Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 89012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
“Because that’s how it works.”
He looks at the ceiling with his hands folded on his stomach. I could easily curl up beside him and place my head on his chest. It feels like that’s what I should do.
So that’s what I do.
I squirm over until my front is against his side. He slips an arm under my head and pulls it onto his shoulder. I drape an arm over his barreled chest and exhale the most contented sigh in the world.
We lie quietly, listening to the sound of the ocean and our breaths syncing.
Before I know it, I’m asleep.
THIRTEEN
Maddox
This will have to do.
I take a can of black cherry hard seltzer and crack it open. It’s the only alcohol in the house besides a bottle of tequila, which I find interesting. Ashley drinks tequila when she drinks. Who the hell drinks hard seltzer?
Surely not her ex. I snort. Nah, probably was him.
Despite being tired as hell, I slipped out of bed as soon as she fell asleep. She’s yawned on and off all afternoon, and I didn’t want to wake her. I didn’t want to lay there with my hands beneath me to keep from touching her either.
I almost lost it when she lay with me. Having her next to me, feeling her warm breaths and her heartbeat against my side, was almost my undoing. It was too fucking good. Right. It took everything that I had not to roll her onto her back and lose myself in her.
But I didn’t. I did the right thing. Somehow.
Every hour that passes and I manage to resist her is a feat. I’m not playing games with Ashley. I’m ensuring that she’s had time to really think about this. I’m not pressuring her. I refuse. If we go down this street, we’ll go together.
And I hope to hell we do.
I take a sip of the seltzer when my phone buzzes in my pocket. Glancing down, I see a line of texts from Banks.
Banks: How do you make macaroni and cheese?
Banks: Never mind. Jess and I are going for burgers.
Banks: I decided to wait until you get home for the stickers. Don’t worry.
Banks: Why do you have two pairs of tweezers in your bathroom cabinet? That’s weird.
Really, Banks?
Me: Why are you in my bathroom cabinet?
Banks: Hi. I was looking for peroxide. I cut my finger.
Me: You okay?
Banks: Yeah. Moss superglued it shut. Sounds be fine.
Okay, then.
Banks: How are things with you and your new wife?
Me: She’s currently blissed out in bed.
Banks: LUCKY BASTARD
I wish.
Me: What’s going on with you?
Banks: My shop is being featured on a YouTube show. They contacted me today to see if I was interested. Said they saw that Mustang we did for Larry Gerwald.
I smile.
Me: That’s great. I’m proud of ya. What did Dad say?
Banks: Haven’t told him yet.
Me: Oh. Where’s he at?
Banks: I don’t know. I wanted to tell you first. If you were home, we’d go grab drinks and celebrate.
Me: Damn right we would.
Banks: Go get back to your wife. Have fun.
Me: Will do.
Banks: Remember—if you can’t be safe, at least be good.
Where does he get this shit?
I take another drink when my phone buzzes again.
Ashley: Where are you?
Me: Downstairs. I grabbed a shower and got ready for dinner. Having a drink.
Ashley: Were you going to wake me?
Me: No.
Ashley: YOU LET ME SLEEP FOREVER.
Me: A little dramatic, don’t you think?
Ashley: Dinner is in thirty minutes.
Me: I know. I can tell time.
Ashley: Do you think I can get ready in thirty minutes?
Me: It doesn’t take thirty minutes to stand, put on your shoes, and come downstairs, does it?
Ashley: May I direct your attention to your first response to my question in this exchange?
Me:
Ashley: YOU took a shower. Got dressed. Probably brushed your teeth and hair.
Me: You’re welcome.
Ashley: MADDOX.
Me: What? I had time to kill. You could go to dinner with matted hair and dried-up drool on your face and still be the most beautiful woman on the beach.
Ashley:
Me: You’re just wasting precious time. Want me to come up and help you get ready?
Ashley: No. I would have earlier, but you made me wait so now I’m making you wait.
I grin.
Me: Oh, that’s mature.
Ashley: That’s rich coming from you.
Me: It’s our honeymoon, Birdie. Don’t be mad. I’ll make it up to you.
Ashley: Maybe. I might not let you.
I burst out laughing.
The sun is low in the sky as I stroll back into the living room. This place has an element of tranquility that I’ve never felt before. It’s like your worries and problems were checked at the airport. I haven’t thought about work once.
True, I’ve had other, better things to think about. But it’s unusual for me not to think about work at all.
I grab my phone to send Tati a quick email when I look up.