Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
“Grab your purse, Zia,” he instructs. “And your phone. Text Josie so she knows I picked you up.”
“Okay.” The fact that he’s so adamant about me keeping Josie informed of my safety calms me. It’s over the top. I was with him last night while he told Chase his plans to spend the day with me and verified that Chase would let Josie accept my texts and respond throughout the day if I needed her.
I’m not afraid to go to Gabriel’s home. I’m only scared about what might happen to my heart if he spends the day being the perfect Daddy of my dreams. That is frightening.
With a hand on the small of my back, Gabriel guides me out the door. He silently takes my keys from me, locks my apartment, and then deposits the keys in my purse.
I feel out of body as he leads me to his expensive sports car, helps me into the passenger seat, and buckles my seat belt. I take deep breaths while he rounds to his side, hoping I don’t hyperventilate or start panting.
Gabriel is so suave. That’s the best way to describe him. He’s being just as calm and gentle as he always is. Does anything ruffle this man’s feathers?
I, on the other hand, do not feel calm. My stomach is flipping around, threatening to toss my oatmeal from earlier. It was the only thing I thought I could eat this morning with my nerves, and I didn’t eat much of it.
I tuck my fingers under my thighs and try not to fidget while Gabriel drives. My breath hitches when he reaches over and sets a hand on my bare thigh, giving it a squeeze. “Deep breaths, Little one. We’re going to have a fun day.”
He removes his hand to hold the steering wheel as he takes a turn, and I find myself staring at his large hands. They are twice the size of mine. What would he think if he knew he’s the first man who’s ever been so intimately close to me?
I haven’t shared that detail yet, and why would I? We’ve never even been on a date. Should I tell him? And say what? Uh, oh, by the way, I’m a virgin. I’ve never even been kissed.
It sounds ridiculous. I’m twenty-two. No one my age is so untouched. Like zero women. It’s embarrassing. Maybe this date will be awkward, and he’ll realize I’m too much trouble, and we won’t go out again, and then I’ll never have to tell him how lame I am.
Ten minutes later, he enters a gated community and then turns a few more times before he pulls up to a gorgeously manicured home. It’s white with black shutters. The flowers and bushes are beautiful.
“So pretty,” I whisper as he opens the detached garage that sits back behind the house before pulling into it.
“Thank you, Little one. I have an amazing gardener. I don’t have a green thumb myself,” he jokes as he pats my legs. “Stay right there. I’ll come around and help you out.”
He’s so chivalrous. It comes naturally to him. I find it impossible to believe he’s suddenly going to turn into an ogre at some point today.
Seconds later, he opens my door, helps me out, and takes my hand. “Let’s go inside.”
I love the way he holds my hand. He threads our fingers together like he did last night in my lap. It’s possessive and sweet. It makes my heart flutter.
We enter through the back door, and I’m immediately drawn in the second I step into the kitchen. Unlike the pretentious house my parents own, this one is welcoming. The wood is dark and warm; so are the floors. The counters aren’t cluttered, but at least it looks like someone lives here. His toaster is out. So is his coffee pot. There’s a mug stand next to it with mismatched cups that make me smile.
“I love your home,” I tell him as he pulls me through to the living room. It’s just as inviting. The walls are painted a warm neutral color. The furniture is plush with earth tones accenting everything. People sit on it. There’s an area rug on the hardwood floor instead of carpet that’s been vacuumed in rows too perfect to step on.
“I’m glad you like it, Zia.” He steps behind me and wraps his arms around me, hugging me to him while I look around. “Do you want a tour of the rest of the house?” he asks against my ear.
I shiver. “Yes.” Do I? I’m nervous. He said he won’t pressure me, but what does he expect from me today?
Threading our fingers together, he lures me toward the hallway. It’s a ranch-style home, so all the bedrooms are off the long hallway. He points out what they are as we pass. “My office. Guest room. Guest bathroom. Master bedroom. And…” The last door is closed. In fact, it’s locked.