Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
“No. It’s just . . . there. Marks to remind me my life was spared.”
“Do you get tired of talking about the accident?”
“Sure, it’s been a hot topic. Now, not many are interested.” I lie on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as I stretch my legs out. It’s a balancing act, but it makes me smile with our bodies like this. “I can tell my best friend anything, anytime, and she checks on me regularly, but the accident has started to fade a bit, like the scars.”
The breadth of his hands extends across my back. The size difference is as obvious as our full bodies in comparison. He rubs my back, giving me comfort from his embrace. “I’d like to hear about it, whatever you want to share.”
I don’t know why I tear up, but my emotions overwhelm me. After taking a moment to collect myself, I finally say, “You mentioned other jobs, but this was the first I’d had in years because the damage was . . . extensive. They didn’t know if I’d survive. It’s weird how that happens.” Another tear escapes and pools on his skin. “I never saw it coming, and it could have been over before I realized.”
His heart beats stronger, matching mine. I hate that I can be in his arms, the place I’ve felt safer than any I can recall, and still have the devastation of that day trying to ruin it all.
Still holding me, he tightens his arms. “You were meant to live, Poppy. You were meant to carry on with your life.”
“That’s been the hardest part. Carrying on like it didn’t happen.” I don’t fight the tears. I just let them fall. “And then I ended up here in your arms.” The smile comes naturally. “We’ve already said it before, but whatever got us here at the same juncture in time makes me believe the universe had a hand.”
“Destiny.” Laird kisses the top of my head. “There’s no other explanation.”
Lifting, I pull my arms under my chin to see him. “I can’t deny the hand that’s been played. I would have never thought my first job back would lead me to lo—” I catch myself. Not even two days, I’m quick to remind myself. It would be absurd to think love happens that fast. Even more absurd to tell a guy that I love him after such a short time. And . . .
He’s a rock star.
He’s a rock star.
He’s a rock star.
He has women throwing themselves at him all the time. Wouldn’t that just make me the next in line? Oh God, I’m a groupie. I mean, I’ve seen him in concert, so I can’t claim innocence. Just because I didn’t know what he looked like doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have recognized the signs. It’s him. HIM. Laird freaking Faris.
“Why are you blushing?” Caressing my cheek, he smiles, trying to do me in again. “Come on. Tell me.”
I don’t need a lot of convincing. “I just don’t know how I got so lucky.”
Our eyes are fixed, our hearts beating heavy in our chests that are pressed together. Sweeping the back of his fingers over my cheek, he says, “Trust me, baby, I’m the lucky one.”
His stomach growls, though I’m not surprised. We’ve had quite the workout and left foraging around the kitchen, eating nuts and grains, some fruit and snacks, basically anything nonperishable. “The snow was starting to melt this morning. I bet the truck can get us into town.”
“If you say for the catfish—”
“No shredded catfish.” A deep chuckle wracks his body, sending me rolling to the side. He’s quick to lean over me before I climb out of bed, and his smile loosens his cheek, but I can tell his seriousness by his eyes. “When you’re ready, I’m here to listen. I mean that.”
I cup his face, staring into his caring blue eyes. “Same goes for you.” We kiss in the middle, long and lingering before getting up to shower and dress. I don’t know why I feel lighter when I head for the door to the bedroom, but I have a feeling it’s about Laird and the safe place he’s given me to share my fears and insecurities. I sneak a glance at him just before exiting, knowing his arms will always be a haven for me even when we leave Deer Lake.
“Do you think my car will still be there?” I search the road ahead, trying to remember where I left it.
“Nobody was out in the storm, especially in this area.” He glances over at me. “It’s less populated with bigger properties scattered about.”
The snow drifts are still on the shoulders, but the roads have cleared nicely under the afternoon sun. We round a bend, and then I see it. “It’s there.” Relief washes through me as he pulls up behind it.