Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
“No. I mean, I guess I assumed with two pocket watches and the flowers, it would be on the larger side.”
“How about this? Once I get a look at the watch, I’ll work on a mock-up. Once we have it where you want it, we can place the stencil in a couple of different places so you can have a general idea of how it will look. The idea is that you love this and have no regrets.”
Air whooshes from her lungs. “Really? I know that’s probably a pain for you, but that would be great, Forrest. It’s not that I’m undecided. I’m just not sure. It’s hard to visualize, and this is forever.”
“It’s not a problem. I’ll make a few of the stencils, and we’ll place them. I won’t shave you down until we know for sure where you’re going to put them.”
“Isn’t that extra work for you?”
“That’s why Everlasting Ink is the best. We do what’s best for our clients. I promise you, it’s not an issue.” Not to mention I’ll get to have my hands on her. Yeah, no hardship at all on my end.
“Thank you, Forrest.” She reaches into her purse. “Do I pay a deposit or something?”
I wave her off. “Usually, but you’re family, that’s not necessary.”
“Oh, I don’t want special treatment.”
“Too bad.” I laugh. “You’re getting it, anyway.” I give her a look that tells her not to argue, and she nods. “Just let me know when I can get a look at that watch.”
“I’m going home now. I can send you a picture if you want.”
“You know, I’m heading out too. I could follow you home and take my own pictures. To make sure I have the details right.” I’m basically inviting myself into her space again, but she’s leaving and I’m not ready for her to go. I need more time with her, even if it’s just a few minutes to take pictures of the pocket watch.
“Don’t go out of your way.”
“I’ve got nothing and no one waiting at home for me. I’ve got lots of ideas brewing already.”
She gives me a beautiful, radiant smile that lights up her entire being. “I’m so excited.”
All I can do is return her smile. She’s taken not only my breath, but my ability to form words.
She stands from the chair. “I guess I’ll see you soon?”
I swallow hard, getting my emotions under control. “Absolutely. I just need to clean up here, and I’ll be right behind you.”
“Thank you, Forrest. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” She shocks me when she steps forward and wraps her arms around me. I don’t hesitate to hold her close. She pulls away far too quickly, and my arms feel bare without her in them.
I don’t understand this weird pull she has over me, but I plan to dive a little deeper and find out. I’ve never spent this much time thinking about a woman. I clear my throat before replying, “You’re welcome, Briar. We’ll keep working until it’s exactly what you want it to be.”
“That’s… perfect.”
You’re perfect.
“I’ll see you soon, Briar.”
She waves and walks out of my office. I jump to my feet and make one last check that I’ve got myself set up for my first client tomorrow. It takes no time at all, and I leave the sketches I was working on where they are. No way I can focus on them now that I have Briar’s ideas brewing in my mind.
I’m turning out the light and stepping into the hallway when Roman does the same a few doors down. “Heading home?” he asks.
“Yeah, well, I have to stop at Briar’s first, but yes.”
“Briar?”
I nod. “She came in to make an appointment and I was at the desk.” Not exactly true, but close enough. “I had my last client cancel, so I sat down and talked to her about what she wanted.”
“Something for the girls?” he asks.
“Yeah.” I don’t give him all the details, because that’s Briar’s story to tell. “She has a picture I need, so I’m going to swing by her place on my way home and take a look so I can start the sketch.”
“You stopping by ours for dinner?” he asks.
“Nah, I think I’ll head home and get started on this. You know how it is when there is a design in your mind.”
He grins. “We have the best fucking job ever.” He claps a hand on my shoulder. “You know you’re always welcome.” With that, he heads down the hall, and I follow him. We wave to Lyra and make our way outside.
My truck is barely in Park before I climb out and walk toward the front door. I knock and shove my hands into my pockets to avoid reaching for Briar when she opens the door. Then again, it could be Brogan who answers. Either way, this is the stance I’ve taken.