Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“It was a long time ago but thank you.”
She reaches across the table and threads her fingers through mine. “I bet he would be proud of you. The choices you’ve made. Life has a way of stripping us of our dreams, but I think there’s always a reason things happen.”
“And what dreams were taken from you?” I ask, needing answers.
The server picks the worst time to show up, juggling a ridiculous number of plates.
“Perfect timing,” Makayla chirps, setting her napkin back on her lap, dodging another question. She better hope she doesn’t have an extra pair of cuffs. It’s my turn to chain her up and get what I want out of her. Sadly, it’s all forgotten the second she takes a bite of her wonton, and a musical moan slips past her lips. My dick swells.
This fucking girl. . .
Chapter 18
Makayla
“Seriously, again?”
“Seriously, yourself. I’m just walking home.”
I roll my eyes. “Ride your bike home. You’re spoiling my peaceful walk.”
Ben tosses the football in the air and catches it, ignoring the unwanted vibes I’m giving off. “Nah. I’m good. Why do you walk home so late? Can’t someone pick you up?”
“Because I want to walk. Well, I did until you started ruining it for me.”
“Then get a ride. Maybe you’re ruining my walk home.”
I turn and stare him down, giving him a you’ve got to be kidding me look. Shaking my head, I face forward and continue walking. I take my normal path, annoyed he doesn’t veer off and leave me alone. I hate that we’re getting closer to my house, and he’s lingering.
“Honestly, go away.”
“You go away.”
“I was walking here first!” God, he’s so frustrating! I stop at the end of my driveway, afraid our voices will carry, and my dad will hear.
“This you, duckling?” He nods his head toward my house.
“Were you expecting a pond or something?”
He laughs and tosses his football in the air. “More like a marsh.” I don’t even get a rebuttal in. He’s already walking off down the sidewalk.
I can’t believe our lunch date is turning into a dinner date. I try to hide my smile as we walk up to my front porch, Ben holding two large bags of to-go trays. I look back at him. “You should have let me split the bill.”
“Not a chance. Worth every penny.”
I pull my key out of my purse and slide it into the lock. “Your body won't be saying that with all the sodium you consumed. You better not try any funny business and fake passing out so you can spend the night—”
“Makayla.”
A loud sob erupts, grabbing my attention. My head whips to the left. Jenny rushes across my driveway, tears pouring down her face.
“Oh my god, what happened? Are you all right?”
“No, I just had a horrible fight with my ex. Can I come in?” She looks toward Ben, her eyes dropping to the bag of food. Shit, we don’t look guilty at all. Large bag of food. Both of us happy as clams about to walk into the house. . . together.
“Um. . . yeah. Of course. Ben was just dropping some food off. You hungry?” I peer over at Ben, the smile suddenly washed from his face.
“Thank you. I don’t want to be alone right now.”
“Yeah, sure. Just head inside. I’ll be right there.”
“Thanks. Hey, Ben.” She offers a quick, flirtatious smile and disappears inside.
“Did your neighbor just steal my sleepover spot?”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know what to do or say.” It just didn’t seem like the time to tell her I’ve been lying about my relationship with Ben. Well. . . past relationship. I mean. . . I don’t even know what we are. Friends? Not enemies?
He hands me the bags of food, and my mood takes a nosedive. “I get a raincheck. My kidneys and I demand a sodium raincheck.” My shoulders slump with disappointment.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I have to get back at the station. Plus, being alone with you leads to things, and. . . well, I’m trained to put out fires, not start them.” His lips form into the most handsome smile, sparking flames inside my belly. I wonder how fast I can soothe my friend and get rid of her. “Well. . . have a good night.”
I’ve spent most of my life wishing to be rid of Ben Wallace, and right now, the last thing I want is for him to go. “Yeah, same.” Sighing, I bow my head and go inside.
When I shut the door, I find Jenny seated on the couch. “I opened a bottle of wine. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Wine seems like the perfect fix to the confusion stirring around in my head. Am I, falling for Ben Wallace? Shit.
“Is something wrong?” Jenny asks as I stare off, coming to the realization I may be falling hard for my nemesis.