Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
“True.” I grab a jacket and my purse to head out. Amethyst walks down with me. I give her a hug before I head down Main Street towards Gino’s. It’s where I’m meeting Steven. I pull out my phone to make sure he hasn't cancelled or something. He hasn't, but I do have a text from Lennon.
Lennon: I have some new ideas. Thought we’d grab dinner and talk about them.
I stare at the text, getting irritated. I shouldn't be, but he clearly thinks I have no social life and that he can pop over whenever he wants.
Me: Can’t tonight. I have dinner plans at Gino’s.
Lennon: Date?
I bite my lip. I see the little bubbles pop up on my screen that tell me he’s typing and then they stop. It happens a few more times before a text finally comes through.
Lennon: Don’t go.
I want to ask why, but I’m almost to the door of the restaurant now.
Me: I’m already here. It would be rude to cancel now. TTYL
I slip my phone into my purse, making my way into the restaurant. “Hey, Brandy. I’m meeting someone.”
“He’s already here.” She points at the table off in the corner. The man’s head is down, and he’s playing with his phone.
“Thanks.”
“He’s hot.” She winks at me. He spots me when I’m almost to the table. He stands.
“Willow?”
“That’s me.” Steven doesn't really look the same as his profile picture. His eyes run up and down me before he smirks. He’s checking me out like a piece of meat or something. I get an uneasy feeling.
“It sure is.” He grabs me, pulling me in for a hug. I stand there stiff as the smell of gross aftershave fills my nose. I pull back, but he keeps hugging me for another second or two. Finally he releases me and pulls out a chair for me.
“Thanks.” I drop down into it.
“You’re a cute little thing. You have got to be new around here.”
“I’ve been here for a few months.”
“Welcome to Gino's. Can I start you off with something to drink?” the server asks.
“I’ll take a whiskey on ice.”
“Water for me, please.”
“That’s no fun. Bring her a glass of one of your Rieslings.” What the heck? This guy is a bit too pushy for me. I’m already regretting this decision.
“I’ll give you a minute to look over the menu. I’ll be back with your drinks in a moment.”
“So you’re from around here?” I try to make small talk.
“I lived here until I was about ten, then my family moved. I recently settled back in town.” That makes sense. This guy is a tool, and I know Glory would not have set me up with him if she knew him. She tends to know everyone and most of their business.
“I really love it here.”
“It’s okay. People are always up in your business.”
“I think that’s a part of the charm really.” The server drops our drinks off before taking our order. I go with the classic chicken marsala. I’m not even hungry at this point. I wish I would have cancelled.
I wonder what Lennon is doing right now? Is he busy with girls throwing themselves at him? Wow. I didn't know I had a jealous side. Yet, it seems to be rearing its ugly head at the moment.
“We’re leaving.” I jerk my head up at the deep rumble of Lennon’s voice. What the heck is he doing here?
“She’s not going anywhere, dude. We’re on a date.”
“I’m not your dude.” Lennon holds his hand out. “We’re leaving,” he says again. From the look in his eyes, I can tell he’s pissed. That must mean he’s jealous. I know it shouldn’t, but the thought of him being jealous over me makes me want to do a happy dance. It’s also turning me on. I especially loved the part where he ordered me to do something. “I can carry you out if need be.”
“Listen here. She clearly wants to stay.” Lennon sucks in a breath, and I know he’s trying to control himself. I’m actually enjoying this little back and forth.
“I’m sorry,” I say to Steven, taking Lennon’s hand. He pulls me up to my feet. Then he does the last thing I think he’s going to do.
He kisses me. And I waste no time returning the favor.
7
Lennon
Her lips are like soft rose petals against mine. She gasps in surprise when I run my tongue across her mouth. Her lips part for me. I don’t care who’s watching. I deepen the kiss. She tastes like fresh strawberries. How in the hell does she do that? It’s intoxicating, and I want more.
I hadn’t planned on kissing her. A need to mark and claim her in front of everybody consumed me. I lost my mind when she told me she was going on a date. I’ve never driven so fast in my life, but I needed to get her. The thought of her being out with another man was something I wasn't prepared to deal with.