Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 47200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
There’s no way I can sleep…not until after Brandon’s claimed me, and I’m in his arms.
Tossing and turning most of the night, it’s not until dawn I realize that if I’m on my left side, I think of Brandon.
And if I’m on my right side, I worry about dad.
On my back doesn’t work for me, it never has. So when it’s light enough to see morning, I reach for my phone out of habit.
Figuring I might as well just be awake and try my best to start my day as usual.
I always put my phone by my bed, and not feeling it there when I reach down this morning, it clicks.
It gives me a stab of sheer panic, but it clicks.
I must’ve left it at Brandon’s.
Hearing my dad up and about early, too, I figure I’ll just play it safe until he goes to work, then maybe go see Brandon about my phone.
It’s the perfect excuse for visiting him first thing.
And maybe seeing him about just one other little item of business...
My virginity.
If I was unsure about rushing into things yesterday, a sleepless night and the pleasant ache I still have down there are enough to convince me that I don’t just want it.
I need that man inside me, putting a baby in me and lifting me out of the life of boredom I know I’ll be doomed to if I stay here.
Could I live next door with Brandon, though?
I mean, even if dad’s okay with us, which I just know he won’t be. How weird is it gonna be being so close?
I know Brandon will want to talk about it, but before all the talking, I think today might just be the day this little virgin gives herself to the most amazing man ever.
My dad’s in a cheerful mood, which isn’t unusual. But compared to how he was acting last night, it’s a pleasant change.
I do notice how he doesn’t mention yesterday or Brandon, which is weird.
Seeing as he’s our newest neighbor and all.
“You got plenty going on today?” I ask him, our usual chit-chat over coffee and cereal.
“Yeah, I’ll be heading out to work on the Grigson’s tractors too after I finish at the shop, so I’ll probably grab a bite with them later,” he mentions.
I nod slowly, trying to stop the racing thoughts about Brandon from flooding my mind, but it’s no use.
He’s all I can think about, no matter what else is happening.
The ticking of the kitchen clock makes our usually short breakfast together feel like an age, and when dad takes his time having another cup of coffee, I feel like I’ll burst if he doesn’t leave soon.
Drink it on the way!
Just. Go. To. Work!
My dad’s far from psychic, but sensing my mood, or maybe he really does just have to go, he takes his mug with him, patting the top of my head as he passes me.
“I’ll see ya later then,” he says in a sing-song voice, sounding upbeat.
Sounding ‘normal.’
The same thing every day without Brandon. Do you really want to live like this?
“I’ll see ya,” I echo back to him, but hearing Brandon’s voice, too, I spin around so fast I’m surprised I don’t sprain my neck.
He looks past my dad just long enough for us to lock eyes.
The relief I feel at seeing him is mirrored in his features.
We both look like a couple who hasn’t slept, but when Brandon smiles, I get lost in his eyes. It’s like he can tell me so many things with a single glance.
But he’s quick to focus back on my dad, mentioning something about drumming up some more work for him.
“Thanks, big guy,” my dad says, crimping his mouth and shooting me an awkward look.
It’s almost like dad’s ashamed to even ask his best friend for help. It’s so sad, really.
I thought I knew everything about my dad, but the past twenty-four hours have changed so much.
I just hope Brandon knows what he’s doing…I know he does. He’ll make sure dad’s part of our future, too. I just know he will.
“Maybe we can talk about it later?” my dad says with a tone of embarrassment.
“I forgot I’ve got a job after the shop closes tonight, but we can catch up after that if you want?” he suggests.
I feel a little hurt when Brandon readily agrees, already feeling left out and wondering when and how we’re gonna manage time for what I really want from him.
But my heart lifts again when dad also remembers something else.
“Honey? Brandon asked me last night, but I forgot just now…Are you working today? Big B. might need a hand next door, maybe a grocery run. And what are you doing about a car anyways?” he asks Brandon.
Sidetracking himself and making me stifle a groan as he takes longer and longer to leave for work.