Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
“Yeah I was thinking about that and to be honest I have no idea. How does one approach something like that? Maybe start off with a joke?” he suggests shrugging his shoulders.
“Oh you mean something like, ‘Hey, I think your sperm made me.’” I try to dead pan that but as soon as it is out of my mouth, I am snorting and laughing so hard I almost pee my pants. Oliver is laughing pretty good himself.
“That is a good one but maybe not the best approach.” He looks at me once more before shaking his head and wiping tears from his face. When I finally calm down I somber up and look at pleading for some sort of advice.
“Seriously, what do I do?” I ask, shrugging my shoulders.
“Just be honest. I think if you just be yourself it will all come out the right way.”
“I guess you're right.”
“So what are you studying in school?” That is something I can talk about easily.
“I am studying to be an elementary school teacher. I figured it would work better with motherhood; you know.” He looks at me shocked for a second before turning back to the road.
“So you want a family?”
“I do. I want a big family.” I feel hair fall in my face and before I can fix it, his hand moves it from my shoulder and behind my ear. Goosebumps break out on my skin from his finger. I suck in a breath trying not to whimper but God, how can one touch send so many tingles through my body? “Thank you,” I say lamely not sure what else to say that won’t come out as desperate.
“Yeah. No problem. So are you going to go back?” The million-dollar question.
“I don’t know. Everything seems so unsure now.” His finger lifts my chin and makes me look at him.
“Hey, it is all going to be okay. I know right now everything seems lost and unsure, but it is only because it is all new. Once it has had a chance to sink in, everything will clear up.”
“You promise?” I don’t know why I am asking this man I hardly know to promise me anything but something about him makes me feel safe and like he would do anything to make it better.
“I promise, hazel eyes.” I lean into his touch and smile.
“Are you going to reenlist?” He hasn't mentioned anything about his duty, and I am curious.
“No. I was honorably discharged due to a medical injury during service. Plus, I would never reenlist while I have Natalie. So I am out.”
“I’m sorry.” He smiles at me. I love his smile. It's like opening a treasure chest that has been buried in the sand and finding gold.
“It’s okay hazel eyes. I am just trying to decide what I want to do next. Until then I am volunteering at the VA.”
“Why aren’t you married? Surely women throw themselves at you.”
“I guess you could say that. None that I have wanted, yet,” he says that last part looking right at me, and the signal does not miss my clit.
The rest of the ride is easy conversation. When we pull up to our destination, I begin to feel nauseous. “Maybe this is a mistake? I feel we should turn around.” I'm feeling like an idiot, but my nerves are getting to me.
“Look at me, January. I am right here with you, okay. You are not doing this alone.” I nod at him and smile.
“Okay. I’m okay,” I tell him to take a deep breath. He gets out and opens the door for me. With me in the lead, I walk up to the front door and ring it. I look behind me to make sure he is there, and he simply nods at me. I hear someone come to the door and I take a deep breath to fortify myself.
“Hello. Can I help you?”
“Hi. I am looking for Graham Parker.”
“Well, it must be my lucky day because you found me.”
Oh brother.
CHAPTER
SIX
OLIVER
Is this motherfucker serious? I can’t help feeling like she’s already mine. All my years of training recognize that this man is a threat to her. I growl and pull her closer to me. Parker puts his hands in the air and takes a step back in supplication.
“I see how it is, man. Sorry about that. Are you selling religion, or magazines? You’re too old for cookies.
“We aren’t together,” January says quickly. The way she says it rubs me the wrong way, especially when all I want to is to get to know he biblically. How the hell can I make that happen when she’s so quick to deny us.
“Right. How can I help you then?”
“Did you donate sperm in the late nineties?” January blurts and I have to force myself not to laugh.
“Excuse me?” he asks.