Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68456 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68456 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
“My bet is that she already had a backup plan in place,” he says. “She skipped town fast as fuck. Makes me think she’s gotten caught before.”
Considering that, I nod. He has a good point. “I wouldn’t be surprised, considering what a fuckin’ mess she is.”
Anyone who would think to sleep with a bunch of people to gain so-called power is fucking twisted and crazy.
“I’m going to look into it,” he declares. “What she pulled here was fucked up. It wouldn’t take much to keep an eye on her just in case she decides to come back.”
I shrug. “Her mom lives in town, which means she’s got family ties here. I’m sure we’ll see her again. Whenever it’s necessary, I’ll be ready to go toe-to-toe with her. Until that day comes, I’m not going to think about her at all. I suggest you do the same. Don’t get sucked into her shit. However good your intentions, she’s a waste of fucking time.”
He considers my words for a minute before he nods. “You’re right. It’s not like I can warn entire towns that she’s trouble.”
“Exactly. Unless or until she pops up here again, forget her.”
God willing, that’ll be a long, long time, because not thinking about her at all is something I know I’ll get used to damn fast.
“Looks like things with Ashley are going good,” Ben says, changing the subject entirely.
I can’t hold back my shit-eating grin. “Better than good,” I admit. “She’s something else.”
Ben snickers. “I had no idea you were such a sappy fuck.”
“I didn’t either,” I confess, laughing as I do.
I’m not mad about it at all. Something about Ashley brings out a whole different side of me. Fierce, protective, and desperate for her around the clock, I’m all the fuck in on her. She’s the full package, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep her.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
____________________________________
ASHLEY
TYLER AND I have done something every night this week. One night, we went to the movie house in town that plays older movies during the off-season and saw the first Avengers movie. Another night, we had an early dinner at Ted’s right after work. I can confirm that the roast beef sandwiches and gravy fries were as delicious—in fact, even better—as Ben said they were. Last night, we ate dinner at my house. I made a simple pasta with Pomodoro sauce, he made a side salad, and cooking together in my tiny kitchen was far more entertaining than I could’ve imagined.
Tonight, he took me to dinner at Chuck’s, a steakhouse that overlooks the water. Now, we’re on our way back to his place, and judging by the looks he’s been giving me since he picked me up, I think tonight is the night. For the past few nights, we’ve made out like crazy, and he’s gotten me off, but he’s never let me touch him. When I pressed, he said he was too close to the edge.
The idea that I might finally be able to touch him when we get back to his place has me giddy and a little nervous. The anticipation is so high I can barely stand it. I was so keyed up at dinner that I didn’t do my meal justice. He didn’t eat a lot either, so we’ve both got big containers full of leftovers. I’m counting on working up an appetite so I can tuck into them later.
Rolling the window down, I stick my hand out and enjoy the cool breeze. I love the smell of the air in Charlotte’s Cove. It’s fresh and clean with a hint of saltwater, sea breeze, and something indefinable that’s exclusive to this island. I’ve been to Hawaii, Malibu, and Santa Monica, but the scents in those places weren’t like this.
As Tyler pulls into his driveway, I roll up the window. I was keyed up the whole way here, but I’m even more so now. When he hops out of the truck to come around and get me, I give myself a quick pep talk about not being disappointed if tonight isn’t the night as I take off my seatbelt. Tyler helps me down. I love that he does this so much that I hope he never gets a car that would be easier for me to get in and out of. Once I’ve got my feet on the ground, he reaches into the truck and grabs our leftovers, links his hand with mine, and walks us to his door.
Inside, an excited Boo greets us. After loving her up for a few seconds, Tyler puts the food in the fridge and then gestures toward the sliding door. Nodding, I follow him as he opens it so Boo can go out. For the next ten minutes or so, we play fetch with her, laughing as she races up and down the rocky beach with her glow-in-the-dark ball. When she brings it back and drops it into her bin next to the sliding door, it’s clear she’s finished playing for the night. Wandering off, she pees and then strolls back into the house. Inside, she goes right to “her” loveseat and stretches out.