Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Want to go around the mountain again?” I reply.
“Please,” she drags out, sounding so adorable.
“Anything for my baby.”
She squeezes her arms around me. I can feel her joy without having to see her face. I’m glad I went with this as our date.
I wanted to do something romantic but fun for our anniversary. I brought her here to the ski resort, knowing we could have the best of both worlds. In the last year, Zah and I have gotten so much closer.
I didn’t enter the draft, as my coach convinced me to put in one more year. Zah had been all for me doing what I felt was right for me. In the end, I decided to stay because I know we have a shot at the championship this year and I have the potential to increase my draft stock.
The QB competition would have been stiff if I left my junior year. I have a better shot at the first round after this season as long as I remain healthy. My life feels like it’s right on track right now.
I have a huge smile on my face as the sun beams down on us. Erica plans to come up tomorrow. When I told her my plan, she totally wanted to tag along. However, she does understand that this is a romantic occasion for us.
I caved and told her to give me this day and night before she joins us. We’re all still getting used to this new dynamic now that Erica is a student here. It feels good to have them here with me.
“I don’t want this to end, but I’m getting hungry,” I say as we’re halfway through another pass.
“You don’t have to say that twice. I’m hungry and I have to go to the bathroom. Maybe we can come back out after,” Zah replies.
“Yeah, that would be cool. It’s sick out here at night with the lights and everything. Although you might change your mind once you see everything else I have planned.”
“Oh, hurry. I know this is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see how you top last year.”
“Nothing will ever top our first time, but I did my best.”
“Fair point, but I’m looking forward to reminiscing on that night.”
“You and me, baby,” I croon and speed up to get to the rest of our date.
***
“That was delicious. A professional chef, I’m impressed, Bentley,” Zah says with a smile on her pretty face.
We’ve been having such a good time. Snowboarding for a bit, riding the snowmobile, and now a candlelit dinner. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
The chef I’ve hired comes over with the strawberry shortcake I had him make for Zah. It’s her favorite. I watch as her eyes light up.
“Go on, make a wish and blow out the candles,” I say.
She looks up as if trying to think of a wish. I chuckle and reach into my pocket for the gift box inside. I wanted to give her something special.
“Oh,” she gasps and then blows out the candles.
I place the box on the table, and her eyes go wide. I realize what this might look like and want to kick myself. Our fathers asked me not to propose just yet.
I agreed because Zah is only turning nineteen. I’ll be twenty-one and I feel like that might be too soon. Although I know I will someday.
“It’s not that. Not yet,” I murmur.
“Oh, okay,” she says and reaches for the box to open it.
Her face lights up all over again as she looks at the two-carat diamond earrings in the box. From the moment I saw them, I knew they should be hers. They’re perfect for her ears.
“Bentley, I love them. Thank you so much,” she sings.
“Happy birthday, baby.”
“You say that like you got me something different for our anniversary,” she says and looks across the table at me warily.
I shrug. “I couldn’t do my girl like that. I do have something else for you.”
“You really didn’t have to. One gift would have been fine. I’m not expecting you to get me something for my birthday and anniversary every year.”
“But you should, and I will. Let’s eat your cake.”
She shakes her head at me then cuts into the cake and slides a slice to me on one of the plates the chef brought over. He’s cleaning up to leave.
Soon I’ll have my girl all to myself. I spear my fork into the moist-looking slice of cake in front of me and lift it to her lips instead of taking the bite. Zah opens her mouth and takes the cake. I can’t help smiling as she smiles back at me while chewing.
“Mm, wow, that’s so delicious. It’s so moist,” she moans.
I can’t take my eyes off her mouth. She’s so adorable as she chews. I fork another bite and lift it to her lips once again, this time making sure to get more cream on the fork.