Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
I’d probably always be comfortable with Gage, in a sleeping bag, on the floor, outside on the ground, anywhere.
He knows when I’m awake because his embrace tightens, giving me a hug to start my day. “Good morning.” The thick, sleepy quality of his voice awakens more parts of me—very specific parts—but I’m not sure more sex is the best idea, not yet. Though I’m very tempted, I need to find my equilibrium first.
I understand deeply now why people say sex “rocked their world.”
“Good morning.”
He answers my greeting with soft kisses, on my shoulder, my neck, and then after turning me toward him, on my lips. “How are you feeling?” He presses his lips to the center of my forehead.
“Wonderful.” And it’s the truth in many ways.
“Me too.” His smile is so warm and genuine, I can’t help but smile back at him.
We talk for a while, nothing consequential, and he holds me all the while, seemingly in no hurry to let me go. Eventually, with resignation in his voice, he says, “Unfortunately, I have an early client today.”
But he doesn’t leave abruptly like Kai did. He showers, and doesn’t push when I decline his offer to join him there. After he’s dressed, he’s generous with warm hugs and lingering kisses, and I know I should stop comparing him with Kai, but it’s hopeless. Of course I’m going to; how could I not?
They’re both so important to me, and both so strong in their individual ways, yet very different. I’m incredibly grateful that they’re not making me choose between them, because I never could.
After Gage leaves, I shower and try not to think too hard about how I feel about everything that’s happened. Something tells me that I can’t sort out my feelings by making lists right now, and it’s better just to let things be.
Once I’m dressed, I go down to the hotel’s cafe for breakfast. Clare is there, talking to the hostess, and once she sees me, she invites me to join her at a table.
“I’ve already eaten, but I could always use another cup of coffee,” she explains.
“You probably have a long day.”
“I do, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. Sometimes I sneak in a nap mid-afternoon when things slow down.”
“Very smart.”
“How are you settling in?” she asks.
It’s a complicated question, because I’m not feeling very settled at all after my unexpectedly intense reunions with Kai and Gage, but for the purpose of Clare’s inquiry, I simply say, “Very well.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
“Thank you so much for offering me the room here. It’s lovely, and very comfortable.”
“Good, good.”
A waiter approaches with coffee, apparently anticipating Clare’s needs, and after a quick glance at the menu, I give him my order.
As my new boss mixes sugar from two packets into her cup, she says, “I know this job and your stay here weren’t anticipated, and I do want to give you time to settle in, but I’m also eager for you to get started as soon as you’re ready.”
“I think I’m ready. I still need to get a business wardrobe sorted out, but I can get started today, if you’d like.”
“Excellent. I can show you to your office when you’re finished with breakfast, and you can definitely ease into your schedule. Take some time for shopping and whatever else you need to do.”
Her generous and laid-back attitude, even though she’s obviously a very successful business operator, are such a surprise.
I always felt like Scott’s family, and sometimes even Scott, would give me the side eye if I so much as left work half an hour early for a dentist appointment.
We talk for a few minutes more, until my food arrives, and then Clare leaves me, telling me where to find her when I’m ready.
Suddenly starving, I dig into my omelet, which is delicious and accented with a few uncommon herbs, and I think of Thorn, wondering if this is another recipe he developed.
After my first few bites, I pull out my phone so I can check messages while I eat. At the top, there’s a text from Gage. “Last night was amazing. I hope you have a wonderful day.”
My body lights up with a warm glow, from my cheeks down to my toes. It was amazing. There’s no denying that. “You too,” I reply. It’s completely inadequate, but all that I can manage right now.
Eager to focus on something that’s easier to understand than my feelings, I quickly finish my breakfast, tip the waiter, and head upstairs to find Clare, who shows me to my office. It’s a much bigger space than I’m used to, well equipped, and with a lovely view of the resort’s lush pool area.
My first thought is that this job is going to be hard to leave when it’s time for me to return to reality. My second is that I need a bathing suit, stat.