Total pages in book: 225
Estimated words: 218500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1093(@200wpm)___ 874(@250wpm)___ 728(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 218500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1093(@200wpm)___ 874(@250wpm)___ 728(@300wpm)
We’re in the parking lot of a nearby drive-thru burger place.
And sitting while eating burgers and fries, he tells me that having his independence back will make a huge difference to him. He tells me that the fundraiser didn’t cover everything, though, that Paul took on a loan for the rest.
“How much of a loan?” I ask.
“Twenty-eight K,” he says. “I’m gonna make the payments. I won’t let him do that. Things will be tight, but I can’t let him go into debt like that.”
“I got a ten-thousand-dollar bonus from work. I want you to put it toward that loan,” I say.
He looks surprised.
“I was going to tell you about it on Thursday. That’s why I came into your office before I went to the bookstore and…” I shrug.
“I was unapproachable,” he says. And then he reaches across and grabs my knee. “God, how have I hung onto you this long?”
I frown. “Don’t do that.”
He shakes his head. “My brother gave me a reality check on the weekend about you. Wasn’t the first time, either. I think it just took a minute to sink in.”
“A reality check?”
“He told me you were an angel, that I’m taking big chances by taking you for granted. He was right.”
“Tell me more,” I quip.
He laughs and then holds out an onion ring. I open my mouth and he feeds it to me.
After I swallow, I see a sober look on his face. He says, “Paul said everyone’s worried about you because I’m so closed-off. They can all see it’s taking a toll on you. I’m sorry. I’m gonna be better.”
I give his hand a squeeze.
We get back into the house and as I’m locking the door, he’s looking at me expectantly.
I raise my eyebrows in question.
“You’re more than just the person I wanna marry. You’re also my best friend,” he tells me. “No matter what. I love you and I don’t ever want you to forget how much you mean to me.”
“Stop being so gushy or you’re gonna make me cry,” I warn.
“If we don’t work out, Chloe, I just want you to know how much you being here for me through everything means.”
“Stop,” I say.
He doesn’t say anything for a minute. He’s searching my face. And now I’m wondering if he wants reassurance from me on the ‘if we don’t work out’ bit.
“You okay today? Better, or?”
“I’m hangin’ in,” I tell him.
“We’re gonna make it, I think,” he tells me. “If you haven’t given up on me, that is.”
Yep, he’s fishing for confirmation. For guarantees. And I’m feeling a little…numb. But he needs something here, so I answer softly with, “Of course I haven’t.” But my chin trembles and I think he sees the fear, the uncertainty in my eyes. I see it in his, too. But I see more emotion than I’ve seen, ever, too, and I’m hopeful that it means something good.
“If you change your mind and want to talk about the weekend, I’m here,” he tells me.
I nod.
“If you decide you wanna try that again, you can. I know how upset you were, but I want you to know that for now, those terms still stand. If you decide you don’t, I won’t push.”
“Okay,” I say after a minute of stunned silence.
“I still think we should sit down Sunday and talk about setting a wedding date. Talk about how we both feel at that point. Work for you?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I say softly.
But I’m not sure it does. I’m not sure of anything right now.
Seeming satisfied, he smiles. “Good. Okay, gotta go call my editor. Can I have a kiss?”
I lean down and kiss him softly. He holds my hand while I do.
“Love you,” he whispers.
“Love you,” I parrot. “I’ll transfer you the ten thousand for Paul now, okay?”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure,” I say.
Tuesday
After loading my groceries into the trunk of my Cherokee, I get the shock of my life. Because when I slam the trunk, I realize my SUV is nose-to-nose with Derek’s swanky Mercedes SUV. And he’s in the driver’s seat, eyes pointed at me.
I’m frozen in place for a beat when he crooks his finger.
I don’t think so.
By the time I’m opening my door, he’s coming this way, a tall drink of water in his leather jacket, dark jeans, and boots. I quickly get in and lock all the doors.
He raps on my window with his knuckle.
I shake my head and start it up.
He pulls sunglasses off his face and gives me what I think is a stern look as he knocks a little louder.
“Unlock the door and let me in, baby,” he orders, then he rounds the hood and goes to the passenger door and pulls on the door handle. It resists as I’ve already locked it.
I take this opportunity to put it into reverse and back out.