Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“I’ve been kicking around the idea of opening an online store, too, except they take fifteen percent if you do one of those boutique-styles websites, or I’d need to hire a website designer and pay out of pocket. Between you and my friend Karol, the idea is there and simmering, a lot.” Kelsey doesn’t let on what she’s talking about, but if my woman needs help, she’ll get it.
“Start here, get a little bit of buildup. There’s no fee here. Maybe talk to that son of mine, though. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t know the half of what you’re capable of.” Mom holds Kelsey’s shoulders for a moment, then brings her in for a hug before she sets off to sit behind the counter at the cash register.
“Talon.” Kels keeps her back to me. I saw the deep inhale and exhale she took, relaxing for a moment. There’s no reason for my woman to take the weight of the world on her shoulders when I can help carry the burden.
“Yeah, siren, I’m here.” I wrap my arms around her chest, much like we do every morning on the dock. The back of her head drops, landing on my chest. I’m going to need to move this to the office and quick. What I’ve got to say isn’t going to be said in front of my mom the first time.
“I take it you heard all of that?” She tips her head to side, eyes meeting mine.
“Yep.” This time, it’s me looking over my shoulder at my mom. “You good for a while?”
“Get out of here with that talk. You act like Grandad isn’t right outside the doors, ready to whoop someone’s ass if you’re not around.” She sounds exasperated. Mom is also the one who would slap me upside the head had I not asked.
“I hear ya.” We share a smile while Kels moves to my side. I keep my arm around her shoulder, and we start our walk to the office together.
“This can wait. You don’t have to baby me.” I shake my head. The last thing I’m going to do is baby her when what she really needs is to hear exactly what she means to me.
“Siren.” A handful of steps later, we're in the office, my foot catches the door, and it closes.
“Really, Talon. I’m okay. Money will be tight, but I’m frugal, and I can pick up extra hours here and there. Your mom and my friend are right. I have a knack for painting oyster shells. Everyone loves them, or at least that’s what they say, and Grandpa Scott puts the bigger ones aside for me. Those I’d like to try and use as spoon rests or bigger trinkets.” She is pacing back and forth in front of me. I let her while she keeps at it.
“Take a breath, Kels. I’m not worried about a job. That’s the least of my concerns. I’m not with you for your work ethic. Fuck that. You want to work at Captain T’s right alongside me, game on. You want to paint oyster shells and make a living on that, I’m more than happy for you. I’ve given you the truth. Find a job wherever you want, and I’ll follow. It’s clear to me that we’ve gone hot and heavy, from zero to sixty miles per hour, and it’s time I lay shit on the line.” I cup her neck, thumbs sweeping over her pretty skin.
“Talon, we are not moving. I’ve got money. I’m a worry wart, that’s all. I’m not used to having two full-time jobs,” Kelsey interrupts.
“I’m going to give this to you straight. I love you, siren. You, not what you bring to the table. I’d love nothing more than for your head to be on my pillow every fucking night, your shit meshed with mine instead of you going home every morning. And soon, you’re going to have my name. I love you.” I lick my lips, ready to kiss her until she’s trembling with need.
“God, Talon. I love you, too, so much that I’m worried I’ll wake up one day and this will all be a dream.”
“Oh, it is, Kels. We’re just two lucky people to have found our dream together.” This time, I don’t let her respond. Instead, my head dips, and I kiss her, long, hard, and deep. By the time we leave this office, it’s going to be to head to my place, where I can show her exactly how much I love my siren.
EPILOGUE
KELSEY
Two years later
“You good, siren?” Talon asks me from the front of his boat. We’re both off today, and I asked if we could go fishing. Of course, he said yes, and I’ve already caught two keepers to his zero. I’m not going to rub that tidbit of information in his face, though.