Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
I lowered my mouth to hers, silencing her rebuttal with a deep, demanding kiss. I wound my hand around the nape of her neck and tangled my fist in her hair, letting out a low growl as I gave it a firm tug. Her lips opened in a small gasp, exactly like I wanted, giving me even better access to her sweet mouth.
She ran her fingers through my hair, pulling me closer and returning my kiss with fervor. From the start, I had suspected the pull I felt toward hers was mutual. I’d felt it lingering under the surface for weeks, and if this kiss was any indication, Jules wanted me just as much as I wanted her.
I was becoming lost in a haze of need when I remembered Jules had something she wanted to talk to me about. It took some effort, but I managed to force myself to take a step back, ending our embrace. She looked up at me with disappointment in her eyes, making me momentarily regret ending our moment. I brought my hand up to her face, gently brushing the pad of my thumb across her cheek as I said, “There was something you needed to talk to me about.”
“Yeah, but you’re probably not gonna like it.”
“Won’t know until you tell me.”
“Promise you won’t get mad?”
“Can’t promise that, but you don’t have to worry. We will get through it.”
“Okay.” She took hold of my hand and led me over to the sofa. As soon as we were seated, her knee started bouncing, and she started wrenching her hands. It was clear she was struggling, but I had no idea why until she muttered, “It’s about James.”
“Yeah.” Just the sound of his name had me feeling on edge, and I could tell by the look on her face that the feeling was only going to get worse. “What about him?”
“Remember how I told you I left without saying anything to anyone and I’ve basically been in hiding ever since?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Well, being in hiding and basically not speaking to him for the past three years has made it difficult to completely cut ties with him.”
“What are you trying to say here, Jules? You still got feelings for this guy or something?”
“Oh, God, no!”
“Then, what is it?”
“Well, we’re... it’s ...” She lowered her head in shame as she finally muttered, “We’re still married.”
I didn’t respond.
Not because I wasn’t bothered by her news.
I was.
But it wasn’t exactly news to me. I’d known from the start that she was still tied to that piece of shit ex of hers, and I hated it. But I’d held onto the hope that she’d eventually gain the courage to do something about it, and now, it looked like that day had finally come.
She nervously raked her teeth across her bottom lip, then said, “I know I should’ve mentioned it earlier, but I talked to MJ and she’s going to help me. She’s preparing the papers, and it won’t be long before James is completely behind me.”
“Hmmm.” I kept my voice calm and steady as I asked, “Does she have any idea how long this whole thing will take?”
“She didn’t say.”
“Well, I’m sure she’ll get it all taken care of.”
“So, you aren’t upset with me?”
“I’ve got no reason to be upset with you, Jules.” I reached for her and pulled her into my lap as I told her, “You do what you need to do when you need to do it. This is your journey, Jules. I’m just glad I get to be a part of it.”
“Well, in case you didn’t know, you’re the best part of this journey of mine.” She brought her hand up to my face and rested her palm on my jaw. “You’ve made all the crazy worthwhile.”
She lowered her mouth to mine and kissed me with a kiss that was full of promise—a promise of tomorrow. I had no idea what my future held, but I knew without a doubt that I wanted Jules to be in it. And if that kiss was any indication, Jules felt the same about me.
It was a thought I would hold onto when trouble came knocking at our door and our entire world was turned upside down.
JULES
“I don’t get it.” Caroline pulled a sweater out of my closet and held it up to my chest. “You’re acting like you’ve never been around these people before.”
“I haven’t been around them all. Just the ones who’ve been out at the orchard. Besides, this is different.” I pushed the grotesque sweater away as I shook my head and said, “Everyone will be there. All the brothers. All the ol’ ladies. All the kids. All the significant...”
“I get it. It’s a lot.”
“Yes, it is.” Caroline put the sweater back in my closet and pulled out another. She studied it for a moment, then held it up until I shook my head. “And I’m terrified. What if they don’t like me?”