. She was the first woman I gave my heart to, and she kept it safe, always putting me first. I watched her unconditionally and selflessly love my dad and me—and later, my brother and sister. I told myself I would never settle for a love that’s less than what Savy gave us—still gives us.
So yeah, I’ve dated, but I’ve never taken it seriously because not one woman I’ve met has given me an inclination that she could love me the way Savy loves my dad and my siblings and me. Until now.
I dropped her off at her front door, promising to call her tomorrow. That was two days ago, and I can’t get her off my mind. Our date was perfect, the conversation flowed, the kiss was mind-blowing, and the chemistry was off the charts. Unfortunately, I don’t think she felt the same. Because when I called and then texted, she never answered or responded.
“Still haven’t heard back from her yet?” Hayden asks, sitting at the table across from me, dressed in his suit with his espresso in hand.
“Nope.” I drop the phone onto the table like it offends me. “I really thought there was something there.” I shrug, playing it off. “Oh well, another one bites the dust.”
“I’m going to see her later,” he says, leaning back. “I’ve put together a better offer for her, as well as a list of available storefronts she could lease and move her bakery to.”
“She won’t go for it. That bakery means everything to her. She told me all about the assholes trying to rip it out from under her.” I glare at him even though I know it’s only business, and it’s clear Bree doesn’t want anything to do with me. She might not have felt the connection, but I did, and even though there’s obviously no future for us, after listening to her, I hate what Shea’s trying to do to her.