Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Besides, if Travis heard this conversation, what would he do? Would he want me to go to Frank’s place, knowing that there will be eligible single men there? Hell, would he be okay with me telling Leslie about us? Upon more reflection, I doubt it. I just feels disloyal. After all, Travis certainly wouldn’t want me participating in some weird group date, right?
“Leslie, there’s something I should tell you.”
“Just say yes!” my friend pleads. “Seriously, it’s not that big of a deal.”
“I’m seeing someone,” I say firmly. “I appreciate the effort, but it’s a no.”
Leslie stares at me, her jaw on the floor.
“I’m sorry, what did you say? You’re seeing someone? Who? Since when? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I met him at the fair when you and Frank were talking, and we hit it off.” Her eyes go even wider.
“You’ve been seeing someone for months? Whaaaaat?”
I nod and put up a hand before she can start.
“I know, and I hated keeping things from you but it was so early on and I didn’t want to say anything while things were premature. His name is Travis and he’s amazing.”
Les sits up, all thoughts of Frank’s friends forgotten.
“Well, I need to meet him, obviously.”
I grin. “I’ll try to arrange it but it might be tough because he works a lot. We’ve been keeping our relationship on the down low, too.”
Leslie furrows her brow. “What do you mean on the down low? Why?”
I shrug.
“We’re just not making it a public thing. We’ve been on dates but always in private because the relationship is still blossoming, and Travis values being discreet. He’s taken me to his friend’s ranch though. The friend is never there, but Travis acts as a housesitter of sorts.”
Leslie shoots me a weird look.
“Pepper, I’m sorry, but that’s not being discreet. That’s called being shady.”
I shake my head.
“No, it’s fine. Why is it shady?”
Les sighs.
“Oh, Pepper. You’re new to relationships and you just don’t know. This isn’t normal. Not by a long shot.”
But I’m still confused.
“No, it’s fine! Plus, I like Travis. You’ll see when you meet him because he’s kind, caring, not to mention soooo handsome. Also, he’s huge down there, and I bet he could give Frank a run for his money,” I joke.
But Leslie merely shoots me a look of pity. “I’m sure he’s big, and I’m glad you’re having fun in bed. But you know, size isn’t everything. I think you need to examine why Travis is keeping you a secret. You go to his so-called friend’s house, who’s never there. You’ve never been introduced to his friend, and why? What is Travis’s reason? Maybe he doesn’t even have this so-called friend. Maybe it’s a stranger’s ranch, and Travis is breaking and entering.”
I stare at Leslie, utterly aghast.
“No, that’s not it,” I say firmly. “He knows this person. I even know the friend’s name: Kent.”
Leslie merely shrugs.
“Why does he have such rich friends then? Friends who own an entire ranch too? That seems quite out of character.”
I begin to reply but then shut my mouth because how does Travis have such a wealthy acquaintance? Travis himself is a mid-level employee as some giant corporation, so how does he know someone like Kent, who owns acres of land, not to mention a stable full of horses? Even I have to admit that this story is starting to sound fishy, and my heart sinks.
“He just likes to keep things private,” I say gritting my teeth. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Leslie is quiet for a moment before shooting me another look.
“Are you sure he’s not married?”
My stomach sinks. There’s no way Travis has a wife. I would know. Wouldn’t I?
Leslie’s words pound into my brain and suddenly, my heart hurts because she’s right. There’s something off about the way Travis keeps our relationship a secret. Shouldn’t he be proud of having me on his arm? Is he embarrassed of me, or is it something even more nefarious?
Reading my expression, Les pats my arm comfortingly.
“I’m sorry, hon.”
But I’m still clinging to a shred of hope and answer fiercely.
“No, you’re wrong. Travis is a great guy. I’m sure he’s just a private person and doesn’t want to go public until we’ve been together for a while. He has answers, and he’s going to tell me.”
I can tell that Leslie isn’t convinced, but that doesn’t matter. I know Travis wouldn’t lie to me. He’s not married. Kent is a real person. There’s nothing freaky going on here.
As we sit in silence, I try to convince myself this is true. Travis loves me, right? Or if not love, at least he’d have enough respect to be honest.
Then again, who am I kidding? I’ve only known the man a few months, and I still know almost nothing about him. He hasn’t even told me where he works, he’s that secretive.