Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“I don’t blame you,” Nate says, not missing a beat. “I met her asshole ex. But I can assure you that I’m nothing like him and only have Paige’s best interests at heart. Something you’ll see once we get to know each other better. We’re leaving to visit my family in Dallas for my dad’s birthday, but once we return, we need to all get together.”
Ana nods, stunned, and even though I’ve seen the difference between Nate and my ex, right now, it’s even more clear. Where John only cared about himself, Nate genuinely cares about me, which means getting to know the people who are closest to me.
When Ana finally finds her voice, she says, “I can see how you got into her pants so quickly.”
“Ana!” I exclaim, unable to hold back my laugh because I get it—Nate is a smooth talker.
Nate chuckles and nods, and then the elevator dings.
“We have to go,” I say. “I’ll be back on Tuesday, but if you need anything…”
“Enjoy your weekend.” Ana leans in and kisses my cheek. “And next time you want to have office sex, remember that your office shares a wall with mine. You got me all worked up with all that moaning, and then I had to convince my husband to get me off.” She pulls back and smirks. “Have fun, you two!”
It’s not until we’re in the elevator with the doors closed that Nate bursts out laughing. “I like her.”
It’s like Nate knew I was nervous to meet his family. On the flight over, instead of sitting in the chairs or on the couch, he brought me straight back to the private bedroom, where he spent the flight pulling the stress straight from my body in the form of two mind-blowing orgasms.
By the time we arrived, I was so high from the orgasms that I didn’t have a stressful bone in my body. The only thing I wanted to do was curl up in bed and cuddle with Nate.
But unfortunately, the nap will have to wait because we’re only stopping at his place long enough to freshen up before we head to Dallas Steakhouse to meet his family for dinner. His dad’s birthday barbecue will be taking place tomorrow with their entire family and friends as well as several close colleagues, but tonight is his dad’s actual birthday, and dinner will only be with immediate family—and me.
Like Ana, Kira, and me, Nate, his parents, and two brothers all live in the same gated community, each home on a big enough piece of land that allows them a bit of privacy. My home is only on a quarter acre, but Kira’s and Ana’s homes are on several acres.
Nate points out where his brothers and parents live, and then we pull up to his beautiful ranch-style home that reminds me of a modern cabin. The exterior is framed with dark wood and complemented with the most gorgeous stone. He pulls into one of the two garages and places his hand on mine—something I’ve come to learn means to stay put so he can open my door.
The first time he did it in London, I was confused. The second time, I figured he was just being a gentleman and it would eventually stop. But Nate insists on opening my door every single time I get in and out of the car, and maybe my expectations are low after dating John, but every time Nate does it, I swoon that much harder.
“This is home,” Nate says when he opens the door and gestures for me to go in first.
The inside is just as beautiful as the outside with its exposed wooden beams and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. It’s not cluttered, but it’s clearly lived in. I spot several framed photos on his shelves, and my heart clenches in my chest because, unlike me, Nate has a family.
I scan the various pictures that are filled with laughing and smiling faces, and I miss my mom that much more. It might’ve only been the three of us, growing up, but Mom made sure I had the best life, filled with love and laughter.
“How long have you lived here?” I ask, setting my purse down. “It’s beautiful.”
“Sold my condo a few years ago and built this place. I wanted to be near my family.”
“It’s a lot of home for a single guy.”
“Yeah.” He chuckles softly. “I was hoping, one day, to have a family of my own.”
Of course he was, and he was planning to move her in here, near his family, where they’d live close enough to walk over to each other’s houses, to have barbeques and pool parties.
“Hey,” he says, palming my cheek. “It’s just a house…a dwelling.”
“It’s bigger than my place and closer to your family.”
“I don’t give a shit about the size of the house,” he says, locking eyes with me. “And you’re my family too.”