Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
She laughs and it makes you want to laugh too. You can’t stay mad at her for long. She sucks you right in.
“I like the neighborhood and that’s a sick house. It’s huge and so spacious inside. I can totally see that neighborhood turning into a baby Heart’s Way,” she muses.
“I was thinking the same thing.”
Heart’s Way is an elite community in Bridge Lake. While my home is now in Vander, it has the potential to grow into something quaint and homey like Bridge Lake’s premium location.
“I’m proud of you. You haven’t allowed anything to stop you. This is what I wanted for you. I know you don’t like talking about your family situation, but I understand it’s not ideal and you’re building your life up on your own.
“Savor that, babe. That’s some big-dick shit. Don’t laugh at me. I mean it,” she says.
I laugh and finish my drink. I know she has my back. She drove me to the closing and had a gift waiting for me after.
“So, who’s our victim tonight, and what do we have planned?”
She gives me an evil little grin. “Did you know Tak can’t sleep without music in his ears? I have his headphones,” she says.
I burst into laughter as she wiggles her brows. I can see it now. He’s going to be up all night tearing the place apart looking for them and getting on Pit, Luke, and Deacon’s damn nerves while doing it.
“Perfect,” I croon and rub my hands together.
Skittles’s phone rings on the table in front of us. Her smile grows wider. I know right away it’s either Lex or Shawna.
“Hey, Shawnnie,” she sings into the phone.
I hop up and snatch the device from her hand and take off. I can’t help smiling to myself as I jog away, my long legs creating the distance I need. I inhale deeply. I remember thinking I’d never run again—those first few weeks of therapy felt like torture.
I sure as fuck didn’t think I’d be out here on the beach in shorts and shirtless. I still have days where I look at myself and see the worst, no matter how much I’ve healed. The healing that’s happened physically hasn’t happened mentally just yet.
“Hey, gorgeous,” I croon into the phone as I laugh at Ven chasing after me and yelling. “Congratulations on the job.”
“Hey, Joshua.”
My smile grows. I love hearing her say my name. She sounds happy. That makes me happy.
“Hey, sweetheart. Why haven’t you called me?”
“I, um. I guess I’ve been busy, and I sort of wasn’t sure you really meant it.”
“Let this be your first lesson in Josh. I don’t say shit I don’t mean, baby girl.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll make sure to call you soon.”
“Don’t be sorry. You never have to be sorry.”
“Kelex, come back here with my phone,” Skittles calls.
“Hold on,” I say to Shawna.
I turn to jog backward and send Ven a wink. I pull the phone from my ear and send myself a quick text with Shawna’s number.
“Okay, I’m back. They treating you well?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
I frown. “What does that mean?”
“One of the other photographers is sort of a dick to me all the time.”
“What’s his name,” I bite out darkly.
“Ivan. It’s cool. I do my best to stay away from him. The village women don’t like him either.”
“You have pepper spray with you?”
“Yeah, Ven and Mom both gave me some.”
“Good, keep it on you. Don’t allow anyone to feel comfortable with making you uncomfortable. That’s never okay.”
“Thanks, Joshua. You don’t know how much I needed to hear that. I think I’m homesick already.”
“How long is the assignment?”
“Another two months, but I’ve been asked to sign on to go to Australia.”
I place my fist in my mouth to bite down. I’m stoked for her, but this means it will be that much longer before I get to meet her face to face. Things are taking off for the business and my time is about to become supertight.
“I’m proud of you, gorgeous. Very proud.”
“Josh, this is all thanks to you. Thank you so much. This is my dream job. Now if I could get you to sit for a shoot for me, my life would be perfect.”
I groan. Not because I don’t want to pose for her, but because she’s so fucking cute. I know I would pose in a heartbeat for her and her alone.
“You let me know when and where you want me. I’ll be all yours,” I say, feeling the smile on my lips.
I’m caught off guard as Skittles jumps on my back. I clench the phone in one hand and reach to secure Skittles on my back with the other.
She bites my ear, then snatches her phone. I roar with laughter as she pants while catching her breath. I reach for her other leg to make sure she doesn’t fall.