Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 94960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Pulling my hands from my pockets, I work through her words in my mind as my body straightens. I’m lost on the change of heart, or is it a revelation? “Why?”
“Because I wanted you to know that I’m sorry.”
“Why?”
I mentally scold myself for sounding so dumb. I’m not sure what it is about Tatum Devreux that makes me go stupid, but I really need to get that under control.
“I’ve pinned a lot of hurt on you, and the fact is, I need to take responsibility, too. I could have called you, Harrison. I should have.” As I stand in my victory for winning the verbal battle, her shoulders sag in defeat. I take the box from her because it’s starting to look heavy, thinking that might be weighing her down.
There’s no change in her body or her stance. “Thank you,” she whispers. I know what she means. It’s for the box. But she adds, “I wish I would have called you.”
Talk about a victory. I’m tempted to do a lap to celebrate, but not when it comes at the expense of her happiness. I hate that we keep getting locked in this weird purgatory state. “You mean that?”
She smiles, and I thought I knew what victorious felt like until then. This is a gold medal win, selling my first house celebration, losing my virginity . . . okay, we won’t go that far, but it feels pretty damn good to see her smile because of me. For me.
Nodding, she says, “We said we would start over, but this time, I really mean it. If you’ll give me another chance.”
“You don’t even have to ask. I’m not one to hold grudges.”
“I’m the worst about grudges, but maybe that’s something I need to improve as well.” She looks back at the front door and then to me again, and asks, “The party hasn’t started, and you’re already leaving?”
“Flowers. Natalie wanted more, so I told her I’d go to the florist around the corner to get them.” Checking my watch, I say, “I should get going. They’re closing soon.”
“I can go with you?” The question isn’t missed in the offer. “I just need to drop off the cake.”
“It’s cake?”
“The bakery was in a fender bender on the way over, and it messed up the cake. I offered to find another, and there’s this great bakery by my apartment.”
“That was nice of you. Saved the day.”
Her cheeks pinken, and she says, “I forgot my cape.”
“If you’re still interested—”
“I’m interested.”
I chuckle. “I’ll take this inside then and be right back.” I head up the steps. The catering company bustles around the kitchen, so I set it down and let them know before ducking outside. Natalie is working with the party planner on the table set up on the lawn, one long table with centerpieces of flowers running its length.
“Tatum brought the cake. I left it inside,” I say.
“Great.” Looking behind me, she asks, “Where is she?”
“She’s going with me to the florist.”
“She is?” Natalie asks, her eyes wide in surprise.
“She is.”
“Okay.” Her grin says it all, so I leave before any teasing begins.
I open the front door to find Tatum standing on the top step waiting for me. For me.
Holding out my elbow, I ask, “You ready?”
“Absolutely.” She takes my arm as we descend the steps together. Her touch is missed when we reach the safety of the sidewalk, but I’ll keep that to myself.
“I love this flower shop. They have such gorgeous arrangements. Did Natalie place an order?”
“Yes. I’m just the muscle.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got a great ass, too.”
“Didn’t know you noticed.”
She flips up the back flap of my black suit jacket. “You can’t hide that goodness.”
I don’t know what’s come over her, but she’s giving me whiplash. “Have you been drinking?”
Whacking me on the arm, she laughs. “No. I’m just trying to be more open, friendlier, and say what I mean. No boundaries. Basically, telling the truth and seeing where it takes me.”
I realize I’m going to like this new start to our relationship. I open the door for her. When she passes, I smack her ass. “Yours isn’t so bad either.”
The thrilling allure in her eyes has me wondering how I’m going to survive if flirting will be a regular thing between us. As for boundaries, there doesn’t seem to be any.
Fuck. She’s going to do me in.
Open. Fun. Willing. Sexy.
She’s everything she was back in Catalina.
I start moving a lot faster, thinking it’s best to get back before we get in any deeper. Our arms are full of bouquets when we return, and the decorator and her assistant get to work on the arrangements. Natalie is still in a robe with curlers in her hair, though her makeup has been done. She has a bottle of water, and Tatum grabs a glass of champagne before they head upstairs together.