Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
His lips quirk. “You’re going to wash my hair?”
I nod. “Yup. On your knees, you giant.”
He chuckles as he lowers to his knees before me. “Yes, my little wife.”
I roll my eyes playfully as I take his shampoo and work it through his hair. Like he did to me, I massage his scalp and find that I’m unable to keep my thoughts to myself. “I don’t mean to scare you,” I say softly, and his lips curve up, rewarding me with those dimples I adore.
“I know.”
“But I’m not sorry either.”
He chuckles, moving his hands up and down the backs of my thighs.
“I know that too.”
I grin as I rub the back of his neck. When his eyes drift shut, his lashes kissing his cheeks, I only fall for him more. “Can I give you some advice?”
His eyes open again, meeting mine, and damn, he looks good down there. He leans in, kissing my belly as his fingers dance along the backs of my thighs. “Will I like this advice?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
His eyes burn into mine. “I’m open to it.”
I pull back to look at him. His blue eyes are serious but troubled. I cup his cheek. “Try.”
“Try?”
“Yeah,” I say, rubbing my thumb along his jaw. “Give us a chance. I know you don’t think you want a wife, but Coleson, we’re good together. Can’t you see that?” He swallows and doesn’t answer me. “I think you do,” I say, unable to keep it in. Something flashes in his eyes, and I almost feel like it’s agreement, but he says nothing, just watches me. “What are you thinking?”
His eyes search mine. “A lot.”
“Give me something,” I practically beg, stroking my fingers along the side of his head, continuing my massage. “What do you think about my advice?”
His fingers still on my thighs, but his thumbs still stroke my skin as his eyes burn into mine. “I don’t want to hurt you, and trying will make you feel things for me.” I press my lips together to keep from screaming that I love him. I swallow, the lump in my throat suffocating me as I try to continue my massage. “Things I don’t know how to feel.”
God, he is a stupid boy.
“So, you’re saying you don’t feel anything for me?” I ask, as calmly as I can.
To his credit, he doesn’t look away. His eyes stay locked, burning into mine. “I care for you greatly. But, Wife—”
“Eliza.” His eyes widen, his mouth pressing in a line. “I know my name makes you feel things. And guess what? I want you to feel them.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking for. I don’t know what is going to happen with my career, people will think less of you, and I can’t drag you down with me.”
I scoff. “No one will drag either of us down as long as we stand together.”
His eyes darken. Gone is the bright-blue hue, leaving only the deeper color that I’m so damn fond of. “I know you think I’m a good guy, but I’m not.”
“I don’t agree,” I say simply, and he groans in distress.
“Not this again.”
“Listen to me,” I insist, holding his gaze. “I get your apprehension, and I’ve seen the way people treat you. But Coleson, fuck them.” I tighten my grip on his jaw. “They don’t see how you make sure to bring me a glass of water at night or how you’re moving up building a wall around a toilet for me to make me comfortable. You made sure this whole place was a home for me. They don’t see that, but I do. And I know the truth. You are a good man. You are my man.”
His eyes widen and don’t leave mine. “You don’t want me.”
“I do,” I laugh, running my thumbs along his bottom lip. My heart pounds in my chest, and I can’t keep the words in. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Coleson.”
His shoulders sag, but I don’t allow that to hurt me. “Eliza,” he warns, his eyes pleading.
I trail my thumbs along his jaw. “Coleson,” I say softly. “I told you I would.”
“But you shouldn’t have. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Then don’t,” I tell him, begging him with my eyes. “I’m not asking for you to love me right this second. I’m not asking you to promise me a future. I’m asking you to try.”
He leans in, pressing his forehead just below my breasts, placing a kiss to my belly. He moves his hands up the back of my thighs to my ass, and I cup his head, running my fingers along his neck as I wait for his answer. My stomach is in knots, and my heart is a steel drum in my chest. I’m thankful for the shower, the water flowing over us as the tears I’ve tried to keep in spill over and run down my cheeks.