Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
“I’m glad you think so.” I sit up, scrubbing a hand through my hair and giving the screeching cat a moment of my attention. “Alright, Boo. I’m coming,” I tell her, only half-annoyed with her morning theatrics. Now, I’m going to work on winning over the cat, and by extension, her owner.
As I make my way to the kitchen, Boo persists with her vocal protest, but with some gentle words and scratches, she relents, allowing me to walk past. I fumble through figuring out how to work her coffee maker and get the coffee brewing.
The cat sits on the edge of the counter, giving me a look that says, “You’re so pussy-whipped.” And she isn’t wrong. I’m completely smitten with Leni. Head over heels, dive-in-without-regret kind of obsessed. I’m in this for the long haul, and she’s worth every bit of effort.
The moment she reappears, fresh from her shower, hair damp and cheeks flushed, it’s like the world rights itself again. She throws me a look that’s somewhere between playful and appreciative, and I hand her a steaming cup of coffee with a mock bow.
“Your morning potion,” I tease, watching as she takes that first sip and visibly relaxes, eyes closing in contentment.
“You keep getting even more perfect,” she quips back, and I can’t help but let out a laugh, setting my own cup down on the counter.
“Stick around and you’ll find out just how perfect I can be,” I say, grinning like an idiot. I’m resolved to make this thing between us work, to show her that she’s already essential to my life.
As we stand there, coffee mugs in hand, with Boo weaving around our legs, I admit to myself I’m in love with Leni, unabashedly and irrevocably, and this is just the beginning of our story.
Three weeks into this whirlwind romance with Nash, and I’m still wondering if I’ll wake up and find this was all a dream. Everything feels like it's falling into place perfectly. It's intense and blissful, and I’m savoring every damn minute.
My workday is coming to an end, and I can’t wait to get home to get ready for my night with Nash. This weekend, we’re going house hunting. I roll the thought around in my head, and my heart does this silly little fluttering thing at the prospect. Things are moving fast, but I couldn’t be happier. Even Boo is on board with the idea of us living together. She’s made it perfectly clear she prefers Nash’s scratches to mine.
I’m about to clock out, ready to flee the comforting chaos of the retirement community for the weekend, when my phone rings. The buzzing cuts through the shuffle of wheelchairs and the hum of afternoon television blaring through the common room. I check the screen and smile when I see Athena’s smiling face flash across the screen.
Grinning like a fool, I swipe to answer. “Hey, Athena! How’s it going with the Devils?” I tease, knowing full well her job with the professional hockey team keeps her on her toes.
“Busy! I swear I can’t keep up,” she breathes, a mix of exhaustion and exasperation in her voice. “One of the other therapists broke her arm playing volleyball,” she explains, and I can almost see her rolling her eyes, “so now I’m the only one working with the team.”
“Ouch, that’s rough,” I reply, my concern genuine but curious where this is leading. “Is there anything I can do to help you?” I offer before I can stop the words from slipping out.
“Actually,” Athena continues, dragging the word out like she always does when she’s about to ask a favor, “there is… Would you be interested in taking on a temporary gig with the team? Just until the other therapist is back on her feet?”
The question hangs in the air between us, and I lean against the counter, turning it over in my mind. Working with a professional hockey team would definitely look great on my resume.
“I mean, it sounds exciting,” I admit, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. “But—”
“But you’ve got your hands full with Nash,” Athena finishes like she’s reading my mind. “I get it, Leni. But consider it, will you? You’d be amazing, and I could really use your help.”
Her words settle in, clicking something into place I didn’t realize was missing. As much as I’m wrapped up in the magic of Nash and our plans, there’s a small tug at my insides that craves a bit of an adventure, a bit of a challenge. The kind that comes from stepping into something new. I love my elderly clients, but I’d love something more.
“Alright. I’ll think about it,” I promise, the corners of my mind already buzzing with possibilities. “Let me talk to Nash and I’ll get back to you.”
“Text me, okay?” she says, sounding more hopeful now. “Seriously, we’ll make it work.”