Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 105756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
One good thing about Mam now being aware of Jonathan’s and my relationship was that I didn’t have to wait until she fell asleep to sneak over to his place. He’d found the entire dinner table confrontation hilarious when I’d recounted it for him, but I was still nervous about him running into Mam. She’d promised to adjust her behaviour going forward, but her version of adjustment might not match mine.
I ended up spending the night at Jonathan’s, and I only returned to my apartment the next day to shower and get ready for the road trip. Mam was sitting on the couch when there was a light knock on the door. I opened it to find Jonathan wearing his casual slacks and jumper ensemble, paired with a wool jacket, his typical outfit on non-workdays. I honestly couldn’t tell if he were sexier in a suit or in casual wear. I was partial to both, to be honest.
“Almost ready to go?” he asked, his voice low and husky, soliciting memories of last night and all the ways he’d made me scream and grip his headboard for dear life.
“Yes, just about,” I replied, pressing my lips briefly to his before there was a not very discreet clearing of a throat from behind me. I subtly shook my head and turned around. “Mam, would you like to come and say hello to Jonathan before we leave?”
She was up off the couch in less than a second, striding toward Jonathan and wearing her friendliest smile. “Jonathan, so nice to see you again.” She shook his hand while casting me a look as if to say, See? I can be friendly without being flirty.
Any other time, she might’ve pulled him into a hug, making sure to press her bosom to his chest, so a handshake was definitely an improvement.
“And you,” Jonathan responded before letting go of her hand. “I hope you’ve had a nice stay so far.”
“Oh yes, the apartment is just wonderful!” she exclaimed a little too profusely then seemed to realise she was going overboard as she amended, “I mean, it’s been nice. Thank you for asking.”
It was almost heartwarming to see her make such an effort, though I still wasn’t keen to prolong the encounter. “Well, we’d better get going. Mam, I’ve left my car keys on the side table in case you need to drive anywhere.”
“Perfect, have a lovely time.”
She retreated back into the apartment as I slid on my coat while Jonathan grabbed my suitcase. “Well, that wasn’t too awkward at least,” I said once we were out and walking towards the elevator.
Jonathan cast me a tender smile, and I noticed a set of keys in his hand I hadn’t seen before. I lifted an eyebrow in question. “What are those for?”
His smile turned to one of excitement. “Come on. I want to introduce you to my baby.”
Curious, I followed him onto the elevator, and he hit the button for the basement level. I’d never been to the basement before. Shooting him a cynical look, I asked, “I thought I was your ba—” Before I could finish, the elevator doors slid open, and Jonathan took my hand, leading me into a parking garage where a silvery black sports car was parked front and centre. He clicked a button, and the lights flashed on. Ah, now it made sense. The sports car was his baby. It was a good thing I didn’t get jealous of inanimate objects.
“We’re driving to Cork in a Bugatti?” I asked as I ran my hand over the sleek exterior.
Jonathan nodded, gazing at the car like it was his pride and joy. “Yes. You should be honoured. There are only a couple hundred of these in the entire world.”
“Well, that is rather impressive. Quick question.”
“Yes?” he arched an eyebrow as I stepped around the car to stand before him. “Will I be sleeping with you in our hotel room tonight, or should I resign myself to the cot while you make sweet, sweet love to your Bugatti in our bed?”
His lips twitched. “Very funny, smart arse.”
“What? I had no idea we were venturing into throuple territory.”
“Ada,” he said, voice low as his hand went to my bottom to give it a light spank, his mouth hovering above my ear. “Get in the car now before I bend you over the bonnet and—”
“Mr Oaks,” Larry appeared, having come through a separate doorway. “I hope you find the detailing to your liking. The company came highly recommended from several other residents.”
“The detailing is perfect. Thank you, Larry.”
“All right. Have fun on your road trip.”
“Will do,” Jonathan said and then rounded the car to pull open the passenger side door. “In you go,” he ordered, his expression still amused from my teasing. I tried to steady my breathing and pondered the end of the threat he’d been delivering just before Larry arrived.