Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 20030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Oh, good, he gets it!
"And at the same time test our sexual compatibility while we're at it—"
Or not.
"Correct?"
Uh...no?
Totally not correct?
But I'm unable to say this, having ended up choking at his words.
I mean...no such thing was ever written on my list, so where did that even come from?
I take a deep breath, intending to remind him that Hope Rises would only allow us contact with Samuel if we pass the preliminary round. That's all the simulation is for. To improve our chances of having our application approved.
But when I look up and find myself drowning in the icy depths of his gaze, what I hear myself say instead is—
"Yes, that's absolutely correct."
I think I've just lost my mind.
"But on one condition—"
Yup, I've definitely gone mad.
"And that's for you to promise you'll only take my virginity on our wedding night."
TEN HOURS LATER, AND my mind is still reeling at how quickly everything moves when money is thrown around to smooth things out.
In the blink of an eye, my entire apartment has been packed and moved into his massive ranch just outside San Antonio. Emphasis on massive, with all of my belongings fitting only two of the twelve guest suites he has available.
I mean, really.
Twelve?
Does he know that's enough to operate a B&B?
My heart is torn between uncertainty and wonder as I look around the converted barnhouse that serves as his home. Industrial steel beams stretch across soaring ceilings while Persian rugs laid over polished concrete floors swallow the sound of my footsteps. Everything about this place is beyond luxurious, and when I think about how this could indeed be my home and Sammy's for the rest of our lives...
I feel like I'm where I belong, God.
But what I don't know is if things are happening according to Your timing.
Is it possible that we're moving too fast?
His estate manager, a kind woman named Penny, gives me a tour of the main areas. The kitchen alone is bigger than my old apartment, with restaurant-grade appliances and a marble island that can seat ten. The living areas flow seamlessly together, all dark wood and rich leather, masculine but somehow inviting.
I push aside my worries for now, focusing on Penny's earnest chatter about meal times and household routines.
After she leaves, I'm finally alone in what is apparently now my suite. The bathroom is a masterpiece of white marble and brushed steel, with a rainfall shower that's practically the size of a small room.
I'm standing under the hot spray, trying to process everything that's happened today, when I hear the door to the en suite open.
Wynd.
He walks inside like it's entirely natural to do so, and he just keeps walking even though I'm completely naked.
Wynd doesn't even try to look away, and even worse is how I can't seem to find the will to cover myself as he devours me with his icy blue eyes. There's something almost reverent in the way he looks at me, like I'm a work of art he's been waiting his whole life to see.
He joins me in the shower still fully dressed, and it's the sexiest thing I've ever witnessed, watching his white dress shirt become wet and transparent until it's clinging to his golden, muscled chest.
Water drips from his wheat-colored hair as he reaches for me, spinning me around before pushing me gently against the cool glass tiles. I gasp at the contrast of temperatures, with the cold wall against my heated skin while warm water cascades over the both of us.
He slowly reaches between my legs, and I completely lose the ability to think as he starts pleasuring me with his fingers.
H-How...oh my goodness, how?
How is it that even the strokes of his fingers as he brings me toward climax are also elegantly prec—
"Aaaah!"
Wynd's found that hidden nub of flesh, and I can only cry out, caught completely unaware by the overwhelming strength of my release. My legs nearly give out, with only his strong arm around my waist keeping me upright.
Afterward, he carefully turns me around to face him, and all I can do is shake my head, saying unsteadily, "No."
His gaze narrows. "No what?"
I look at him solemnly. "No, I will not let you seduce me into canceling tonight's arrangement."
For a moment or two, there's just silence.
Complete, terrifying silence.
But just when I'm about to seriously consider that we're already over before we've even begun...
Oh, wow, God.
Is this Your doing?
Has my future husband just learned how to...smile?
Chapter Four
WYND HAD DONE HIS DUE diligence before making up his mind about adopting.
He had done his research. Calculated the odds. And eventually considered himself ready to handle children.
But he was wrong.
And tonight was proof of that, with five children between the ages of five and seven racing through his once-orderly ranch house like tiny laughing tornadoes, leaving a mess wherever they went.