Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 131455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
“There's nothing wrong with that.”
“There is when you consider how many people don't love their job. But they still go, don't they? They don't use it as an excuse the way I am.”
Callum gives me a knowing look, “I think you've had more than enough reasons to be out of work lately.”
“I know, but things are better now.”
It's apparent before he even says a word that he disagrees. It's becoming easier to read his facial cues, primarily when his eyebrows draw together and his mouth screws up in a frown yet he doesn't say anything right away, I know he's weighing his options. Trying to figure out what to say without upsetting me. “I don't know if I could handle you leaving the safety of our home to go to work every day. I think I'd need to make sure you have a bodyguard with you at all times.”
That's funny. Right away, I want to tell him no. That I would be safe and he wouldn't need to worry. I don't want him always hovering over me, concerned and obsessed with my safety. Except, that's a lie. The Moronis are still out there, and I'm not going to lie to him and say it wouldn't give me all kinds of anxiety to go back to work, to park in the same garage where Tatum and I were taken. “Truthfully, I don't know if I want to play with that kind of anxiety. I mean, with the baby and everything.”
“That's understandable.”
“Still, I refuse to let this rule my life. I don't want to turn into a recluse who hides in her home, never going anywhere or doing anything.”
“I would never ask you to do that. I know I talk a lot about wanting to keep you here, however you need to be able to leave the house, to go out and do things.” It's refreshing to hear him say that and to know that he sees me, that I'm not just a precious jewel meant to sit on his shelf.
“It's not all bad. I wasn't ever really happy there.”
“I understand, and that's even more of a reason to quit. Whatever you decide to do for work should be enjoyable. Life is so much more than clocking in and out and waiting for the weekend to come. Take it from me, the years pass quicker than you think.”
A bubble of laughter escapes me. “You're talking like you're seventy-five.”
He wiggles his eyebrows at me, “I feel like it sometimes, and if I were, I'd be highly impressed. Seventy-five and catching a woman like you. That's not even mentioning the fact that I still have swimmers capable of knocking you up.”
“Oh my god, stop.” I playfully smack his arm. “Back to what I was saying, I feel bad keeping the position when I never go in. Someone who really needs a job could be working there.”
“You're right, but I've got to be honest with you. I feel like you're trying to convince me more than you're trying to convince yourself, and we both know I'd rather have you home than anywhere else..”
“Does that make me come off as a spoiled brat?”
“Is that what's bothering you?”
“A little bit,” I admit. “I was raised to appreciate the things you're given. Not to shit all over them and act like you're above others.”
“While I understand the sentiment,” he murmurs, propping himself up on one elbow, “I think you're being too hard on yourself. I've never seen you act boastful or full of yourself, and you're not some spoiled brat who thinks the world owes her something. You're someone who's been through a hell of a lot, and you need time to process that. We both know you don't really need the job, although somebody else might, someone without a safety net.”
A safety net. That's an intriguing way of putting it. “I don't want to become spoiled and ungrateful.”
“I've never met anyone less spoiled and ungrateful in my life, and I'm not saying that lightly.” He places a gentle, lingering kiss on the back of my hand that warms my heart… along with other places. “I've never met anyone as sincere, hardworking, and determined to do the right thing. In every way you're the opposite of what you fear.”
“You're only saying that because I'm your Baby Mama.”
His laughter rings through the room. It's infectious, and I soon start to laugh as well. What a shame so few people have ever heard him laugh or even smile. “I love you. Of course, I'm going to see all your best attributes. Remember, I'm realistic too. I'm not in the business of blowing smoke up anybody's ass—not even an ass as delectable as yours.” He playfully rolls me onto my side and whistles at the sight of it.
“Look all you want now,” I warn with a groan. “It's going to get all fat and droopy soon.”