Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 63214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“I’m a patient man.”
“Really? That must’ve changed. I don’t remember you being patient.”
He walked my way and stood a few inches away from me. “Faith, I let you go once. I won’t do that again. This time, I’m getting a second chance. This time, I won’t give up.”
The trees swayed, but there was no wind. It was almost like a bunch of squirrels had raced up a bunch of branches.
Snow crumbled and fell to the ground.
Daniel studied the trees. “I’m a little worried about you being out here with these weak branches. Maybe I should cut some of the branches that are near your house.”
“No. It will be fine.”
“Are you sure? It would be no problem. I drive by here every day.”
“I thought you live in West End.”
“I do.”
“From West End, my house would not be on the way to the police station.”
“I thought we already confirmed that I was stalking you?”
“Okay. That’s correct.”
Exhaling, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked around as if hoping to spark some other conversation. “Are you sure you’re fine out here?”
“I am.”
He gestured to my jailed snowman. “What’s that about?”
“Oh, no. I’m doing my artist thing.” I stirred. “I’m playing around with a couple creative ideas for a gallery showing this summer.”
“What’s it about?”
“I’m not sure. Jails and. . .” I glanced back at the cells. “And. . .the imprisoning societal. . .ideology. . .of mermaids and the spirit of Santa.”
“O-kay.” He pointed to Remy. “And the snowman’s penis?”
“You can see that through the bars?”
“It’s a pretty big penis.” He laughed.
“I didn’t do that. I mean. I didn’t make it that big.”
“Of course, you didn’t. I’m sure he did that himself. Let me know if you need any models the next time you carve another one.”
“Very funny.”
“What are you doing tonight?”
I’m going to compromise with snow creatures that I locked in a jail. Hopefully, we can come to agreement that they won’t kill me and I won’t melt them.
“I’m planning a nice evening inside tonight,” I said. “I have this book that I’ve always wanted to read, a nice glass of wine, and plenty of logs for my fireplace. It should be a nice Christmas.”
He licked his lips. “Do you need company?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m not worried about your mental health, Faith. Even though you’ve been hiding on this property for months and carving big penises—”
“I really didn’t do that.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’ve always been a little crazy. That’s what I loved about you.”
“Why does everybody keep saying that?”
“You’re an artist. They’re usually crazy, right?”
“Sadly, I have no real rebuttal. I can’t name a normal artist.”
“Would you like to go dancing this evening?”
I put my hands into my pockets. “Not tonight, but maybe another time.”
“How about I come pick you up and I make you an excellent Christmas dinner?”
Warmth uncurled in my chest.
How long had it been since a man romanced me?
“Daniel, thanks so much. I would like to take a rain check for sure. Nothing would make me happier than sitting on my behind and having your big, hulky-self wear an apron and cook a masterpiece for me.”
“I do wear an apron.”
I chuckled. “You do not.”
“I do. It’s green and brown camouflage. My son gave it to me last Christmas.”
“I bet you look cute in it.”
“Adorable and hot is what most people say. Unable to take their eyes off me is what they’re thinking.”
“I’m sure that’s the case, but I can’t tonight.”
“Because of this book that you really want to read?”
“That and the fact that I haven’t had a break from my girls in a long time.”
Nodding, he had that expression that he understood the single parent life—constantly complaining about not having a real break and then worried about them while they’re gone. With two boys, I bet he ran around after them a lot. And with him being a cop too, I doubted he had much time for dating.
“Yes,” I said.
He leaned his head to the side. “Yes? Yes, what?”
“Yes, I totally want to go out with you one night.”
“But not tonight?”
“No, not tonight. But I was just thinking that maybe we both need a break.”
“We do and you’re the only woman in this town I would want to spend my days off or any holiday with. You’re the one that got away.”
This was always Daniel’s style—full force, honesty with no chaser. I doubt he’d ever read a book about poker faces or even the subtle chess-like strategy of dating. When he loved, he did so by cutting open his chest, yanking out his beating heart, and putting it right in his lover’s hands for safe keeping.
It had been a long time since I’d been truly loved.
My heart broke as I stared at him. Did I even deserve a second chance with such a great guy? He’d done nothing, but love me and I had destroyed that. Even now, he remained right there, declaring his love.