30 Days by K Larsen Read Free Book Online Page B

from my chin to my jaw resting just behind my ear. He sweeps the pad of his thumb over the apple of my cheek and says. “I’ll be there.”
     
    I am a complete spaz all afternoon. I clean the cottage like a maniac even though there really isn't anything to clean. I talk to Jenny like she's there making fun of me for being neurotic. I spend two hours in the grocery store debating over what to make and changing my mind four times before settling on steaks, a goat cheese salad with fruit and green beans. By the time I’m home and finished marinating the steaks my focus shifts to what I should wear. I don’t have a lot of options and I’m out of time to go shopping. Everything I own is on the bed spread out as I repeatedly hold things up and look in the mirror before tossing them back on the bed. Eventually I settle on a jean skirt, black and tan cowboy boots and a cowl neck tank top. It looks nice but not too nice.
     
    I’m in the kitchen steaming the green beans when he knocks at the door. The clock reads five fifty five. I smile. As I open the door my breath catches. He’s in a crisp white button down shirt and jeans that hug him perfectly. His short brown hair looks like he’s been running his hand through it. One hand bears an arrangement of flowers and the other a bottle of wine.
    “Hi.”
    “Hi.” We stand staring at each other both fidgeting.
    “Come in.” I say breaking the silence. He follows me into the kitchen and hands me the flowers.
    “These are beautiful. Thank you.” I pull a tall glass from the cabinet fill it with water and place the flowers in it.
    “How was the rest of your day?” He asks.
    “Oh you know...” I trail off trying to think of something to say that doesn't give away that I spent my afternoon completely panicked about tonight.
    “Nope. I don't.” He chuckles at me.
    “I went to the grocery store and then cleaned up a little.” I divulge reluctantly.
    “Would you like a glass of wine?” He offers.
    “I’d love one.” I pull out two wine glasses, a corkscrew and hand them to him. Our fingers brush in the process sending a bolt of electricity straight between my legs. I put the finishing touches on the salad as he opens and pours the wine. I can’t help but gape at his attractiveness as I steal glances at him wondering how his skin would feel under mine and how I would feel touching it.
    “I thought we could eat out on the deck. It’s so nice out.”  I take a swig from my glass letting the win e slide smoothly down my throat hoping that it will calm my nerves.
    “How can I help?” He asks. I already have the table set so we fix our plates in the kitchen and carry them out to the deck.
    “This is a great view.” He says as the sun sparkles against the ocean. I sigh, a slight smile playing on my lips. “I know, I love it here. It’s been so peaceful.”
    “How long are you here?”
    “I rented the cottage for a month.”
    “That’s a long vacation.”
    “I guess.”
    “Where do you live?” He asks before taking a bite of steak. A groan bubbles out of him. “What did you do to this? It’s amazing.” He gushes.
    “You like it?” I can't hide my astonishment. My cooking has been a source of tension for so long I just expected him to pick apart how awful it was.
    “Like it? Elle, my mouth is watering. Seriously. Everything is amazing.”  His compliment makes me blush. “So, like I was saying. After your months up, where do you go back to? Where’s home?” I fidget nervously debating silently if I should tell him the truth.
    “I don't know. I don't know what I’m doing when my rentals up.” It’s the truth. I haven't thought that far ahead. He cocks an eyebrow at me.
    “There’s something you aren't telling me.” It’s not a question. He knows I’m hiding something.
    “My sister died.” I blurt. “She was my only family, my parents passed away years ago. I just needed to get away. I don't know what I’m doing after this. I haven't