Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22648 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22648 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
With everything that happened with Geoff and the harassment, I had no desire to do anything to enhance my looks. I got no joy from dressing up or looking cute because all I wanted to do was disappear.
Now, though, it feels like I’m rebelling against Geoff and what he did to me. There’s even a part of me that wants to look nice for Spencer. Not only do I feel it's safe to be myself here, but I want him to see the real me.
I put on a white summer dress that’s got little baby ducks on it. It’s one of my favorites because they appear to be yellow dots until you take a closer look.
Originally it was strapless, but I'd added some material to the bottom to make it twirl better and then used some of the leftovers to make straps. It’s all for show because the top fits snugly before flaring at the waist.
After finding my matching hair clip, I pull part of my hair up before adding a few touches of makeup. Once I’m ready, I go find Spencer.
It’s a strange feeling, but I'm missing him. I know I shouldn't because we hardly know each other. Between this and the jealousy of thinking about him with another woman, I know my heart is venturing into unknown territory. Months ago, these feelings wouldn’t have been so scary. I would’ve been excited about the possibility of a crush. Now I'm apprehensive of everything.
I take a deep breath and remind myself that I’m safe, and Spencer is safe. I’m not going to let Geoff and what he’s done to me ruin something really special. He’s taken a lot from me, but I won’t let him take this.
“It smells good,” I say when I enter the kitchen area.
“How do you like your…” Spencer trails off as he glances over his shoulder at me. His jaw slackens as his eyes move up and down my body, and I take a little pride in seeing the desire there.
“Eggs?” I offer, trying not to laugh.
“Yeah.” He blinks a few times before shaking his head slightly. It’s like he’s trying to shake away a fog as he clears his throat. “Um, yeah. Eggs. Right, how do you like your eggs?”
“Don’t tease me. I know it’s childish, but I like them scrambled with lots of cheese.”
“Childish? I would never call you that. Besides, it sounds good. I think I’ll do mine the same.” He winks at me before he starts to crack the eggs. “I love your dress. It suits you.”
“Thanks,” I manage to say without doing a happy dance like the dork that I am. "Can I help with anything?"
"I’ve got it. Come sit down." He nods to one of the chairs at the kitchen island. "How are you feeling today?"
“Rested,” I say dreamily, and I mean it.
“Good. I’m sure it’s been stressful.” I nod in agreement. “You don’t need any more stress, so if you want or need to ask me anything, you can.”
I sit up a bit straighter. “What makes you say that?”
“Part of being a good lawyer is reading people.”
“That makes sense.”
Spencer places a glass of orange juice in front of me. “So ask,” he says patiently.
“You’re very direct.” I shift in my seat, and I can already feel my cheeks heating. I like that he’s bold.
“It works for me.” Probably because he’s honest and good. He waits a beat before raising an eyebrow. “So?”
“How have you never cuddled someone?” I blurt it out.
His smile is big, like he’s not at all shocked by the question. “I was a dork in high school.”
“But not in college?” He would have been past those awkward years at that point.
“I suppose I’m a romantic. I didn’t love the attention I got from women after I got more attractive. It didn’t sit well for me for someone to want me because of how I looked.”
“I hope you don’t think I—”
“No, Abbie,” he says softly, cutting me off. “You’re different.”
“Different?” I’ve heard that on more than one occasion.
“Different in the best way possible.”
Oh, well no one ever said it like that before. I kind of love it.
Chapter Eight
SPENCER
There’s a small farmers market in town, and after we have breakfast, I ask Abbie if she wants to go. From everything she’s told me, she’s been isolated in that small apartment for months, and I had a feeling she might enjoy the sunshine.
I could tell her first reaction was to say no, but I stayed quiet and gave her a moment to think it over. That’s when I saw her expression change to excitement, and she said she’d love to. Maybe it was knowing I’d be with her the whole time or that we’re safe out here away from the city. Either way, I loved seeing her eyes light up.