Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 307(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 307(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“I’d be careful if I was you.” Johnny makes me jump on the spot, I didn’t see him come in. He was just out back on a break.
“What? Why?”
He nods his head to where they’re still speaking. Bethany looking down to the floor as Creed speaks to her.
“The girls here—let’s just say, Creed’s the purest of candy. They all want him, but he never shows any interest in them. The others do so more than him, and hunny, they all want to lick and taste that candy.” Looking back to Johnny, I see him watching them as much as I am. “They will hate you. Some have already seen how much attention he gives you when you’re on. He’s never here, ever, this much. So be careful, girls can be mean when they think you’re jumping in on their territory.”
“I wasn’t—”
Johnny smiles, one arm hugging me to him. “It’s okay, poppet. You were. But I can see you’re fighting it.”
We separate as Creed walks back over to me. I don’t say anything and turn away cleaning, the distance being better for us. Maybe it will kill the tension that surrounds us.
“I need you to stay back after closing, we need to talk.” His voice settles over me, like warm liquid honey. Smothering me in all its deliciousness, so much so that I can’t help but turn around to face him. Creed isn’t close, not like his friend was.
I manage to nod, and that’s all I can do as I watch him walk away.
Creed’s there before I even finish. Grabbing my bag, I don’t say goodbye to Johnny, just wave, as I walk to Creed. He nods his head to the exit, his proximity too close. So close I can smell his aftershave. It smells like the rain mixed with something nutty. Something strong. All man. I keep a nice distance between us. His voice, combined with his whiskey eyes and his smell—I’m doomed. It’s only a matter of time before I give in, attack him even if he doesn’t want me to. Because it will happen. I’m not a shy girl, I take what I like, go after what I want, even if my head knows not to because it could ruin everything.
“I’ll walk you home.”
I nod my head with no argument. I’m used to walking home by myself even if some nights I prefer not to. That night becomes a reminder of what can happen if I’m not careful. Could I disappear the same way?
“I’m going to give you three regular shifts, all twelve-hours. As you can see, we open for special events that go all day. Our nights are even longer, we want someone from open to close. Johnny does the other nights.”
“I’ll take whatever you give.” The words came out wrong, and I wish I could take them back the minute they leave my mouth. His eyes go a hint darker and hooded as he looks at me. We both come to a stop, not far from my apartment.
“Someone is at your door.”
Turning fast, I see he’s correct. Someone is indeed standing at my door. That’s when I notice the car parked in front of my building—it’s not a regular car, it belongs to a police officer.
“Be careful what you say.” Creed’s hand touches mine, and I look to it then back to him. His expression is serious.
“What would I say?” I ask curiously.
He shakes his head and drops my hand then follows me to where the officer is standing. He smiles at me then his eyes fall to Creed.
“Miss Beckham.” I nod my head. “Do you have somewhere we can talk?”
“Can I ask what this is about?”
“You made a call a few weeks ago, reporting you saw unusual activity not far from your window. I’d like to discuss the details with you. We could go to the station, but I only have a few questions, so I thought it would be more convenient if I came to you?”
Creed steps forward, and I know he’s going to say something. “Can my boyfriend join us?” I look back to him and notice he’s staring at me. I don’t look for long. Turning back to the officer, he nods his head as I start to unlock my door, and they both follow me into my apartment.
Shit, did I clean?
Is it a mess?
Fuck! I didn’t even think before I invited them both up.
Unlocking my door, they both walk in. Creed’s eyes track everything, he’s fast at assessing before he looks back to me. The officer stands at my kitchen bench. I shut the door, stepping over to my small, two-seater table and sit down.
The officer pulls out a notepad and book, sitting opposite me. “I won’t take up too much of your time, just a few questions.”
I nod my head and lose track of where Creed is until his hand touches my shoulder. It soothes me and makes my legs clench all at once.