Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 16095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
“I’ve been wanting a family for a long time.”
“Yeah, and you expect me to believe that?” she asked.
“You can believe what you want. It’s the truth.”
Becks sat back. “Do you love her?”
He stared at her.
“I’m not going to help you if you aren’t honest with me.”
“You’re going to help me?”
“I know Sally. She’s been my best friend from way back when. We’ve had each other’s backs. I love her like a sister. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even commit murder and get rid of your sorry ass. Now, cut the bullshit. Do you love her? We don’t have long before she comes back. Do you want my help or not?”
He really didn’t know if it was wise. “Yes, I love her.”
Becks smiled. “Awesome. Then all you’ve got to do is be yourself. You love her, don’t let her think for a single second that you’re interested in anyone else. Don’t talk about the shop, or if you do, talk about your own. Your passions. She loves to know about you.”
He spotted Sally making her way to them. “She’s here.”
Becks finished her beer and stood just as Sally came back. “What’s going on?”
“I’m really tired and I think I ate something at lunchtime. I’m going to go and rest.”
“Do you need me to come with you?”
“No, you stay here. Have fun. Dance. Take care of her,” Becks said.
He got the warning loud and clear.
Becks left and Sally watched her friend go. “What did she say?”
“Nothing.”
“I go for five minutes, the line was a nightmare, and you’re telling me my very vocal, loud friend didn’t have something to say to you?” she asked.
“You know your friend?”
“I know Becks and when she’s got something to say, she will say it.” Sally sat back. “What did she have to say?”
He didn’t want to lose Becks as an ally. Telling her that he loved Sally was a big step, one he didn’t even know if he was ready to take until he didn’t have a choice. Staring across the table, he knew it to be true. Over the years, Hank had come to trust his instincts and not to second-guess himself.
“She warned me about hurting you.”
“That was all?”
“Pretty much. She warned me that she wasn’t afraid to commit murder if I hurt you. She did let me know it had been a long time you’ve been alone. Without a boyfriend.”
“My best friend likes to talk a whole lot.”
“Is it true?”
“Yes. It has been a couple of years.”
“Why?” he asked.
“You want to delve into it?”
“Why not?”
“What about you?”
“My work was more important. Women, they only wanted one thing from me and after a short time, it got boring. You?”
“I guess you can say the same thing. Some guys don’t like it when you spend your whole life dedicated to your career. The shop has been my baby for so long. I didn’t put anyone else first, and I probably should have.”
He reached across the table, holding her hand. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Hank, you’re not even my boyfriend.”
“But I’d like to be.”
“I thought this was supposed to be fun,” she said.
“It is, but what’s wrong with us having titles as well? Boyfriend and girlfriend?”
Chapter Six
One month later
Sally squealed as Hank seemed to tip her right over his shoulder. She held on to him, not wanting to let go, laughing as he pretended to.
“Hold on tight.”
“I can walk.”
“I don’t want you to walk. It’s our one-month anniversary.”
“Is that even a thing?” she asked. “I don’t think it is. You’re making it up.”
“When I asked you if you’d be my girlfriend, you told me you didn’t think it would last the week. I’ve proven you wrong and I really don’t think you should fight with me.”
“And carrying me up to my front door is a way to celebrate?” she asked, nibbling on his neck. He always found it hard to concentrate when she distracted him with kisses. Lots of them.
He groaned. “No, the celebration is when I fuck you hard in every single room of the house.”
“We’ve already done that,” she said. “Not much of a celebration.”
“Okay, how about I get you to come in every single room of the house?”
“Not going to be possible.”
“I see the challenge you’re setting me. I can deal with it.”
She burst out laughing and screamed as he leaned forward, unlocking her door. “You’re going to kill the both of us.”
“Then we’ll both die happy.”
He opened the front door, and she tried to get down, but he held her ass, tightening his grip to keep her on his back. “Close and lock the door,” he said.
“Seriously, Hank. I don’t want you to pull anything.”
His hand drew back and he slapped her ass. It wasn’t a hard tap, but it certainly was one given with a warning.
“Hey!”
“I warned you.”
“That was over the whole beautiful thing.”