Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24405 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24405 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
I cup a glass of juice between both hands and watch a pair of squirrels playfully chase each other up the thick trunk of a nearby tree. Adorably chattering at one another. Somewhere in the distance, I hear the distinctive sound of a woodpecker. Gliding on the air currents above me, the dark shadow of a hawk looms against the azure sky.
“It’s just so beautiful,” I mutter to myself.
I’ve never really thought of myself as an outdoorsy or nature girl, but I can absolutely see the appeal of living out here, among the trees and mountains. There’s a peace and tranquility that I’ve never felt in the city. People aren’t packed on top of each other. There are no horns honking, people screaming, or loud music in the passing cars. There is nothing but the gentle caress of the wind and the voices of the animals that inhabit the world around me. Yeah, I could definitely get used to living in a place like this.
I walk back inside and take a shower, giving myself a little time to luxuriate in the heat of the water cascading down on me. I’m still a little sore after last night’s exertions, but the dull aches bring a smile to my face with the memories that come with them. As I run my fingers through my hair and turn my face up to the gentle spray of water, my mind races.
The sex with Burke has been amazing. It’s been mind-blowing. It’s been everything I’ve fantasized about my entire life… and more. It’s way better than the porn I’ve watched. He has literally fulfilled every fantasy I’ve ever had—and introduced me to some new ones. In some of the porn I’ve watched, some of the women call the men ‘Daddy’, and the men seem to like it, so I decided to try it on Burke. He seemed to like it a lot, which made it even hotter for me.
But I realize this isn’t just a physical thing for me. As much as I enjoy sex with Burke, there’s something more for me. The more I learn about him, the more I start to care about him. But I don’t know if he feels the same way. The occasional glint of connection in his eyes makes me think he’s feeling something deeper than just the physical. But it’s fleeting. The truth is, I’m not sure how Burke feels.
I didn’t sleep with him to trap him into a relationship. I can tell he’s been closed off to love and romance for a long time. He seems comfortable on his own. In his own skin. And I certainly don’t ever want to make him feel pressured or uncomfortable. But I am coming to care about him. A lot.
Burke is the most amazing man I’ve ever met. Thoughtful. Intelligent. Protective. Caring. Intense.…mmm, ’T.I.P.C.I.’ I might call him that. And he’s drop-dead sexy to boot. He’s shown me more care and love than anybody in my life ever has. He’s done it all without expecting a single thing in return. He’s the kind of man I used to daydream about when I was a little girl, but, as I grew up, I resigned myself to believing they didn’t exist. Burke is everything I ever wanted in a man, and more.
Part of me wants to confess my feelings to Burke. Part of me wants to share everything in my heart right now. But I’m not sure this is the right time. And the last thing I want to do is ruin what we have—whatever it is. Maybe what we have right now can grow into something more. Maybe it won’t. But what I know right now is that Burke is an amazing man, and I just want to enjoy this—whatever it is—as long as I can.
Reluctantly, I climb out of the shower and towel off, then pull on a pair of yoga pants, a long-sleeved t-shirt and a hoodie over that, then some socks and running shoes. I’ll be good and ready for a hike when Burke gets back. Walking downstairs, I pull my hair back into a ponytail and head into the kitchen. As I’m fishing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, I hear a car engine rumbling and the crunch of gravel as somebody pulls into the driveway.
My heart pitter-pats in my chest, and a smile, completely unbidden, crosses my face. It’s crazy just how excited I am that Burke is home. The man has a hold on me, and he doesn’t even know it. Not that I’m going to tell him. Taking a quick swig from the bottle of water, I set it down on the counter, then practically skip to the front door and throw it open.
I step out onto the porch. The smile on my face disappears instantly, and my heart leaps into my throat. Four men are climbing out of a black SUV and one of them I recognize. My stomach churns, and my legs quake so hard, it feels like they’re going to give out beneath me.