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)
I grab the glass figurine from the table under the mirror close to the door. When I get to the door, I tighten my grasp on the figurine and tug the front door open. I freeze in my tracks as my gaze is met by a blue-gray one.
“Joshua?” I breathe.
“Hey, gorgeous.”
His voice is like a long hug I didn’t know I needed. I turn back to the table and put the figurine down. When I turn back, he’s at the threshold, watching me.
I don’t feel alarmed. I’m just surprised to see him. In all honesty, I want to fling myself into his arms. However, I don’t know where we stand. It’s been so long and we’ve never been face to face.
“What are you doing here?” My words come out slurred because I’m still adjusting to having the wires out.
He knits his brows as he closes the distance between us. Tears well in my eyes, causing me to turn away from him. He cups my throat with his large hand, gently turning my face back to him with his thumb.
I go to pull away but freeze as I see his eyes mist up. His nostrils flare and his lower lip is trapped between his teeth and he’s almost vibrating with… rage?
The look in his eyes is so intense. I freeze as I hold my breath. He places his forehead to mine.
I finally release a breath and reach to grasp his shirt. When he pulls back, he has that same intense look as he searches my face. He swallows hard, causing me to do the same.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you,” he chokes out.
“Oh my God, Josh. This wasn’t your fault. And you were there. Because of you, I survived. It was your words I held on to,” I say.
He tugs me into him, wrapping his arms around me. I fit right into him. His warm scent embraces me, causing me to inhale deeply.
My nipples tighten and my mouth waters. I can’t believe I’m in his arms. I wrap my arms around him and clench the back of his shirt.
I don’t know where it comes from, but the dams break and I release the tears I’ve been holding on to for months, three years even. I can’t stop them. Joshua holds me tighter and rocks me gently.
“It’s okay. I’m here now. I’m here.”
Deep down, I know he’s telling the truth. I’ve never felt safer in my life. It takes me a moment to process it all.
“Thanks, Joshua. I needed my person.”
Chapter 39
Need a Friend
Shawna
I can’t believe I’m sitting out on the deck with Kelex, the model, sipping wine out of two mugs like old friends. After allowing me to cry myself out, he went in search of blankets for us to sit outdoors.
I found the bottle of wine and settled on the mugs after searching for glasses, to no avail. By the time he returned and pointed out where the glasses were, I had poured my mug. He only shrugged with that sexy grin and took the other mug to join me.
“I normally don’t do this, but I need to know.”
“Ut-oh,” I say over the rim of my mug. “What don’t you do?”
“I don’t chase people. If you don’t want to fuck with me, I don’t fuck with you. I’m never interested in why and I’m not going to try to figure it out. It’s their loss.”
I drop my gaze into my cup. I already know what’s coming next. My heart sinks. I wanted to forget all about this.
“What happened? Why’d you block me?” he asks.
I put down my mug and start to fidget with my blanket. I can’t look at him as I say this. It hurts too much.
“I called you that night when you said you were coming to the race. A woman answered your phone. I felt stupid. Like you were leading me on.
“My feelings were hurt. I thought… I thought we had… I don’t know,” I whisper.
When I do peek up at him, he looks totally confused. I bite my lip and hold my breath. He puts his mug down and moves to the edge of his seat.
Reaching for my chin, he lifts my head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. We did have something. I don’t know who you could have spoken to, but they weren’t… I’ve only been yours.
“My life is complicated, but I’ve wanted to meet you since I heard your voice for the first time.” He pauses and searches my face with his gaze. “You’re more beautiful than I imagined. Can we start over?”
“I’m searching for something. I need to find myself again. Right now, I really need a friend. Is that okay?”
He drops his hand and nods. “Of course. I’m not the same person and I can see you’ve changed. Let’s get to know each other. Like I said, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”