Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
“That’s a tall order, isn’t it?” She snuggles against my chest.
“It can be. But I want to make it a reality for you.”
“You do?”
“Of course. I’m your guardian, after all.”
“Oh.” She drops her arms.
What did I say?
“Okay.” She steps back.
I immediately miss having her close. “Are you hungry?”
She nods. “Yes.”
“Please, have a seat.” I pull her chair out for her.
She sits, and I take the seat at the head of the table. I don’t even bother trying to look casual.
Mrs. Putnam walks in with the macaroni and cheese.
Vivian’s stomach growls, and I immediately start scooping some onto her plate as Mrs. Putnam returns to the kitchen for the chicken and dumplings.
“Eat up.” I scoop even more.
“That’s enough.” She laughs and digs in.
“Wait!” I take her hand, holding it still. “It’s hot.” I blow on the mac and cheese she’s got on the end of the fork.
She watches, and I can feel her legs fidget beneath the table. When I look at her, her eyes are on my mouth.
“Now.” I slide my fingers down her arm then release her. “Now you can put it in your mouth.”
Opening wide, she does just that. Then she moans. The sexiest goddamn thing I’ve ever heard in my life.
And right at that moment, I realize I am well and truly fucked.
8
VIVIAN
“I’ve never eaten something so wonderful.” I shove another giant spoonful of mac and cheese into my mouth, followed by a spoonful of dumplings.
If Ms. Morgan was here right now, she'd take my plate and send me straight to bed for my lack of manners at the dinner table. It didn’t matter that we ate off cafeteria trays at school; we always had to be very proper at the table. I don’t think Mrs. Putnam would ever do that. I’m pretty sure that woman doesn’t have one mean bone in her body. She’s gone out of her way to make me feel welcome here.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
I glance over at Griff, who is being very proper. I sit up straight and drop my elbow off the table that had creeped up there somehow.
“Are you not hungry?” I ask Griff since his plate is untouched.
“Starving.” He picks up his fork and takes a bite. He doesn't seem as excited about the dinner as I am. “Go on.” He nods toward my plate.
I go back to eating.
He watches me. “Tell me, did you have any plans for after you graduated?”
“Not really. I’m not sure what my parents had planned for me. We hadn’t discussed it in much detail. I think they were still fighting over whose college I’d attend.” I shrug.
“You didn’t have a say in what school you were going to attend?”
“No, it didn’t really matter to me,” I respond as Mrs. Putnam walks in.
“How is everything?”
“It’s wonderful. Are you not hungry? You should join us.”
“I nibbled while I cooked.” She places her hand on the back of my chair.
“Do you think that maybe next time I could cook with you? I have all these recipes I’d like to try.”
“I take it you like this one?” She lifts one of her gray brows.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I look at my plate to see I've already eaten everything.
“Sweet girl, I’m teasing you. We have more dumplings. Eat as much as your little heart desires.”
“You can have all the dumplings you want.” Griff spears one onto his fork and offers it to me.
“You don’t have to do that. It’s yours.”
“Open,” he orders. His tone leaves no room for argument. I lean forward and open my mouth. He feeds me the dumpling. I let out a small moan as I chew and then swallow it. I swear I hear a growl come from him, but it’s over so quickly I can’t be sure.
“There are lots of dips and things I’d like to try. You know, start small?”
“Dips are always fun. We can make whatever you want,” Mrs. Putnam offers.
“Really? It’s not too much of a bother?” Griff’s kitchen here is a dream. I’d love to learn to cook.
“You could never be a bother,” Griff says before Mrs. Putnam can respond.
“Not at all.” She winks at me before she disappears back through the door into the kitchen.
I’m not sure I believe Griff, but I also don’t think he’s someone that lies. I’ve already thought I’ve irritated him a few times. He’s such a hard man to understand.
“If you need anything, Vivian, all you need to do is ask. It’s not a bother. I have a staff that can run out and get whatever you require.”
“They’ve already done so much.” People have been coming and going from my bedroom all day to deliver things.
“It’s what they’re paid to do, and I pay them well.” Griff offers me another dumpling. I open my mouth and take it. I oddly enjoy him feeding me. It makes me feel special and taken care of in a way I’ve never been. If he keeps this up, I’ll never want to leave this place.