Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55395 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“Well, that’s life.” I close my notebook. Everything else will be ironed out once Jagger gets the ball rolling and the estimate sent over. I’m sure he heard me when I said I’d like to have real wood kitchen cabinets, preferably painted a sage green or light blue. I’d also mentioned butcher block countertops instead of the preferred granite or quartz most homeowners gravitate toward. I’m looking for homie and comfortable. I’ve dealt with cold and sterile enough while having nurses and doctors in and out of my life.
“Yeah, I’ll do a thorough walkthrough of all of that in a few minutes. The only hiccup we’ll have is checking the plumbing and electrical today. If you can work on getting those turned on in the next couple of days?” I look up, way up, and realize he’s crowded my space more than I realized.
“I can do that.” Tomorrow is my day to tackle the backyard. Monday will mean I’ll have a breather from physical labor. I’ll deal with those two items and maybe hunt for a job while I’m at it.
“Next thing, do you have a spare key?” Jagger asks. My back is facing the oak tree; I’m unsure of what to do next. Am I allowed to touch him? Is he allowed to touch me? I’m in uncharted territory, which really sucks since there’s so much I want to do. My breathing becomes shallow, my knees weaken, and I’m more than aware that my panties are saturated. Maybe I should add ‘use my toy’ to my list of things to do today.
“I do,” I stammer out, pulling my keys out of my pocket, where I have two on one ring holder. The lawyer, who, bless his heart, did way more than anyone else ever would. I figured since I’d been Dad’s sole caregiver, I’d have been privy to a lot more than what I was. Apparently, Mom’s last wish came directly from her. They put money away to deal with anything that could come our way. She knew, God, did she know how heartbreaking and time-consuming it would be watching Dad go through the process of losing the ability to do what he used to and not adding more to my plate.
“Alright, I’ll take it. Also noticed the lock gave you some trouble. We won’t change that out until a new door is installed.” I go about taking the spare key off the keyring and depositing it into the palm of Jagger’s hand.
“Did I miss the fun part?” Eleanor breaks the spell, and Jagger takes a big step back. A low whimper escapes me before I can suppress it. Damn it, Lyric, you are showing your hand, and to a man who is giving you mixed signals.
“Not at all,” I say, reviving myself from looking like a little girl who lost her prized possession in the form of a stuffed animal. The need to fidget takes ahold, so I swiftly put my unoccupied hand in my pocket.
“We’re all done here. I’m going to finish checking out the house, put the estimate together, and then head out,” Jagger states, giving his mom more information than he’s given me. That kind of stings. I turn my head, allowing myself a moment away to clear the sting I’m sure shows with my facial expression. I never could play poker for that reason alone; I wear my heart on my chest entirely too much.
“That’s good. No price gauging my favorite girl, Jagger Steele,” I hear Eleanor say as Jagger lets out a snort. I’m able to regain my composure and watch the two of them joke with each other.
“And never hear the end of it? Not me.” He puts his hand over his heart and smiles at his mom. Well, shit, I’m wholly underprepared for Jagger. Truth be told, I have been all along. The smirk, I could get past without my body turning into an inferno of need and desire. A full-blown smile, I’m done for. The world goes sideways, my nipples tighten, my pussy weeps, and there’s no way I can control them, either. Had I not realized my early slip-up, I’m pretty sure I’d let out a moan to rival all moans.
“A discount, then?” Eleanor teases.
“No, no, no. Please don’t. That’s completely unnecessary,” I interject, reeling from the thought and becoming mortified over the notion she’d even bring that up.
“Ellie.” I’m saved by Troy, Jagger’s father.
“Thanks, Dad. Saving the day per usual.” Jagger looks over my shoulder, giving his dad a subtle nod.
“Jagger, really, don’t do that, please,” I reiterate, making sure he knows I’m not looking for handouts.
“You’re good, Lili.” He realizes the error of his ways and clenches his jaw after using the name only Jagger used for me so long ago, and I haven’t heard it in just as long.