Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
I shook my head, amused. “No way, pretty lady. I’m coming in with you.”
She narrowed her eyes. “That is my daughter in there.”
I nodded. “A grown woman. Yes.”
Cherry spun on her heel and walked in, pushing the door partially closed behind her. I laughed low in my chest, her movements amusing rather than insulting. She was acting like a teenager sneaking home from a date and hoping not to be caught. I knew it was way too late for that.
“Morning, kids!” Chase sang out, appearing in the hall. “We got breakfast on the table. Come on in, Dom. No need to stand outside like a degenerate or something.”
“Dom was just leaving,” Cherry protested, the color on her cheeks high.
“Breakfast?” I said at the same time.
“Fresh cinnamon rolls from Lulu’s.”
“He’ll take one to go,” Cherry babbled.
I shook my head with a wide grin. “I’ll eat in.” I enjoyed seeing her distracted and trying to get rid of me.
Cherry huffed an impatient sound and brushed past Chase, hurrying into the kitchen. Chase met my grin with one of his own. “Good night?”
I shut the door behind me. “It was incredible, but keep that between us.” I met his eyes. “Be respectful. I’m trying to win her over.”
“Scout’s honor.”
I hung my head. “Well, I’m fucked.”
Laughing, he clapped me on the shoulder. “It’s all good.”
In the kitchen, Chase offered me a cup of coffee. I took it from him, looking toward the Gallagher women. Cherry and Hannah were talking, quietly and fast, their heads bent together. They were both gesturing, their hands flying around as they spoke, the motions similar. Cherry looked flushed and nervous. Hannah looked slightly horrified.
“You’re looking at your future,” I muttered to Chase. “Good Lord, that woman can talk. I had to get inventive in order to keep her quiet.”
Chase sputtered into his cup, side-eyeing me. I winked, not at all embarrassed.
“Shut up, yourself,” he muttered, pushing the buns my way. “Fill your mouth with one of those instead.”
I grinned, taking a bite. “Not as sweet as what I filled it with earlier.”
Cherry heard me, her head snapping in my direction. I winked at her. “Yes, Cherry G. I’m talking about you.”
“Well, stop it,” she and Hannah said at the same time. Chase laughed, and I joined in. They looked so alike, acted the same.
“Sweet buns?” he asked Cherry, lifting the plate. “Or did you get enough of Dom’s?”
Cherry’s eyes widened. I chuckled, and Hannah glared at Chase. Cherry took one, primly thanking him. Then she and Hannah began talking again, ignoring our presence. We sipped and chewed in silence for a moment, then talked about a few things on his mind.
Cherry tossed her hair at something Hannah said, and Chase chuckled. Cherry had a bite mark at the base of her neck, and Hannah’s eyes focused on the mark before she met Chase’s gaze with a WTF look. Chase winked at her, and she bit her lip, holding in her laughter. I was barely able to contain mine.
“What?” Cherry asked.
“Ah, you have a little, um, mark,” Chase said. “On your neck.”
She brushed at her skin. “Where?”
“The spot I sank my teeth into,” I said calmly. “It’ll fade. Until next time.”
Cherry’s eyes widened, and she looked at Hannah.
“Mom…” Hannah choked out.
Cherry stood. “I’m going to get ready to head home. I have a million things to do.” She practically ran from the kitchen. Hannah began to stand, but I waved her off.
“I’ll go talk to her.” I paused at the door, turning to speak. “I like your mother, Hannah. She’s incredible. You should come have lunch with me. Get to know me better. I plan on being around a lot.” I glanced down the hall. “If that stubborn woman will let me,” I added, flexing my shoulders. “I’m going in.” I flashed a smile. “If you hear screaming, no one is being hurt. Trust me. Don’t come in.”
Then I followed Cherry. I had a feeling that was going to happen a lot in our relationship.
Might as well get used to it now.
CHERRY
Late Wednesday afternoon, I sipped a cup of tea, resting my head in one hand as I relaxed back into the chair. I had cleaned my little apartment, done my errands and laundry. I was ready for the week ahead. Since I was working on Saturday, I had today off. I always liked doing my errands on the weekdays since the stores weren’t as busy as the weekend. My phone buzzed, and I looked at the text from Hannah asking if I wanted to come out on the weekend after work and help her with her garden. She was so excited in her new home. With Chase. It was obvious to me my daughter had fallen hard and fast for the young man. I had to admit, I liked him a lot. He was caring, hardworking, and as serious about her as she was about him. I could see the way he watched her. It reminded me of the way my husband used to watch me. There was an underlying intensity to the glances. A way of making sure I was okay if I wasn’t beside him. A longing to have me back and close.