Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
“Me either, but maybe it was for the best.” I glanced down at my watch, then said, “I’m sorry, but I really should get going.”
“Okay.” When I turned to leave, he quickly asked, “Hey, you wanna grab some coffee after class? Maybe do a quick review for the big Spanish test this afternoon.”
“Spanish test?” My heart sank at the thought. “Oh my God. I can’t believe I forgot about that.”
“It’s supposed to be a real kick in the ass, but we can cram and get you ready.”
After my weekend with Wyatt, it didn’t feel right to make plans to meet up with another man, especially Ben, but I was in a bind. I had to pass that test, so I told him, “That would be great.”
“Awesome. I’ll um...” He appeared to become anxious once again but quickly shook it off and said, “I’ll meet you at the coffee shop when class is over.”
“Okay. Sounds good.”
“I’ll see you then.”
I nodded, then turned and headed inside to class. As I’d hoped, I got there before class started and had time to go over my notes from the previous week. Eventually, the teacher came in, and class started. I tried to pay attention, but my mind kept drifting to Wyatt and the weekend we’d shared. Wyatt was not only attentive and sweet, but he was funny, and I found it endearing when he opened up to me about Stitch and the brothers.
I couldn’t remember a time when I’d enjoyed myself more. It was a thought that had me second-guessing my decision to meet up with Ben. It was just to go over Spanish. Nothing more. He was smart and attractive, but I had no real interest in him. I never did—at least, nothing like I had for Wyatt. I’d known that all along, and now, it was time that he knew it, too.
When class was over, I gathered my things and headed over to the coffee shop. As promised, Ben was waiting for me there. He was sitting at one of the back tables with two cups of coffee and a smile. I felt a cringe creep over me as I made my way over to him and said, “Um, I’m sorry, but I don’t think our cram session is a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve got some errands I need to run.”
“I could take you.”
“No, that’s not necessary.”
“It’s not a problem,” he pushed. “I’ve got time to kill.”
He wasn’t getting the hint, or he just didn’t care. Either way, I was about to make myself clear. “Thanks, but I’m going to go alone.”
“What about the test?”
“I’ll figure it out.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I took it out of my purse, and when I looked down at the screen, I was surprised to see that it was Cassidy calling. “Hello?”
“Hey, Else. It’s Cass.” She sounded concerned as she asked, “Are you still at school?”
“Yeah, I just got out of class.”
“Does that mean you’re planning to head back soon?”
“Not exactly.” I didn’t want Ben to overhear my conversation, so I gave a quick wave goodbye and started for the door. “I have a test at one. Why? Is something wrong?”
“Cotton has called for a lockdown.”
“Oh.”
I’d lived at the clubhouse long enough to know that a lockdown meant the brothers were concerned about the safety of the brothers and their families. They’d bring them all into the clubhouse, and they’d do everything in their power to keep everyone safe.
The guys would try and act like it wasn’t a big deal, but I knew better. I could see the mix of worry and fight in their eyes, and I had my suspicions about what had put it there—which made me wonder if someone had gotten hurt. “Did something happen? Is everyone okay?”
“No, everyone’s fine. Cotton’s just taking precautions.”
“Okay. Understood... Do I need to come back now?”
“No, no. You don’t have to do that. Just send me the address of where you’ll be, and I’ll tell Cotton to have one of the guys come and keep an eye on you.”
“Okay.” I got in my car and closed the door, then quickly sent her the address. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”
“Everything’s fine. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Okay.... Well, I’ll see you in a couple of hours then.”
“Sounds good. You be careful.”
“I will.”
I ended the call, then tossed my phone over to the seat next to me. I started my car and was about to back out when I spotted Ben standing at the front of my car. He had a vicious look on his face—one that sent a cold chill down my spine, and I had no idea why. I’d tried to be considerate of his feelings, but clearly, he wasn’t pleased that I’d decided not to stay and study with him. I was torn. I didn’t know if I should apologize or just get the hell out of there.