The Bookworm and the Beast by Charlee James

Author:Charlee James [James, Charlee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sweet, relationship of convenience, Sweet Holiday Romance, Contemporary Fairy Tale, fairytale, Contemporary Romance, Entangled, Bliss, sweet romance, Romance, holiday, fake relationship, Beauty and the Beast, brooding bachelor, opposites attract, fish out of water
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2017-12-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Izzy’s eyelids fluttered as a wet tongue dragged across her face. She smiled at Atticus, whose nose was less than an inch from hers. Her back was warm from the steadfast fire that had burned slowly overnight. If she turned, she was sure it would be reduced to glowing embers by now. The dog nudged her with his nose, and she rubbed her hand over his face.

Thank goodness, he was all right. A terrible weight had lifted from her chest when they were able to bring him home, but her stomach was still in choppy waves at being the root of his pain. At least, Derek had made it quite clear that’s what he thought. His sharp words and accusing eyes had burned her.

Did she even want to go through the next few days with his family? How could she pretend to be head over heels for him if they shared a cold silence the entire holiday, like yesterday at the vet’s office and in the car? She’d tried to open her mouth to speak several times, to apologize to him for the mess they were in. Each time, there was a sharp pain in the back of her throat and tears on the verge of spilling. So, she’d remained quiet, and so had he, which told her he’d meant every word he said about her being at fault for the dog’s injuries.

She glanced at the antique grandfather clock and bolted upright. It was nearly noon. How had she slept that long? She dragged a hand through her hair and started to stand.

“I thought I heard you stirring. Come have some breakfast.” Derek appeared in the doorway, wearing fitted dark jeans and a cable-knit sweater. He looked as good as a plate of frosted Christmas cookies, while she was in sweatpants and an oversize T-shirt.

“I think I missed the chance for breakfast hours ago.” Izzy searched his face and didn’t see any of the anger it had held the day before.

“We’ll call it brunch, then.” Derek disappeared into the hallway.

She followed him, self-conscious at being in pajamas this late in the day. The scent of frying bacon peppered the hallway and made her stomach growl. In the kitchen, he had the breakfast nook set with plates, forks, coffee, and orange juice. What was going on? One moment she was walking on eggshells with him, and now he’d fixed breakfast? She couldn’t keep up.

“You’ll need some fuel. We have a lot of work today.” He shot her a smile, and little snowflakes danced in her belly.

“Oh?” She reached for the glass of juice and studied him curiously. He’d made it clear he didn’t want to decorate for the holidays, and there was no way she’d be pushing a tree on him again. Tomorrow would be the day for cooking, so what could they possibly have to do today?

“You’ll see.” He put a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of her. It was a pleasant surprise not to do the cooking, but it made her second-guess his intentions.

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