Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 47(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 47(@300wpm)
I sigh in frustration and lay my head down on the table, as uncertain as ever.
"He'll be here soon," Autumn says. "Maybe it's time you take matters into your own hands."
"How's she going to do that?" Lola asks. "You know she can't just confront him. Client privacy rules forbid it. Besides, what if she does and she's wrong?"
This is precisely why I haven't approached him already. I would be completely mortified if I asked him if he calls me every night, only to find out that he doesn't. I'm not ashamed of the work. Sex work and sex workers deserve respect just like everyone else. But I don't want to offend him. And I really don't want to find out that I'm wrong.
I need Tex and Granger to be the same person because I can't be in love with two different people. It'll break my heart into a million tiny pieces. But why the hell would someone like Granger need to call someone like me for phone sex? I'm a curvy virgin. He's older, hotter, and successful. Every woman here stares at him when he's working. He could have anyone!
"I know," Autumn says. "But he obviously likes her if he's calling her every night."
"So says you," I mutter, finally lifting my head from the table to face my best friends again. They're both eyeing me, Lola in worry and Autumn with a distinct gleam in her eyes. I love them both to death, but they couldn't be more opposite. I'm surprised Autumn is the one pushing me to make a move. She doesn't trust easily—or at all—when it comes to men. Her dad was not a good guy, and his friends were even worse.
I'm sad she's moving back to Silver Spoon Falls, Texas. I'm going to miss her desperately.
"Trust me," Autumn says, "he wants you. I saw how that man looked at you Monday when you were out by the pool."
"She's right," Lola says. "Granger is wild about you, Arwen."
"So what am I supposed to do about it?" I groan. "Like you said, I can't confront him and ask if he gives me mind-blowing orgasms over the phone!"
"Then don't approach him." Autumn shrugs a shoulder. "Make him come to you."
"How?" I'm more than willing to listen to any advice here. I'm going insane! Granger and his crew will be finished with the roof of our building in a day or two at the most. Time is running out.
Autumn drums her fingers against the table, her brows furrowed in thought. "Take tonight off work. When he gets here tomorrow, flag him down and tell him you're expecting a phone call, but you need to shower. Ask if he minds grabbing it for you when it rings. Tell him it's a very important call." She waves her hand as if to say be creative. "I'll have Emma call to confirm an appointment at the spa for you and make sure she lets it slip just exactly what kind of appointment it is."
Lola throws her head back and laughs. "Brilliant! Make him think she's getting a wax for a hot date. He'll be chomping at the bit if he's your Tex."
"Maybe," I say doubtfully. "What happens when he calls tomorrow night, and I'm not on said date?"
"You aren't working tomorrow night, either." Autumn brings her coffee mug to her lips and takes a sip before continuing, "Call your boss and tell her you're taking the rest of the week off."
"And if this backfires?" I demand. "If he thinks I'm seeing someone else, he might run the other way."
"Please," Autumn scoffs. "You've told us the things that man says to you. He doesn't play well with others, Arwen. If he thinks you're going out with someone else, he'll step up and put a stop to it."
I eye her doubtfully, knowing full well that her plans don't always work the way she expects. The fact that she has a criminal record is proof of that. She's been arrested twice for protesting. I'm pretty sure she was protesting her own family's company both times.
"Pretend you aren't certain about the date," Lola advises, more reserved than Autumn. "Tell him we set it up for you, but you figure it's time to put yourself out there and find someone, so you're going for it."
"Yes!" Autumn claps her hands.
I consider their insane plan. It could work. From everything I know about Tex or Granger, he's possessive. But he's also the kind of man who asks if I'm okay before ending our calls each night and the type of guy who cautions me to watch out for nails every time I step outside in flip-flops. Autumn's plan will appeal to the former side, with Lola's additions appealing to the latter. If Granger really is Tex, this might actually force him out into the open once and for all.