Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18899 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18899 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 94(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
“Mom and Dad would have strokes if they heard their youngest little angel speaking that way,” I grumble.
“Changing the subject won’t help,” Cora calls over her shoulder as she heads to the kitchen to continue painting.
I’m in so much trouble here, and everyone already knows it. Once my heart overruled my cautious nature, all bets were off.
Every night, I head upstairs to our apartment above the bakery and expect to drop instantly to sleep, but my mind has other ideas. Even a cold shower and warm milk are failing to help me sleep more than a few hours each night. Instead, I lie awake staring at the ceiling while steamy fantasies run through my mind.
Between the busy days and sleepless nights, I’m becoming a little grouchy. I keep telling myself this will all improve once the bakery opens, but I’m not so sure. I’m scared that not seeing my hot bear shifter every day might hurt worse than the hard work we’ve been doing.
“I’m freaking done.” I drop my paintbrush into the sink and look over at Thorne. “My back is aching.”
Hunger fills his dark brown eyes briefly before he blinks it away and walks over to me. “Are you okay?” Lines of worry crease the space between his eyes.
“I’m fine.” I attempt to smile but it’s a lost cause. “Just exhausted.” I really need to get away from him before my inner hussy escapes and jumps his bones. My body might be inexperienced in reality, but I’ve jumped him hundreds of times in my overactive imagination. If the real Thorne is anything like his dream version, my girly parts would get quite a workout. Not that I plan to find out anytime soon. My pessimistic side pipes up and ruins my fantasy thoughts.
“I’ll walk you up to your door, then I’ll come back and finish this wall. I can clean up your brush when I do mine.” He insists on walking me upstairs every night after we finish, and I’m starting to read a lot into the gesture.
“Thank you.” I can’t turn down the opportunity for some alone time with Thorne, even if it’s only a one-minute walk upstairs. My sisters gave up two hours ago once they finished painting the kitchen walls. “Hopefully, Bethany and Cora showered shortly after returning to the apartment,” I blurt out the first thing that comes to my mind as we slowly walk up the tall metal stairs. “Our ancient hot water heater needs a long time to refill, and I’m tired of cold showers. If I have to take one more frigid shower, I’m going to scream.”
“My house has a great hot water heater.” Thorne rubs in his good fortune. “You can come by and take a long hot shower or bath any time you want.” Oh, man. I almost feel bad for my crabby thoughts. Almost. Confusion cuts through me as I wonder if I should take Thorne up on his sweet offer.
“I might do that,” I answer noncommittally. Before I make any decisions, I need time to see if this strong pull between us lasts past the Honey Buns’ grand opening.
Chapter 4
Thorne
Two fucking weeks after I started working on my mate’s bakery, the job is finally done. Last night, I finished up the last few touches while Mabel, Bethany, and Cora got the batter ready for tons of honey buns. Now, I only hope the town turns out to make their opening day a success.
My morning starts off with a fucking issue right off the bat when I get a call that throws a huge kink in my plans. “Good morning,” I answer when I see Momma Bear’s name flash across the screen.
“It’s not really.” My bear goes on full alert at the slightly distressed sound of her voice. “Papa Bear has a cold, and he’s already insufferable. I won’t be able to watch my sweet Angel Baby today.”
“That’s no problem,” I reassure my mother, knowing her day will be hell. Bear shifters are known for being bad patients. “I’ll ask Clay to take the little shit. He owes me a favor.”
“Don’t call my Angel Baby a little shit,” my mother hisses before hanging up.
I grab my phone and dial Clay’s number. “Hello, asshole.” My brother answers the phone on the first ring. “Finally decided to stop ignoring my messages and call back?” I forgot that I’ve been avoiding both of my brothers for the last week or so. My bear rebelled at the thought of another man coming into contact with my mate before I’m able to seal our bond. I’ve gotten him somewhat under control, but I’m still fearful I’m going to lose control today and beat some motherfucker’s ass if he gets too close to Mabel.
“I wanted to ignore your ass for at least another week, but I actually need a favor.” I’d rather eat dirt than ask my asshole brother for help, but I can’t disappoint my mate. This is shit timing for my dad to get sick. It wouldn’t be a problem any other day, but today is Honey Buns’ opening day. While I know Mabel and her sisters will handle everything with flying colors, I don’t trust the other men in town.