Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“That’s a selfless love,” Monroe adds softly.
I’m getting ready to tell them this is too heavy of a topic for a day that we’re supposed to be celebrating. I can’t sit here and talk about love and sacrifice when the man I love isn’t willing to let me make my own choices to sacrifice my love for him. Sure, I agreed when he ended things, but it’s hard to fight for someone who has already given up. Luckily, I don’t have to talk about it anymore. Monroe’s parents arrive, and small talk ensues as we order our meals.
“All the boxes go,” I tell the guys. “They’re spread out all over the place, and they’re labeled, so maybe two trucks for Monroe’s place and two to take back to Forrest’s place?” I suggest.
“Got it.” All five of them reply like the good moving soldiers they are. They loaded up Monroe’s parents' SUV. They’re headed back to Tennessee, and with these five guys, I’d say we won’t be far behind them. As a graduation present, Monroe’s parents hired cleaners so we don’t have to worry about it. We can move everything to the trucks and be home in Ashby tonight.
“I’m going to check my room again. We’re leaving all the furniture for the next person. Most of it is secondhand, anyway. I just want to make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.”
“Oh, me too,” Monroe says.
We head down the hall. She turns right, and I turn left. I pull open each dresser drawer, making sure I didn’t miss anything. I turn and yelp when I see Roman standing in my doorway. He steps into the room and closes the door. He studies me for a few erratic heartbeats before moving toward me. He doesn’t stop until he’s standing in front of me.
“What are you doing? You shouldn’t be in here like this.”
“Does he know you’re mine?”
“What? Who are you talking about?” I hiss, my eyes flashing toward the door.
“Gabe. Does he know that you’re mine?”
“I’m not yours, Rome. You ended things,” I whisper hiss.
He ignores me and rests his palm against my cheek. “Does he know that your pussy cries for me?”
I swallow hard. “You should go.”
“Does he know that you like to be kissed here?” He leans in and runs his lips over the column of my neck. “Does he know that I own this?” he asks, sliding his hand between my thighs. “That I was your first, and that you were mine?” He stands to his full height, and his eyes bore into mine, begging, pleading, but I’m not sure for what.
“That’s not true,” I scoff.
“It is, baby girl. You were the first one to ever matter.” He bends his head and presses his lips to my forehead. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying like hell to keep the tears at bay. His lips are replaced with his own forehead. His hands move to grip my waist as we both stand as still as statues.
“Tell him to gear up for a fight,” he whispers. “I fucked up, baby girl. I miss you, and I’m not afraid of a little competition.”
Oh, damn. I know he thinks I’m with Gabe. I should tell him that we’re not together. We’ve always been honest with one another, even when it’s hard. However, before I can get the words out, there is a knock at my door.
“Em, you in there?” Monroe asks.
I take a step back from Roman. “Come in,” I call out to her.
“Hey.” She peeks her head in. “The guys were asking where Rome was.”
“Just grabbing some boxes.” He turns, lifts two into his arms, and strides out of the room.
“You okay?”
I nod but reply, “No.”
Monroe chuckles. “Open mind, Emerson. Open mind.”
“He says he’s not afraid of a little competition. He thinks I’m with Gabe.” Guilt sits heavily on my chest. I should have told him the truth.
“I figured with the hate glares he was tossing Gabe’s way. I hope you set him straight.”
“I was getting ready to when you knocked on the door.”
“Yeah, probably best the two of you talk about this when there is less of a chance of getting caught.”
“You’re right.”
“You will tell him, though, right?”
“Yes. I don’t want to play games.”
“For what it’s worth, I saw the way he watched you today. The two of you, it’s not over. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the other guys doesn’t pick up on it soon. He’s not even trying to hide the way he’s looking at you.”
“How’s he looking at me?” I hate that I ask the question. I hate even more that I need the answer.
“Like you’re his air, Emerson. That man is madly in love with you.” She blows me a kiss and backs out of my room.
For the rest of the afternoon, I stay as far away from Roman as I can. It takes the guys no time to load up all five trucks. In fact, it was overkill, but I love them for it. By three, we’re on the road. Forrest insists that Monroe and I be in the middle of them in some way as we drive in a caravan back to Ashby. If one of us stops, we all stop. It’s completely ridiculous, and exactly the kind of thing I would expect from my brother.