Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38276 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 191(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38276 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 191(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
I glance over at her. “I thought you said you wanted a white picket fence. That might be hard to find with a beach front.”
Zoe laughs. “It’s a dream and in dreams I can have it all. In reality, I’ll probably live somewhere close to my dad or maybe even live in our house.” She looks over at me and sees my frown. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No. I’m just making notes so I can figure out a way to make your dreams come true.”
“What?” Zoe practically giggles, thinking I’m joking. I’m not. I’m dead serious. I’ve been making mental notes of all these comments so I can find her dream home. I want to make this happen for her—for us.
We end up spending the rest of the car ride making small talk about things we like or don’t like, the pros and cons of the city, and our bucket lists. There’s not a dull moment. When there is a silence, it doesn’t last long before one of us fills it. The companionship between us is comfortable. Nothing is forced. The conversation is easy and flows as if we’ve known each other forever. The only uncomfortable moment is when she brings up her car.
“Have you heard from the garage?” Zoe questions.
“Yeah. You should have your car tomorrow.” I hate lying to her. Although, this is not a total lie. I’m going to give her the new car tomorrow.
“I’m really hoping the bill isn’t astronomical. My dad said he would help me pay it, which is nice because I don’t want to spend the next few weeks working more twelve hour shifts to pay it off. Of course, it will be worth it to have my own transportation again.”
“It’s nice of your dad to offer to help you,” I respond. I try to push the conversation in another direction. I’d prefer not to have to stretch the truth any more than I have.
“Yeah, he was against me buying the car, but for the price, I couldn’t pass it up.”
I turn down a street and Zoe frowns. “I’ve never been to this part of the city. Is there a restaurant up here?”
“Mm-hm,” I agree, not really answering her.
I turn down another street, the one I live on, slowing down until I click the button on the garage so I can pull in.
“You brought me to your house?” Zoe asks in surprise.
“Yeah,” I tell her as I get out, walking to her side of the car and opening the door for her. I take her hand and help her down. Slamming the door shut, I lead her to the entrance of my home.
“I agreed to have dinner with you—”
“I’m going to cook for you in my house, Zoe. That way we can talk and get to know one another better.”
“Is getting to know each other code for sex?” Zoe mutters.
“Nothing will happen that you don’t want,” I reassure her.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she says dryly. I laugh, loving how honest she is. I kiss her softly on the lips. I tilt her chin so her eyes meet mine.
“You can trust me. I’d never hurt you, Zoe.”
“I am starting to believe that.”
“Good. Now let’s get inside so I can impress you with my cooking skills,” I tease.
She laughs again. I’m not sure I’ve ever met another person that is so full of joy. I’m certain I can listen to her laugh the rest of my life and die a happy man.
Chapter 18
Zoe
I’m as impressed with Callan’s cooking skills as he wanted me to be. Actually, the entire night has been the best in my life. He insisted that he do the dishes after we were done eating, so I told him I could at least dry them and help put them away. Seeing him out of his suit jacket washing dishes felt natural and surreal all at the same time. Callan grilled up steaks and baked potatoes. He let me put together a salad, but for the most part he was in charge. I kind of felt like a queen.
Now that dinner is over. We’ve ended up out on the deck, sipping on some wine and talking. I thought I liked him before tonight, but now I know I’m in big danger of falling for the man completely. A breeze picks up, blowing around cold air. Goosebumps raise on my skin, and I rub my shoulders, lost in thought.
“Are you cold, sweetheart?” Callan asks, reaching out to move his hand over my arm.
“The breeze is, but it’s a beautiful night,” I respond.
His fingers wrap around my hand. The heat of his touch feels perfect, like we belong together. I know that could be the wine talking—that and a combination of how great tonight has been. Callan walks me into the living room right off the kitchen and suddenly, butterflies come alive in my stomach as my nerves are suddenly heightened. I’m in his home and the physical tension between us is always there. I can tell by the way he looks at me that he wants me. I feel the same. I can admit that. The problem is, I’m not so sure that I’m ready for this next step. If I allow myself to fall for him and it doesn’t work out, it might kill me.