Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“She’s lucky to have you. One day, I hope to find a man willing to do that for me.” Millie smiles and walks over to Greer to help her find more books.
An hour later, I’ve got an armful of books, and after I pay for them, we head back to my SUV.
“I don’t know when I’ll find time to read all of these books,” she says as she climbs into the front seat.
“You’ll need a vacation after this case.”
“I like that idea. A beach with me reading on it.”
And me there to watch her. No way am I missing the opportunity to see Greer in a bikini with a book in her hand.
“Are you hungry?” I ask as I start the engine.
“I could eat.”
“There’s a little brewery just a bit down the road. The beer’s good. They have it in Club Greed, and the beer rep’s a stand up guy named Paxton Atwood.”
“Sounds perfect. I bet they’ve got a great burger.”
“I’m sure they do.”
I steer my SUV in the direction of Atta Boy Brewery and park in the lot. When we step inside, I guide us straight to the bar. As if you could miss it. It’s definitely the focal point when you first step inside.
“Wow, this place is amazing,” Greer says as we get situated on two barstools.
“It used to be an old power plant. That’s an old diesel engine from like the 1930’s, and they painted it red and built the bar around it.” I point to the huge 750-Kilowatt diesel engine in the midst of the space, drawing everyone’s attention to it when you first walk in.
The bartender, a short brunette woman with tattoos dancing up both arms, smiles at us. “I’m Trudi. What can I get you?” She hands us a list of the beers and appetizers.
“I’ll take the Bad Pear Day cider,” Greer says, glancing at the menu. “And an order of the chicken and waffle sliders.” She smiles up at me.
“I’ll take the Kunt Kicker IPA.”
Greer laughs. “Now there’s a nice name for a beer.”
The bartender walks away with a laugh as well.
“It’s definitely a punchy name.”
Greer nods. “I’ll have to taste it.”
I smile. “Sure thing.”
Trudi places the beers in front of us and lets us know the sliders will be right out. Greer grabs my beer and takes a sip.
“Oh, that’s really good.” Then, she takes a sip of her pear cider. “Oh, but this is so much better.”
I crack a grin. “Good to know, but I’ll stick to the Kunt Kicker.”
“Your loss.” She takes another sip of her cider, and I laugh.
It’s always been easy between us. I’ve never had this with anyone else. I think it’s why I’m adamant to keep my friendship with Greer intact. I can’t lose her.
“Hey, Roman,” Paxton Atwood says, holding out his hand for me to shake across the bar. “So glad you came in.”
“Paxton, how are you?” I shake his hand, and then wrap my arm along the back of Greer’s chair. “This is Greer, my girlfriend.”
Greer smiles and says, “Hi.”
“Nice to meet you,” Paxton says as he shakes her hand. “What brings you both by today?”
“We were visiting the Books, Spine, and Sinker store.”
“Ah, Millie’s shop? She’s got a great selection of books.” Paxton leans against the bar.
“Not anymore. I think we bought out the entire store.”
Greer swats at my arm playfully. “Not the entire store.” She laughs lightly.
I know we’re not in the city limits of Saint Pierce, and we’re not trying to flaunt that we’re a couple here, but I like pretending with her a little too much. It does something to me to think that a remarkable woman like Greer has chosen me as her boyfriend.
It causes a sense of calm to wash over me, and I can’t get enough of it.
NINE
GREER
I’m having the best time, and as we drive back to my place, I consider asking Roman to stay the night again. But I can’t do that. I don’t want to use his anxiety as a reason for him to stay and sleep in my bed.
Even though I loved having him there. When he fell asleep I stayed awake, staring at him for entirely more time than I care to admit. I felt grateful that I was able to help ease his anxiety, even if he probably fell asleep out of pure exhaustion.
As we pull into my driveway, I glance over at Roman. “I had the best time,” I tell him.
He opens the door. “Me too. Let me walk you to your front door, make sure you get inside okay.”
I’m sure I’ll be fine, but I want him to walk me so I can spend more time with him. More so, I want him to kiss me. Nerves and excitement flutter low in my belly as he strides around his SUV and opens my door for me. I take his hand as he helps me out of the vehicle.