Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
She blinked, startled. “No!”
I nodded, satisfied. “Then we can date.” I sat back with a grin. “Fuck, too. I can hardly wait to taste those lips of yours. Both sets.”
Once again, she opened her mouth, nothing coming from it. She shook her head as if to clear it.
“You are rude.”
“Truthful.” I leaned forward, all trace of teasing gone. “I think you’re the sexiest woman I have ever seen, Cherry Gallagher. I want you. I have from the moment I saw you. If the salon hadn’t had other people in it this morning, I would have dragged you onto my lap and taken you right there.” I sat back, our eyes still locked. “And you would have let me. You want me too.”
“You’re pretty damn sure of yourself.” She protested, but her breathing was rapid. Her pupils wide. She clutched the table as if to stop from launching herself at me.
“I know what I see.”
She stood. “Well, this time, Mr. Salvatore, you’re wrong. Thank you for lunch.”
Then she turned and ran. Literally ran away from me. I watched her rush across the street, dodging traffic. She didn’t look back, but I knew she felt me watching her.
I let her go. I had seen her number listed on the employee sheet by the cash register. I had memorized it and planned to use it. I had to grin at myself. I was acting out of character, but something about this woman made me irrational. I wanted her. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted her to know me. The real me—not the one she made up in her mind to protect herself.
I turned and headed for my car. I would see her again soon.
If not, I would come back. Cherry G was going to be a challenge.
One I was going to enjoy.
I sent her a text that night.
Me
Hey, Cherry G—it’s Dom.
The sunset reminds me of your hair. What is your favorite time of day?
Cherry
How did you get my number?
Me
The employee list by the cash register.
Cherry
That was private.
Me
Then it shouldn’t have been out where I could see it. I love evenings. Mornings are great too, but I enjoy the quiet of the evening the best. You?
Cherry
Usually. Unless I’m being bombarded with messages.
I began to laugh. I loved her spunk.
Me
I’ll leave you to your peace. We both like evenings. Another thing we have in common. Sweet dreams, Cherry G.
The next day at lunch, I sent another message.
Me
Green is my favorite color. What’s yours?
Her reply made me laugh.
Cherry
Lose my number.
Me
Unusual name for a color. Is that on the yellow spectrum? I would have thought blue was more you. Or maybe green like me.
Cherry
Silence is golden.
Me
Ah, so it is yellow, then. I can see that—your smile lights up a room.
Cherry
Stop it.
Me
But I’m just getting started. What’s your favorite ice cream? Mine is Cherry.
Cherry
Ha-ha.
Me
Come on. How can we get to know each other if you won’t answer?
Cherry
Mango. I love mango ice cream.
Me
Thank you.
Later that night, I sent another.
Me
Kindle or paperback?
Cherry
You read?
Me
Very well, actually. I learned in school. I was smart that way. I like holding a book in my hand. You?
It was a while before she responded.
Cherry
Kindle. I don’t have room to store books, so I use the e-reader. I’d love a small room to hold books, though.
Me
I’ll keep that in mind.
Cherry
For?
Me
That’s two questions you’ve asked me, Cherry G. I knew you liked this idea. And that is for me to know and you to find out. I look forward to you finding out a lot about me.
And liking it.
Cherry
Good night, Dom.
Me
Sleep well, sweet Cherry.
I grinned as I set down my phone. My plan was working.
I spotted Hannah in the garage the following week. She waved as she left, and I found Chase in the office, eating a burger she had brought him. When I explained I needed a part to finish a job, he offered to drive and pick it up. He was sure Charly would cover and assured me he would work on Saturday to make sure the office was up-to-date.
“Hannah and Cherry are doing a craft fair on Saturday. I can come in and help catch up.”
I lifted my eyebrows, a smile playing on my mouth at the welcome news. My challenging woman was proving elusive. I kept texting her, waiting for her to answer, hoping she would initiate a conversation. So far, that hadn’t worked, but she did respond to me. I counted that as progress. Last night, we had discussed pets. She loved cats. I liked dogs. When I informed her getting them together as babies would help forge a friendship, I had been met with radio silence. But I knew it got her thinking.
“Cherry’s coming for a visit?”
He grinned. “We’re going to Zeke’s to listen to the band Saturday.”
“Isn’t that interesting. I was planning on going myself.”
“Oh? You like the Broken Owls, do you?”