Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
The first time I stepped inside, it was almost like I could feel her. It was weird. But more than that, it was addictive.
I’d missed her more than I was willing to admit, and just being inside a part of the future we’d spent years planning was too much to ignore. So when I saw it was coming up for auction, I knew I had to make it mine.
I had some inheritance from my grandparents and with a little help from my parents, I secured a loan and managed to make it mine.
I was terrified that someone else would see the potential in the place and bid more than I could afford but it seemed my luck was in on auction day because I walked away the proud owner of the house that took up so many thoughts and conversations of my childhood.
It was a mess. It still is. But I’ve got huge plans for the place. I just need the time to make them all happen.
I knew I needed to start with the kitchen if I was going to make it livable. It had been empty for a little too long when the old man ended up in a care home and the kitchen was in an awful state.
I ripped it out the first day I got the keys and started drawing up plans.
I had an entire lock-up at my builder’s yard with materials I’d been collecting for years for when I owned my own house, and I had the perfect wood for the doors.
I’m proud of what I’d achieved, but until she laid eyes on it, I don’t think I truly appreciated just how good it was. And seeing her in the middle of it… fuck. I was not prepared for that.
“I… um…” I stutter, unable to find my words while locked in her stare. “Bedrooms,” I blurt, turning around and heading for the stairs.
I collect her bags before I start climbing.
Her light footsteps follow me, and I start to wonder if I just made an even bigger mistake, although it’s not like I have some elaborate master bedroom to show my future wife.
My steps falter as those two final words slam into me.
Gabriella is going to be my wife.
It’s what I always wanted. What we always wanted. She had plans drawn up for an elaborate Christmas wedding, her dress, the centerpieces, everything. I’m not sure what I’ve got planned is quite going to do it for her. But we both signed up for this and I can’t drop out. I couldn’t bear the look on my mother’s face if I were to shatter her dream.
My five older brothers are embracing this, so I need to man up and do the same.
“Shit,” she gasps, crashing into my back. One of her small hands grip on to my side, her touch burns to the point I jump away from her.
“S-sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“Bathroom,” I say, kicking open the first door, but I don’t hang around, it’s really nothing to look at. “Master bedroom,” I say, nodding toward the room I’ve been sleeping in which consists of a mattress on the floor and a single chest of drawers in the corner. “The rest are guest rooms, but it’s that one.” I nod again, across the hallway this time. “That’s got another mattress in it.”
I swallow nervously, realizing for the first time what little I have to offer my new bride. Maybe I should have at least bought one bed.
“O-okay, so w-where am I sleeping?” she asks nervously, looking between the two doors.
I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. Instead, I follow her stare and find my mattress laid on the floor and an image emerges in my head of the two of us on it, limbs tangled together and getting to experience what we never got to all those years ago.
My cock swells with the thought of finally being able to make her mine, but when I glance back at her, I’m once again hit with the pain of her leaving.
There’s no way I’d ever be able to go through that again.
I’ll do the marriage thing. Get the approval we need to buy this town and keep it safe for its residents. But I can’t fall for her, not again. If she’s not serious about this and walks away again, it would probably kill me.
“Well, I sleep in here. I guess the decision is up to you.” I turn to look at her, regretting it immediately when I stare into her blue orbs that hold me captive.
“Where do you want me?”
Sucking my bottom lip into my mouth, I sink my teeth into it.
“Wherever you're comfortable. Excuse me, I need to…” I don’t finish my sentence, instead I bolt for the stairs.
I can’t do this.
I can’t fucking do this.
Before I know what I’m doing, the front door has slammed behind me, I’m in the car and I’ve got the engine running.