Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“But you’re still choosing him.”
God.
I take a calming breath and meet his gaze. “It’s not about choosing anyone, we’re having fun here. But, if it’s him I’m choosing to have fun with, then yes, I have chosen. It’s not on you, Waylen, you just showed me the direction I was leaning in. Please don’t take it personally, there are a million other women out there who will give you a hundred percent. I’m not looking to give that.”
“Figured,” he mutters, shoving a whole piece of lime into his glass instead of squeezing it. “But I get it. I’ve got enough going on anyway, I should have known better than to even consider anything with you.”
I give him the warmest smile I can muster up. “Don’t take it to heart.”
I’m terrible at this comfort thing.
He gives me a sideways look. “I’m not even going to ask if that’s your attempt at makin’ me feel better.”
I laugh. “Sorry, I suck.”
He smiles, just a little. “Sorry again, Willa.”
“Don’t sweat it,” I say, bumping my shoulder into him. “We’re cool.”
Without another word, he turns and walks away.
Well then, that’s one drama down.
I glance at Aaron who is talking to Rhett.
I’m ready to go and find out what he’s hiding. If we can take a chance to sneak off while we’re at the fire, I’m going to use it. I can fake a period or something, no man is going to argue with that.
“Madden wants to take me for a walk later,” Ember whispers, making me jump in surprise.
I didn’t even hear her come up beside me.
“Madden?” I say, eyes wide.
“Yeah. Should I go?”
“Do you want to go?”
She goes pink.
That would be a yes.
“Girl, go and get it.”
She giggles. She’s adorable, and she certainly grows on you. You could never picture her surviving in a prison, yet she has managed. Somewhere deep inside I’m certain she has a tough angle that she’s had to use before, but I’m guessing she chooses to let it be the smallest part of her. I respect that.
“He’s so ... gorgeous. I don’t want to get hurt if he decides he doesn’t like me or ...”
“Firstly, have you seen yourself? You’re fucking adorable. Secondly, I don’t see Madden as the type to just lead a girl on. I think you should go for it.”
“You really think?”
Sometimes you want to both hug her and shake her.
“Yes, I really think. Take that walk, and whatever happens ... let it happen. That man looks like he could rock your world.”
She flushes. “He does, doesn’t he?”
We both glance at Madden, and the look he’s giving her makes even me weak at the knees. Oh yeah, he wants her alright, but there is also a softness in his eyes when he stares at her. He’s fond of her.
“Girl, that man is into you in a big way,” I say, glancing back at her.
She beams. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
“Atta girl.”
We take our drinks and wait by the balcony for everyone to finish. Fallon finds me once she’s got hers and leans in close once we’re alone. “You ready for operation find out what happened to Vic?”
I laugh. “Ready.”
“Good, when I say the word, we move.”
I grin.
These people are growing on me, which is something I was certain wouldn’t happen.
Because the very idea terrifies me.
The last time someone grew on me, I ended up in prison.
Yet I find myself unable to stop it.
I’m a walking disaster.
I can just feel it.
10
“Shhh,” I whisper hiss to Fallon as we rush away from the fire with some pathetic excuse about going to get a drink and use the bathroom.
We’re both drunk and because of that, everyone seems unbothered by our rushing away babbling on about getting more drinks. They’re all having a great time and don’t seem to care much about what we’re doing. Of course, we’re not as drunk as we’re acting. We’re well on our way, of course, and the giggles have come in strong.
“I am being quiet,” Fallon yells as I take her hand and pull her.
“That wasn’t quiet,” I yell back at her.
“That wasn’t either!”
We both laugh, having to pause and get it all out before we can continue. Then, we know we have to run. If we want to make it back to the cabin in time, have a look around, and return to the lake, we’re going to need to be quick. We take a deep breath and then we both pick up into a jog when we’re far enough away that nobody will see.
We make it back to the cabin in good time and when we get there, we quickly rush up to Aaron and Waylen’s door. I take the handle and twist. It’s locked. It’s god damned locked. I shake the handle as if that’ll do anything for me.
“It’s locked!” I yell, kicking it for good measure.