Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
I mean, she’s so freaking stunning, supermodel breathtaking, and I’m Midwest average. I wear hoodies and jeans with some sneakers and a hint of makeup. I could never compare to my sister or my mother, who are fashionable, let alone this woman who had stolen the boy—the man—of my dreams.
My world has been turned upside down all over again, and nothing can fix it. “Excuse me, Andy. I have to get ready for class.”
“Are you okay?”
“Of course I am. It’s not like I expected him to come back or anything. It’s been how many years now? I’m an adult, and although I’m not dating, it’s not for a lack of trying,” I lie. Anderson just stares at me in disbelief because he knows the truth. They’ve watched me like a hawk so they’re well aware of my dating history, which only includes my fantastical crush on Jake Richards since I was fourteen years old.
“Whatever,” I add, glaring at my brother before walking away from him and heading to my room. The second the door closes, I’m reminded of my love for Jake. God, I’ve tried to forget that man over the years. I really did. My father told me it was futile, but I did put in the effort. Still, I could never look at another boy and not compare him to Jake or imagine what Jake would look like all grown up.
Needing to shake off the insane sadness, I pick up my textbooks and flip them open to study. It’s not long before tears fall onto my books, so I slam them shut and get ready for class. There’s nothing I can do about the pain I’m feeling, and sticking around here only makes me more miserable.
As I go downstairs and get ready to leave, I find my parents waiting for me. “Can we have a word with you?”
“I don’t want to be late for class.”
“You’re not due for an hour. You can spare two minutes,” my father says.
“I’m fine.”
“Don’t lie, sweetheart. Anderson told us what’s going on.”
“Well, he should just mind his business because I’m okay. I swear it. It’s just a shock. I’ll have a boyfriend soon.”
“Don’t rush to date just because you’re upset.”
“Rush? I’m nearly twenty and I’ve never had a damn boyfriend because I’ve been in love with a memory. Enough.” I raise my hands and brush past my parents. “Relax. The allotted minutes have passed and I have to get going.” I snag my keys off the hook and grab my purse, adjusting my book bag so I can carry it all to my car.
****
It’s almost my twentieth birthday, and I’ve packed a bag and I’m headed far away from my home. I look at the clock and hate that I’ve wasted the past six years clinging to the hope that he’d come back for me.
No one, and I mean no one, could keep me here any longer. I don’t have any goals or any ambitions. My heart isn’t into anything. I almost have my culinary degree, but I have no use for it because I’m not sure I can stomach eating, so cooking will be difficult. Work has been a struggle for the past day.
My parents have something special planned for tomorrow, but I won’t be there for it. Nothing can fix the broken pieces of me anymore. I have to start a new life, and that means getting over Jacob Richards and finding someone who will fill the void that he left all those years ago.
The burning sensation created by seeing him with that sexy bitch yesterday was enough to break me for good. I thought I could handle seeing him move on after all these years, but I lied to myself. We haven’t spoken to or seen each other since he drove away from me six years ago, so why would I have expected him to stay devoted to me the way I had to him? I lived for Jake, but he hadn’t done the same.
I jumped into my car with my bags packed the second the sun started to rise. The sky was an orangish red outside when I hit the road. I had enough money from my job at the restaurant I worked at to hold me over for a few months until I figured out my plans, although I’m sure my parents will make sure they find me before then even if they have to tie me up and drag me back.
My head pounds as the tears dry up on my face. I don’t think I have any more tears to cry.
Chapter Three
Jake
The flight in from New York has been a long one. Everything is ready for the surprise I’ve set up. She only has two classes this morning, so I wait for her to get off work.
It’s my princess’s birthday, and we have a lot to fucking celebrate. Six fucking long years without my hands on her, and my lips have longed to be all over her body that has gone from innocent to sinful.