Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
“I can’t because of you-know-who,” Arden said through clenched teeth but the customer still eavesdropped.
To make matters worse, Mike strutted into the store with Arden’s favorite milkshake from the diner in the next town over.
“I picked this up for you,” he said with a wide smile that dampened at the sight of Kaley. He cocked his head. “I know you… right?”
Kaley’s eyes went wide. She grabbed the nearest packet of popcorn and threw it at him.
“Yes, you fucking know me, you ass!”
Mike grabbed the bag and smiled when he realized it was his favorite. “Don’t be so touchy. Lots of people come and go,” he said, approaching with the shake. Strawberry. Arden’s favorite.
“I heard that applies to my brother too.” Kaley put her hands on her hips in a combative stance.
This time, Mike seemed hurt, and while his smile didn’t drop, it looked artificial. “I see you’re busy. So… here’s your drink, and I’ll be out,” he said and placed the cup on an empty bit of shelf, already stepping back.
“Sure Mike, run from all responsibility,” Kaley said. “You don’t have to worry about either of us anymore. I’m taking him home.”
Arden picked up the delicious drink and sucked some in through the straw. Milky and sweet, with a hint of tartness, it was perfection in a cup. He’d said that once, and Mike had regularly picked one up for him since. He was so thoughtful, even now, after they’d split. “It’s not like that. Stay. My shift’s over in a bit.”
Mike stuffed his hands down his pockets, teeth digging into his lower lip. “I don’t know.”
Kaley frowned. “I’m not sure it’s such a good idea either.”
“Just wait,” Arden said, conspicuously pointing to the customer with his chin, but she must have noticed the tension and strutted back to the counter with her pack of Oreos.
“Oh, don’t mind me, I’ve seen my fair share of drama.” She laughed and started lazily pulling out low value coins as if she were a human-sized sloth.
Arden was glad to be out of the line of fire between Mike and Kaley, but his brain burned, his synapses sparking a battle between reason and emotion.
Going with Kaley would be the reasonable thing to do if it wasn’t for Luke. But he hadn’t heard from Luke or about him since the abduction attempt, so maybe he’d gotten the message and moved on? Luke knew the club would retaliate if he got too close to Arden, so giving up on revenge would have been the smart thing to do. And despite all his faults, Luke wasn’t an idiot. If he’d in fact given up, there was nothing stopping Arden from getting back to a life in Reno. But couldn’t that wait a month or two? Or at least until Mike found himself a new girl to sleep with and Arden couldn’t bear to witness them together anymore?
The customer took her time making small talk about her cats, but Arden was back to the silent warzone the moment the elderly lady left the store.
“You didn’t mention planning to go home tonight,” Mike said in an even tone, but Arden knew it was actually an accusation.
Kaley clapped her hands. “You’re not his boyfriend anymore. Why would you care?”
Arden hid behind the massive milkshake cup and made puppy eyes at Mike. “I didn’t know she was coming. And I’m not going anywhere with Luke out for my blood. You still remember that he hired some goons to abduct me, right?”
Kaley shook her head. “I do, but it’s been weeks. His plan backfired, and the club knows where he lives, just in case. I’m sure he cut his losses and moved on.”
As reasonable as that sounded, there was always a chance Luke remained a threat and would come for Arden once all suspicions have died down. If Arden wanted to be safe, he should stay here forever and stew in his own unrequited-love juices. Sounded like a plan.
Mike licked his lips. “I can pay him a visit. Or us both. Make sure he knows not to mess with you. That is, if your sister lets you stay one more day,” he added in a lower voice seeping with annoyance.
One more day? And then what? He’d see Mike once a month? Mike wasn’t a facetime type of guy. Arden’s heart helplessly rattled its cage for a way out.
“I’m not my sister’s property. I do what I want. Speaking of which, no, I don’t think it’s a good idea to agitate Luke. It will blow over in a month. Or two.”
Kaley frowned. “And what, stay here forever? I actually agree that confrontation isn’t such a bad idea. He’ll steer clear of you if he gets a nighttime visit from the right kind of people.”
Mike shrugged and crossed his arms on his chest, his gaze drilling into Arden, waiting for his decision.