Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
“I know. Tomorrow night can’t come soon enough. You want to camp in this weather or stay at my place?” If I had it my way, she’d be living with me full-time, but that won’t be happening until a ring is on her finger, rightfully so too. Even if I am trying like hell to see her pregnant with our child.
“Your place. Our camping days are over until the cooler weather comes, like you’re hoping for, but that doesn’t’ mean I wouldn’t mind going swimming in the lake this weekend.” Fuck, that makes me want to take her down there right this very minute, strip the clothes she’s wearing right off her.
“We do that, it’ll be at night, the moon shining above us, lightening bugs in the trees, nothing but our bare skin, you dripping wet. Yep, you make sure you’re at my place, sugar. We’ll make that happen. You don’t even have to cook. I’ll do that,” I state, knowing damn well it’ll be a night for us to remember.
“Well, damn, you sure do drive a hard bargain. You know I’ll be there with bells on,” she sasses back to me. If Laney’s not careful, she’ll find herself tied down tomorrow night instead.
“Oh yeah, where are those bells going to be?”
“Dear God, I should be worried, what with the rope you always have on you and now mentioning bells. What’s next on your agenda, buying nipple clamps with little bells attached?” she jokes at that idea, but all it does is make me think of what I should do to her when I get my rope wrapped around her wrists.
“Now you’re talking. You walking around my house naked, clamped with bells, that’s something we might need to do one day, sugar.” I’m teasing, but if she’s willing, I have no problem getting online and ordering something like that for Laney.
“Great, me and my damn mouth.” She’s laughing, but I know she’s game for anything. She matches my adventurous side.
“You love it, and you know it.” A yawn leaves me, hating like hell that I need to end this conversation to get some shuteye.
“I do love it, and I love you. Get some sleep, and I’ll see you tomorrow,” she tells me.
“Love you, sugar. Sweet dreams.” We hang up, my eyes already drooping, but sure enough, there’s a smile on my face.
Fourteen
Laney
I made it to Creed’s before he got home from out of town, wanting to surprise him, but imagine what happened when I saw a contract laid out on his kitchen counter? One that would take him away from Hitchcock, this time for longer than a year. It had me moving faster than a dog in heat. My momma ignored the way I stormed back into the house, pulled down the attic latch, and grabbed a set of luggage, all with a saccharine smile.
“What in God’s creation are you doing now?” my father says from his seat in the wheelchair.
“Creed received a contract. If he’s leaving, I’m going with him. I love you guys, but there’s no way he’s leaving and I’m not going with him.” I throw two pieces of luggage down the ladder, watching them slide down so I don’t hit Momma or Daddy. Too bad they’re the only two pieces I own to my name. I’m contemplating asking them if I can borrow another set when I’m interrupted.
“Do you even know if he’s taking the job, sweetheart?” My Dad’s speech has improved by leaps and bounds. I know he’s happy to finally regain most of the uses he previously missed, mainly speech and walking without help. Though the walking is still something he does need help with.
“I’m not sure, but the rational side has left the building.” I climb down the steps. Momma is standing with her hands on her hips, a smile on her face. Daddy is just shaking his head at my nonsense.
“Leave her be, honey. You remember how it was when we were younger. The two of us thought we could conquer the world.” At least Momma understands.
“That may be, but I bet Creed would love to see this take shape.” I watch as he asks his phone to call Creed Montgomery.
“Daddy!” I exclaim.
“Hey, Mr. Spencer. I’m glad you called. I was just getting ready to pick your brain. It seems Laney isn’t answering her phone, and we made plans that she’d be here.” I hear the tiredness in his voice.
“Hello, you may wanna head over here. Seems she’s got a spur up her hind end.” If Dad’s speech is the only thing that got better, I’d call that a massive win.
“You don’t say. I’ll be right over,” Creed’s voice speaks up on the other end. With that, I watch as my dad uses his pointer finger, shaky at first, but he doesn’t give up.