Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“Thanks,” she whispers.
“I’ll take him to my place tonight so he can sober up,” I say, staring at the door Sheriff Brown just entered.
“What the hell is wrong with him? Doesn’t he realize how fortunate he is? When he finishes high school he doesn’t even need to bust his ass in college because his future is set at the brewery. He’s being selfish.”
“I know it feels that way, but that’s not how he sees it. He’s young and he’s trying to find out who he is. He might not be trying to escape a bad situation, but he’s trying to escape something,” I explain.
I did everything I could to escape my home life at Tripp’s age. Even spent a few nights here and there in an abandoned house when the Atwood’s were out of town. I’m not sure what Tripp is trying to escape from because his family life couldn’t be more perfect. But there’s something going on and I’m going to find out what it is.
“What could he be trying to escape?” Anya asks with a shaky voice.
The need to wrap her into my arms overpowers me, and I stuff my hands into my pockets so I won’t touch her. Even though I’m slowly dying inside.
“Maybe he had his heart broken.”
It’s not a bad guess. Heartbreak does make people do crazy things.
Her eyes bounce between mine as she visibly swallows. “Have you ever had your heart broken?”
The need overwhelms me and I reach out, touching her cheek, but before I can say anything, the heavy door slams, causing her to jump.
“Tripp Nolan Atwood,” Anya says, moving toward him with a raised finger pointing at him.
Tripp’s eyes snap to mine and narrow. “Thanks for keeping this between us.”
“Oh no, you don’t get to be pissed at anyone when we’re here picking you up from jail,” Anya hisses.
“Anya, it’s not a big deal,” he says, shoving his hands into his pockets with a shrug of his shoulder.
She gives a humorless laugh, pinning him with her angry gaze. “Not a big deal? Really? How about I have Sheriff Brown put your ungrateful ass back in the cell with all the other criminals? You can take a piss with everyone staring at you.”
Sheriff Brown lightly chuckles beside me and I slap his back. “Sheriff, can we keep this between us? I’d rather not get the Atwoods involved. I’ll handle Tripp.”
His brown eyes lift to mine and he nods. “I won’t say anything, but I’m not sure your girlfriend will be able to keep the same promise.”
“Oh, she’s not my girlfriend.”
“Really? It sure looked that way.”
My heart squeezes as I look back at Anya as she yells at Tripp. “Yeah, we’re just friends,” I whisper.
“Griffin, you’re a good man. Don’t let the past interfere with that fact.” Before I can say anything, he walks over to Tripp and grabs his shoulder. “I don’t want to see you in here again. You understand me?” His voice is foreboding. Authoritative. Scary as fuck.
“Yes, sir,” Tripp says.
“You won’t see him again. If you do, you have my permission to use your nightstick,” Anya rushes out.
“Am I free to go?” Tripp asks.
“Yes,” Sheriff Brown says.
Tripp keeps his eyes locked on mine as he moves toward me. He knocks into my shoulder as he passes and I clench my fists.
Time to get him alone.
“Come on, Anya.” She storms after him and I run my hand through my hair. “Thanks again, Sheriff.”
“Good luck with both of them. You know how stubborn the Atwoods can be,” he says, chuckling as he walks away.
When I get outside, Anya and Tripp are yelling at each other by my truck.
“You’re out of control, Tripp. Get your shit together.”
“Shut the fuck up,” he yells at her.
I rush over and slam him against the truck, getting right in his face. “Don’t ever talk to your sister like that again. You want to be a disrespectful little shit I’ll leave you right here while I call your parents.”
“Get off me,” he growls, pushing at me but making zero progress.
“If I ever hear you talk to her like that again, I promise you will regret it,” I hiss, pushing off of him.
He straightens his shirt as I unlock the door. We all climb in and when I start the truck Tripp leans his body on the center console and looks between us. “So, are you two dating or something?”
“No, of course not,” Anya rushes out.
It shouldn’t hurt like it does, because we aren’t dating, but the way she rushed it out feels like I’m a toxic plague.
“So that show of force was for no reason?” he pushes.
I reach over and shove him back into his seat. “That show of force was me reminding you to respect your sister and all women. You never speak to them like that. It’s disgusting behavior and makes you look like an asshole.”