Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 99960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
I was desperate to ask about her, and I couldn’t ignore the ache of jealousy I experienced over this woman who Jared McCulloch had wanted long enough to be with for six months.
When he returned, he was brooding, which worried me. Did he have real feelings for Sorcha? Had I fucked up something important for him by offering him a chance to save his farm? Had I inadvertently forced him to choose between the farm and Sorcha? Instead of sticking around to talk like he’d suggested, he changed back into his work clothes and went out to find Georgie.
He didn’t come home for the dinner I’d made. It was nothing special. I’d just boiled some pasta and made a sauce. I’d also burnt the garlic bread in his oven because I wasn’t used to it yet.
When it hit nine o’clock and he still hadn’t returned, I knew he was avoiding me. Sarah had told me a while ago that Jared kept early hours as much as he could. Early to bed, early to rise.
Not wanting to sit there like a little wife waiting on her husband to come home, I’d covered his plate with foil and left a note for him that the food was there if he wanted to heat it up. Retiring to my room that still didn’t feel like mine, I’d set my alarm for four thirty because I was determined to discuss important things with Jared. He would not avoid me tomorrow.
As soon as my head hit the pillow, thankfully, emotionally exhausted, I fell asleep. But my last thoughts before I drifted off were about my fake husband and where he was tonight and if he intended to sleep in his own bed like he’d promised.
Walking into the kitchen early the next morning, I found Jared braced against the counter, sipping from a mug of coffee. Light streamed in through the kitchen window. During summer here, the days were long; it started to get dark around eleven at night and light just after three in the morning. I slept with a sleep mask.
It was five o’clock and the sun was already shining, casting a halo around the back of Jared’s head. Until I moved farther into the room, I couldn’t read his expression.
His eyebrows rose at the sight of me. “You’re up early.”
“We have a lot to discuss today … so I thought you could give me a tour of the farm while we talk. You can tell me about your plans, and I can help make them happen.”
He appeared surprised. “You want to tour the farm?”
“Of course.”
“Won’t you be bored?”
I puckered my brow. “What do you think I do all day, Jared? Spend my daddy’s cash and laze around?”
He frowned at the bite in my tone. “Of course not.”
“Good. I might have a trust fund, but I also have my own money. I’m a successful artist and I get my inspiration from nature. I love walking and hiking and all the things. So … show me around.”
“Okay.” He nodded agreeably. “You want a coffee?”
I moved to the cupboard beside him, ignoring the way my skin prickled as my arm brushed his. “Yesterday, I bought some of this heather tea I’ve fallen in love with since moving here.”
“You don’t drink coffee?”
“Not anymore.”
I glanced into his mug as I passed him to boil the kettle for my tea. “You’re a black coffee guy?”
“Aye.”
“Good to know.”
He cleared his throat as he turned to me. “I … uh … I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t realize you were making me dinner.”
“It’s fine,” I said, more blasé than I felt. “Did you manage to heat it up?”
“I’d already eaten. Georgie and I went to the Gloaming for dinner and a few pints.”
Irritation pestered at me and I couldn’t look at him as I poured the hot water into my mug. “It’s not really a great look … you disappearing all evening the night after you’re married. People expect newlyweds to be all over each other.”
At his silence, I gathered the courage to look at him.
Jared scowled, then bit out a curse as he rubbed a hand over his beard. “You’re right. I didn’t think.”
And I didn’t want to think about the fact that after dumping his casual girlfriend, he hadn’t wanted to spend the evening with me. “It’s fine. I’m …you know … I’m sorry if I’m cramping your style here.” I gestured around me, indicating the house. “I could stick to my room if that helps.”
“No.” He grimaced. “Fuck, Allegra, I’m sorry. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable here. Yesterday was just … it was a lot. I’m not a man who lies to people. In fact, I’m known for being brutally honest. So … it fucked me up a bit and I just needed … I don’t know.”