Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 91937 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91937 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Stepping into the bakery, I spot Ms. Maddie walking out with a tray of donuts from the back. “Hey,” I say, “by any chance do you have any cakes left?”
She tilts her head to the side. “Is this for you or your sister?” she asks, and my eyebrows pinch together.
“My sister. Why?” I ask, and she reaches under the counter and takes out a bag with a cake in it.
“Charlie already came in and paid for cakes from now until she gives birth.” She shakes her head. “I’m to put one aside every single day.”
“Good to know.” I grab the bag and order the decaf coffee for her.
I dump the cake and coffee on Autumn’s desk, having just enough time to get back to the tour. That night, Harmony and I work side by side, and I swear I see a different side of Harmony. Even the day after, she comes in with a smile, and by the end of the week, I can see that she’s even more at ease with herself. She’s friendlier with everyone, and by the end of the night, they all make sure to say goodbye to her when they leave.
She’s taking on even more tables by Saturday night, and it’s a good thing because not one table is free. For six hours, she runs around making sure everyone is taken care of, even stopping at Janelle’s table when she sees she is swamped. By the end of the night, it’s always the two of us closing up, side by side. Neither of us wants to address or talk about what is happening between us. Last week's kiss is almost a memory that needs to be redone so I can remember how it felt.
I walk her out to her car every night, wanting to kiss her but wanting her to be the one who takes that step, like tonight. “Drive safe,” I tell her when we get beside her car, and she laughs.
“I will.” She opens the door and takes one more look at me before getting in. I stand here in the middle of the parking lot long after she’s driven away, telling myself she needs space to work everything out. At the same time, I’m telling myself I’m about done with this, and she has one more week before I snap and make her mine in more ways than one.
CHAPTER 16
Harmony
I get home and walk to the back door, opening it, and lean in to unbuckle Wyatt’s belt. He stirs, getting up and doing me a huge favor by waking and walking up the stairs instead of me carrying him. Which is becoming almost impossible these days since he’s growing like a weed. I open the door as he walks up the steps and follow him to tuck him into bed. “Sleep tight, my love.” I kiss his cheek before walking out of his room.
Going downstairs to drink something instead of going to my bedroom, I pull open the fridge and grab the sweet tea before finding a glass. The whole time, I’m thinking of Brady and the way he looked tonight. It’s been almost a week since he kissed me, a week that every night when he walks me to my car, I want him to kiss me.
I pull out the stool, grab my phone, and see that Ryleigh texted me during the night, which is weird since it’s Saturday.
Ryleigh: Forgot to text you last night to let you know that I filed a response to the summons. Did I mention how much fun this is going to be? Because it is! Also, if he shows up and threatens you, you need to call the police immediately, first and foremost, to protect yourself and Wyatt and to also make sure that a report is filed. This is just more evidence to help support your case that he’s not only an abusive husband but an unfit parent.
I shake my head at the same time I hear the car door slamming. This time, it sounds too close to be Brady’s. I push off from the counter and walk in the darkness to the front door. I don’t have to wait for long before the sound of feet stomping up the steps and the pounding starts. “Get the fuck out here!” he roars. “I know you’re in there, you fucking bitch.” I inhale and then open the door, which is one of my biggest mistakes. I should have known from the way he was talking that he was fit to be tied. I should have left the door closed, but instead, he pushes his way in, shocking me and making me almost fumble as I rush to get away from him. I’m slipping when he grips my upper arm and yanks it so hard, all I can do is cry out in pain. “You got a lawyer.” His face is red as he makes sure that we are almost nose-to-nose. “You think you are going to get a penny from me?” He twists his hand even more, and I can’t help but cry. “It’ll be a cold day in hell before you get even a penny from me.” I don’t have a chance to say anything to him before he’s ripped off me. I see Brady grab him by the scruff of his neck with one hand, and then the other arm goes around his neck in a chokehold. His feet barely touch the floor as he’s carried to the door.