Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“That’s so weird. My guy showed up with my favorite drink and flowers. It was a welcome surprise and a first for me.”
“A first?”
“No one has ever given me flowers before.”
“Never?”
“Nope.”
Something happens. His eyes sharpen, and his chest rises and falls a little faster with each breath. “I’m glad I got to be your first.”
It takes all of my focus and effort not to squirm in my seat. Why are his words so… hot? “They were beautiful. Thank you, Legend.”
He nods. “You’re welcome.”
We make small talk throughout the meal. I’ve never had an issue talking with Legend, or any of the guys, for that matter, and tonight is no different. We talk about his client, who came in for a memorial tattoo for his little sister, and I tell him about the adorable little girl who got her first dental cleaning from me today. She was a challenge, but she left smiling and telling her mom she was excited to come back to see her new friend, Mo.
“That was delicious. Thank you.” I stand to start clearing the table.
Legend leans over and places his hand on my arm. “I can get that later.”
“Nope. We both worked today, and you cooked. The least I can do is help clean up.” I grab his plate as his hand falls away. He stands as well, and together we work in silence as we clean up from dinner.
“So, how about a tour?”
“Sure.”
He holds his hand out for me, and I take it, allowing him to entwine our fingers and lead me through the house. We’re not in public, and there’s no need to put on a show when it’s just the two of us. The intimacy of holding his hand comes naturally. “Not much to see, really. You already know I tore out the wall between the two bedrooms to make the master bigger and to fit a walk-in shower.”
“I remember,” I tell him as he leads me down the hallway.
“So, this is the guest bathroom. Not much. A tub shower, a sink, and a toilet. Nothing fancy.”
“It does what it’s intended to do, I guess,” I say with a short laugh.
Legend flashes me a wide grin. “You saw the kitchen and dining room area, as well as the living room, since it’s an open concept. All that’s left is the master suite and the laundry room, which is also a mudroom that leads out to the attached garage.”
“Well, show me this masterpiece, Raines.” I nod toward what I know is his bedroom door. “I need to see how the other half lives.”
He huffs out a laugh. “I might have gone over the top, and I’m aware that resale value on the house now that it’s a one-bedroom is going to suck, but I’m hoping the master suite makes up for it.”
“You planning on selling?”
“Nah, it’s just me. Well, soon to be us. Do you think we need more room?”
“It’s only a year, Legend. I think we can manage.”
“What happens when I drive you crazy and you need to get away from me? There aren’t exactly a lot of options.”
“One of us will sleep on the couch, or I’ll crash in my room at Forrest’s place, or with Emerson and Roman. Hell, I can even go back to my parents’.”
“No.” His voice is stern, and he’s shaking his head as if the idea is mortifying to him. “If anyone sleeps on the couch, it’s going to be me. I’ll make every effort not to piss you off so that doesn’t happen.”
“I’m sure we’re going to ruffle each other’s feathers here and there, but it’s all going to be just fine.”
“Monroe, this is huge. You’re giving up so much.”
“Not really. Sure, I’m out of the dating game for a while, but I’d already planned on that. You’re getting me out of my parents’ place. Essentially giving me more freedom. But I’m not struggling to pay all the bills on my own.”
“You won’t pay a single bill while you’re here.”
“That’s not fair, Legend. I want to help. Pull my own weight.”
“It’s nonnegotiable. You’re giving up so much that’s the least that I can do. Save your money. Blow it. I don’t care what you do with it. It’s no good here.”
“We’ll see.” I can feel a smile tugging at my lips, knowing that this is going to be something that’s going to ruffle his feathers for sure. No way can I just live here and not help out. That’s not who I am.
He holds my stare for a beat longer. “This is where we’ll sleep.” He pushes open his bedroom door, and we step inside. The room is massive, with dark gray walls and a gray-and-white bedding set. The furniture is all black wood. It’s very masculine and very Legend.
“That bed is massive!” I say, stepping next to it and pushing down on the mattress, testing its softness.