Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Again,” she tells the attendant, a determined look on her face.
The attendant quickly stacks the pyramid again and hands Lillian two more balls.
I cross my arms, and with the corner of my mouth lifting in a crooked smile, I watch as she starts to go to town on the pyramid of cans.
It feels like I can stare at her all day long, and I won’t grow tired.
By the sixth try, I ask, “Do you want some help?”
She narrows her eyes at me. “No. I’m going to win you the stuffed animal if it’s the last thing I do.”
I love how determined she is, and while I watch her throw ball after ball, I wonder how it’s possible this woman is single.
She’s talented, down-to-earth, fun, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Obviously, I’m still getting to know her, but she looks pretty perfect to me.
On the ninth try, Lillian focuses on the middle of the pyramid, and she finally gets all the cans knocked off the shelf. With a happy shriek, she throws her arms in the air and starts to jump up and down.
Christ.
My eyes are locked on her as I drink in her excitement. With a wide smile, she takes the stuffed animal from the attendant and turns to face me.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says, handing me the prize she won for me.
“I’m impressed with your determination,” I compliment her.
“Thank you.” She’s already glancing around for something else to do, and soon, I’m following her as she walks toward one of the food vendors. “Do you like fries?”
“I eat anything.”
While she orders a large fries covered in cheese sauce, I take a moment to message Eloise.
Callan: Can we postpone the dinner by an hour?
Eloise: Sure. Is everything okay?
Callan: Yes. I’m with a client, and the date might run longer than anticipated.
Eloise: Okay. I’ll see you at eight.
Tucking the device away, I smile at Lillian as she comes toward me with a huge serving of fries. We continue to stroll between all the booths while sharing the snack.
The moment is intimate, and from the flush on her cheeks, I assume she’s noticed. She keeps stealing glances at me, making me confident that this isn’t a one-sided thing.
As the day progresses, Lillian sticks to milder rides that won’t make me sick instead of going on the wilder ones, which shows she’s considerate.
After Lillian has had her fill of the carnival, we head over to the farmers market. We take our time browsing through all the produce and goods before finding a spot to enjoy a late lunch.
Sitting at a bench with burgers the size of Texas, I ask, “Are you enjoying yourself?”
She nods, the everpresent smile still on her face. “It’s such a nice day. Thank you for coming with me.”
“You’re welcome.” I take a bite of my burger, and after swallowing, I wipe my mouth. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Sure.”
“What do you look for in a relationship?”
She lets out an awkward chuckle. “In general, like with friends? Or with a man?”
“With a man.”
She sinks her teeth into her burger while she thinks about her answer. It takes a few seconds before she says, “I want to feel like I matter to him.” She tilts her head, her eyes meeting mine momentarily before she glances around us. “I want to be a priority in his life.”
“That’s a given,” I agree. “What else?”
Her shoulders lift in a shrug. “That’s all I can think of right now.” She sets the burger down on the wrapper and takes a sip of her milkshake. “As I mentioned on my embarrassing application, people tend to forget about me.”
My eyebrows lift as I stare at her. “I find that hard to believe.”
There’s a flash of sadness on her face before she forces a smile to her lips again. “Can we talk about something else?”
I stare at her for a moment, not liking it at all that she thinks she’s forgettable.
Sensing now is not the time to push the subject, I ask, “Is there anything else you’re good at besides your talent for creating masterpieces?”
She chuckles again and instantly relaxes. “I’m really good at cooking and baking.”
“Is that so?” My eyes are locked with hers. “Are you going to invite me over for dinner sometime?”
A playful expression forms on her face. “Then I’ll have to charge you.”
“I’ll pay.”
She shakes her head. “Just kidding.” For a moment, she stares at me with interest in her eyes. “When I’m done hiring you, I’ll invite you over for a thank-you dinner.”
Getting to spend the day with Lillian, and seeing how she looks at me, I decide I’m going to terminate the agreement between us so I can pursue her. I just need to find the right time to take the huge step.
Chapter 15
Lillian
When Callan parks his car in front of the Ritz where he lives, I give him a questioning look, which he doesn’t see because he’s already climbing out of the Bugatti.