Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Baby, you don’t have a bad side.”
Ford leans down, whispering, “Good news is Jewls doesn’t last too late these days. Five minutes and I’ll be in to break it up.”
He doesn’t give me a chance to respond, turning and gently prodding me to the other room. I sip my wine, choosing the corner seat of the sofa closest to Harley. When I glance back to the kitchen, both men and Pepper have disappeared.
She shoots me a wide, knowing smile. “Out with it.”
“I have nothing to say.”
“Listen, I never want to hear anything detailing romantic escapades with my brother.” Carson shudders. “Just admit we were right.”
“He apologized,” I admit softly, feeling the pressure of all eyes aimed my way.
“We figured that out the second he followed you into the house yesterday, and you two didn’t return for over half an hour.”
“From the glaze in your eyes, the blush on your cheeks, and the mussed hair, we assumed it was a good apology,” Jewls teases. “Now we want details.”
A tinge of embarrassment washes through me but doesn’t linger. Jewls and Harley are good friends. Carson and Addie have always been kind and I like them. Discussing guys is normal.
“It was a nice apology. Apparently, Ford has a very interesting talent for reading lips. He started by renouncing my theory he saw me as a victim. Then things kind of went from there.”
“Ugh, he started that in high school and sharpened the skill in the Marines,” Addie informs me. “Best bet is to turn and shield your lips.”
“He said he usually turns it off. Whatever that means.”
“We told him how invasive it is. But with you, it’s not a surprise. He couldn’t keep his eyes off you yesterday.”
A little thrill races up my spine at the remark, and I sip my wine to hide my grin.
“Oh, she’s giddy.” Jewls catches on.
“And this morning?” Harley prompts. “What happened?”
“He flipped over a picture of her with the hottie firemen and went after her, tracing her to Cruz and Alex’s.” Jewls perks up.
“He surprised me,” is all I add.
“I tried to warn you.”
“You sent me a text with one word.”
“That one word speaks volumes. Incoming.”
“Incoming speaks volumes?”
“As in ‘heads up, your man is incoming’.” She rolls her eyes like I’m an idiot.
“How was I supposed to interpret that message from one word, Jewls?”
“You need to up your text game.”
“Agreed.” Harley nods.
“It’s a little premature to label Ford as my man.”
The four of them exchange a look that has me squirming.
“Ace, Talon, and Major all agreed Mad Jack had made an appearance.”
“Who’s Mad Jack?”
“Nickname Ford picked up in the Marines. Apparently, he had a reputation of being intense and hotheaded,” Harley fills me in.
“Ford Whitman has never in his life shown any reaction close to jealousy. This morning, I was staring at a real-life green-eyed monster. He took off like a bolt of lightning,” Addie states matter-of-factly. “Luckily, Carson thought quick and snapped a picture.”
“I don’t need to see the picture. I kinda lived it live.”
“What happened when he got to Cruz’s?”
“He called, but I didn’t answer because I was in the shower. He picked the lock.”
“He picked the lock? That’s hot,” Harley gushes. “Please tell me he found you in the shower.”
“He waited for me to get out.”
“It would have been much hotter if he’d gone into the bathroom.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“You have a thing for showers.”
“You will, too. Just wait.”
“I’ve never had shower sex,” Carson pipes in.
“Me neither,” Addie agrees.
“Oh, you’re missing out. Although it’s getting a little difficult with this.” Jewls points to her rounded stomach.
“Put a bench seat in your new shower. That will help,” Harley tells her.
“Already taken care of, but by the time we get into our house, it’ll be way too late. I’ll be so big, nothing will help.”
“I don’t know. If you position correctly,” Harley stops abruptly. “Wait, no jumping off-subject. This is supposed to be about Rowan.”
“No, no, carry on.” I waggle my finger between them. “Shower sex is much more interesting than my story.”
Harley narrows her eyes, shaking her head. “You are a master at diverting attention. Not anymore, we have your number.”
“It’s not diverting when there isn’t much to say.”
“Bullshit, there is so much to say. Like Addie said, Ford hauled ass out of here this morning with fire in his eyes. What did he do after he picked the lock and you got out of the shower?” Jewls puts me on the spot.
“He explained he was worried when I didn’t answer the phone.”
“That’s it?”
I shift uncomfortably, rethinking my earlier stance on having this conversation with Addie and Carson present.
“Did he throw you down on the kitchen island and screw your brains out?”
My head whips to Jewls. “N-no, absolutely not.”
“Too bad, that would have been hot, too.” Harley sounds disappointed.
“As long as it’s not graphic, we can handle it.” Carson drains her glass. “And the wine helps.”