Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
After I executed a perfect three-point turn, we headed back toward Liam’s home. It was a gorgeous log and rock home, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw it come into view.
“Your home is so beautiful.”
“Thank you,” he replied.
I pushed the button to open the garage door and pulled in and parked like a pro. When I turned the car off, I felt the sting of tears at the back of my eyes. I had a life before all of this. I knew how to drive, I worked somewhere, I had to have had a family and I couldn’t remember any of it.
Liam had already gotten out of the car and was letting Piper out. When he saw I was still in the car, he walked over and opened the driver’s-side door. He leaned in and asked, “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Trying hard not to cry, I turned and looked at him. What would he think if I were to ask him to hold me. Would he think I was weak? Or that I was coming on to him?
Before any other thoughts could pop into my mind, he took my hand and guided me out of the car. He shut the door, cupped my face in his warm hands, and said, “It’s going to be alright. You’ll get your memory back and we’ll figure out who kidnapped you. I promise, Mallory.”
They were promises we both knew he shouldn’t make. But I smiled anyway, nodded my head, and turned to walk into the house. Liam stopped me, pulled me to his body and wrapped his arms around me. I buried my face into his chest and let my tears spill free.
##
The sound of Liam’s truck pulling up made my stomach flip with anticipation. I wasn’t sure why, since I’d seen him earlier this morning. I had occupied the time since he’d been gone with baking. I’d found a website I could add ingredients to, and it spits out recipes you could make with what you had on hand.
I’d been mentally exhausted after Randy left yesterday and had asked Liam if we could skip movie night, and he was so understanding. Even though I’d been tired, I’d still laid in bed for hours, replaying in my mind Liam telling me I was beautiful. The driving this morning had been another happy moment that allowed me to forget being in the basement.
Piper ran from wherever she’d been upstairs and barked at the front door, patiently waiting for Liam to walk in.
When he entered, he was carrying so many bags, I thought for sure he was going to tip over.
“Oh my gosh, what did you buy?” I asked as he walked into the living room and dropped them all on the sofa. After working on the ranch this morning, he’d swung by briefly to tell me he was going into Lewistown to get me some clothes and a phone.
“I paid Mrs. Grace to shop for me. I told her a friend from college was here visiting and had lost her luggage. I don’t think she believed me for one second. And I hope your sizes are all right.”
Taking in all the bags, I frowned. “I guessed on my sizes, but I’m sure we’ll be okay. How did she pay for it all?”
“I gave her cash.”
My mouth fell open. “You gave her cash to go shopping for you and trusted that she wouldn’t just take off with the money?”
He laughed. “Small towns, Mallory. I’m beginning to think you’re not from one. Besides, Mrs. Grace was my high school English teacher.”
It was my turn to laugh. “No, I don’t think I’m from a small town. I would never do that.”
“You only put down sports bras, by the way. She asked me what your bra size was.”
I felt my cheeks heat. “What did you tell her?”
“Told her I had no clue. Then she asked me what fruit they reminded me of.”
Now my entire body heated with embarrassment. “What did you say?”
It was his turn to blush. “I’d rather not say.” He quickly walked to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and took out a beer.
“Liam—tell me.”
His gaze went to my chest before he jerked it away.
Glancing down, I said, “If I had to pick a fruit for my breasts, I would say…” When he groaned slightly, I giggled. “Maybe…a big apple? Or a smaller coconut.”
Liam exhaled harshly before he took another drink. “To be fair, it was dark when I undressed you.”
“Of course,” I said, trying not to laugh again.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I said grapefruit.”
My brows rose, and I walked over to the fridge and opened it. He just happened to have a grapefruit. I took it out and held it up next to me, causing him to let out another tortured-sounding groan.
“Spot on, Mr. Sanders. You know your breasts.”