Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 83070 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83070 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Carys: I’m serious. I’m great at ordering food online. It’s a hidden talent.
Me: I can feed myself but thank you.
Carys: I know you can. But sometimes it’s nice to have someone make the easy decisions for you. You’ve had a long day. It would make me feel good to order you dinner.
I stare at the screen with a lump nestled in my throat.
Me: That’s very sweet of you, but I got it.
Carys: Okay. Sweet dreams, Gannon. I’ll see you tomorrow in the purple dress.
Me: See you then. Good night. Xo
Carys: Good night. Xo
I drop the phone and head to the shower.
But sometimes it’s nice to have someone make the easy decisions for you. You’ve had a long day. It would make me feel good to order you dinner.
My chest warms and I find myself smiling in a way I haven’t in a long damn time.
Fucking stop being genuinely kind, Carys Johnson. You’re killing me.
Chapter Twenty-One
Carys
“Come in,” I shout, giving myself a final glance in the mirror. After all the fuss, it didn’t turn out too bad.
I woke up this morning with a great plan. A breezy brunch and long bath were supposed to set the stage for a fantastic evening. My body would be shaved, plucked, waxed and bronzed before Gannon picked me up. I had time. I was prepared … until I noticed how haggard my fingernails were from digging in soil all day.
Even if it meant rushing around, I got a manicure and pedicure. Thank God.
The front door opens and closes quietly.
“I’m in here,” I call out, applying a final coat of gloss on my pout. I tuck the tube in my purse and turn but freeze when my gaze locks with Gannon’s in the mirror.
My mouth goes dry.
He’s standing in the doorway looking nothing short of edible.
Five o’clock shadow. Hair styled perfectly. He slides a pair of Aviators off his face as he assesses me.
His body is wrapped in a slate-gray suit with a crisp white shirt beneath the jacket. He has foregone a tie and left the top of his shirt unbuttoned. A white pocket square and brown shoes tie it all together in a delicious, sophisticated but semi-casual way.
And in his hand is a bundle of bright orange peonies.
Oh my God.
“I haven’t seen you all week, and you warn me we’re on a tight schedule. And you have the audacity to show up here looking like a snack?” I ask, lifting a brow. “That’s some nerve, Mr. Brewer.”
He takes my hand and jerks me across the bathroom until I’m in his arms. His mouth is on mine before I can take a breath. Kissing, licking—his tongue exploring as if he’s reclaiming me for his own.
And. It’s. So. Hot.
I wasn’t sure which Gannon I’d get tonight. Restrained? On fire? Casually cool?
I’ll take super sexy, dominating Gannon any day.
Finally, he pulls away, and I suck in a hasty breath.
“That’s one way to say hello,” I say, grinning.
“Your door wasn’t locked.”
I flinch. “What?”
“Your door wasn’t locked.”
“No, that’s why I yelled for you to come in.”
“I could’ve been anyone, Carys.”
I roll my eyes and grab my purse. “Except, you weren’t. You said you were five minutes out, so I unlocked the door and raced in here to finish getting ready because someone keeps reminding me that we don’t have time to waste.”
He laces our fingers together and steps back, his gaze traveling the length of my body.
“You are literal perfection,” he says softly.
I laugh, blushing. “Stop it.”
His eyes lift to mine. “I’m afraid I can’t. Here.” He hands me the beautiful bouquet. “These are for you.”
“Peonies. I love them, Gannon.” My heart swells. “How did you have time to get me flowers?”
“I get done what needs to get done.”
I study his beautiful brown eyes and the emotions swimming in them. He’s nervous, I think, that I won’t like the flowers—which is silly. They’re gorgeous. But, most of all, I’m gobsmacked that he prioritized getting me flowers.
Who does that?
A ghost of a shy smile slips across his lips.
Gannon. Gannon does that.
“I love these,” I say softly. “It means a lot to me that you did this. Thank you.”
His smile grows. “You’re welcome. Now, we need to go.”
“Let me get these in water. I’ll be fast.”
I quickly find a vase and arrange the flowers. Gannon leans on the doorframe with his hands in his pockets, observing me quietly. Having him in my space is comfortable, maybe because he’s been here once before. I’m not sure. I only know that it feels nice.
Once I’m finished, he leads me through the house and waits patiently on the porch as I lock up. Then he takes my hand as we walk toward a large SUV at the end of the walkway leading to the road.
“This isn’t the vehicle you usually drive,” I say, distinctly remembering the car he drove me home in from Courtney’s was smaller.