Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Heat wrapped around us as if we were the only two people in the hospital, on the planet. His hard body pressed against mine, so strong and powerful, filled with an intensity that had me vibrating with need.
Too soon, Gavin pulled back, big capable hands cupping my jaw like I was some precious gift, instead of plain old Suzie. “I’ll see you real soon, Suzie Q.”
I nodded absently, my body so satisfied yet deeply frustrated from that kiss. It was too much but somehow not enough. I wanted more, needed more, but I couldn’t have it. Not now. Not ever.
Gavin disappeared through the door and left me standing there, back pressed up against the wall, fingertips brushing over lips that still tingled from his kisses. I don’t know how long I stood there, shocked by the intensity of the connection between us. Me and Gavin Ross. It didn’t make sense, but it was the truth. I felt it down to my bones, deep in my heart and to the depths of my soul.
Gavin was the man for me. It couldn’t work, and any attempts would probably—almost certainly—end up in heartache, but I felt powerless to stop myself from falling even further.
“No. Stop.” I tried to shake myself out of the stupor created by the romantic lunch, the great conversation, and that kiss that stole a little bit of my heart. “Work. You have work to do, Suzie.”
I had a full list of tasks I needed to tend to before I left JRMC for the day, which meant I couldn’t spend my time daydreaming about the sexy rock star I was in love with and having a child with.
As soon as I sat down and fired up my laptop, the phone at my side buzzed with a message. “Dinner. Tomorrow night. You and Drew at my place. Eight o’clock.”
I stared at the screen, stunned by his invitation even though I shouldn’t have been. Gavin loved his family, even though he couldn’t be with them often.
His next message came, almost as if he could read my thoughts. “Since we’re all going to be family, might as well get used to having meals together.” The added winky face emoji put a smile on my scared, trembling lips.
I didn’t know what to do or how to respond to the invitation, so I grabbed my phone, work forgotten, and went in search of Persy for advice.
For answers.
Gavin
“Stop pacing, boy, you’re making my heart act up.” Granddaddy turned away from the stove with a scowl, sauce-covered wooden spoon aimed threateningly in my direction. “Suzie will be here soon, and she’ll probably even bring her ornery brother.”
I nodded at his words, knowing they were true. Suzie had sent a message saying that she would be here at eight o’clock and it was only a quarter till. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“That’s a big piece of burnt bologna and you know it. You’re worried because you love Suzie, and you don’t want her to reject you or stand you up. Don’t worry, Zola and I will be on our best behavior.” His gaze landed on my sister just as she walked in through the back door.
Zola stopped and looked from Granddaddy to me. “What? Am I too late?”
“Nope.” Granddaddy chuckled and aimed his spoon at her with a smile. “You’re fifteen minutes early, which means you’re right on time. Take that wine out and the sparkling cider stuff.”
Zola nodded and opened the fridge to do as Granddaddy asked. “If I’m not late, why were you looking at me like that?”
“I promised Gavin we would be on our best behavior tonight.” His words held a hint of warning, which made me laugh because Zola and I were both adults, not answerable to him. “And we will. Won’t we?”
Zola shrugged. “Sure, I like Suzie. She’s smart and capable, a good boss who only wants her doctors to shine.”
“And her brother,” Granddaddy asked with a knowing grin.
Zola froze. “Drew will be here?” The deer-in-the-headlights expression on her face sent a hint of worry through me. “Why?”
“Because,” I sighed, “we’re all going to be family and I want us to get to know each other, get used to each other, before I have to hit the road again.” I didn’t even want to think about leaving for L.A. or going on tour. I didn’t want to be away from Suzie for so long.
Zola groaned and poured herself an oversized glass of red wine. “Fine. I’ll be nice and pleasant. Civil. For the sake of my little niece or nephew.”
“Thank you, Zo.”
At five minutes until eight o’clock, Suzie showed up with Drew scowling behind her. “Hey, Suzie Q. Looking good.”
She rolled her eyes but that signature smile was in place, telling me she appreciated the compliment. “Thanks, Gavin. You look good, too.” Her words were breathless as her big green eyes took me in behind the darker green frames of her glasses. “You remember my brother, Drew?”