Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Once we were seated, I told him, “Well, I live in Memphis and work at Melbourne and Jones Law downtown.”
“A lawyer, huh? That’s cool.” He gave me a nonchalant nod, then said, “Memphis is a cool town.”
“Yes, I like it there a lot, but I don’t plan to be there forever.”
“Oh, really? Where would you go?”
“Not sure. I guess it would depend on where my work takes me.”
“Okay.”
I could see the wheels turning in his head and wondered how long it would take him to piece things together. I figured it was time to turn the tables on him, so I asked, “What about you? Were you born and raised in Little Rock?”
“No. My father was in the military, so we were all over the place—mainly up north. I hated it. The nomad life just wasn’t for me, so as soon as I turned eighteen, I split and migrated south.”
“Ah, so that’s why they call you Goose.”
“More or less.”
“Well, the name suits you.”
“Glad you think so.” He cocked his brow as he said, “Now, back to you. What do you do jobwise?”
"I’m a lawyer.”
“No shit?”
“Yep. I deal with civil litigations.”
“Well, damn. That’s awesome. Beautiful and smart.”
“Thank you.”
The waitress brought over our drinks, and after a quick sip, Goose leaned back in his chair and asked, “So, how do you know Memphis? Did you grow up together or something?”
“No. Actually, his mother married my father.”
“No way.” His smile faded, and his whole demeanor changed as he said, “I didn’t realize that you were her.”
“What does that mean?”
“There have been some conversations.”
“Oh, that doesn’t sound good.”
“Well, it wasn’t all bad,” Goose said, his grin returning.
“So, what all has been said?”
"Now, I can’t divulge my brother’s secrets, but I can tell ya one thing. You left a real impression on him.”
“Oh, really?” I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but laugh. Goose had a way of making everything seem lighter. Easier. It was hard not to like the guy. “Well, he wasn’t the only one left with an impression. He left a big one, and he kept leaving them every time I was around him. It was like he was determined to get under my skin, and it worked every single time.”
“And yet, here you sit.”
“And here I sit.” I gave him a shrug. “I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.”
“Sounds like you two are typical siblings,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. "Even if you don’t want to be.”
“It’s not all bad.”
“It can’t be.” He reached over and placed his hand on mine. “You’re here, and that would brighten anyone’s day.”
“Aw.” I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks and pulled my hand back, looking down at my coffee. "You're sweet."
"Sweet?” he scoffed with a laugh. “Ah, damn. You can say all kinds of things about me, babe, but sweet ain’t one of them.”
“Must be a running trend with you Fury men.”
“Pretty much, but we have our moments.”
“So I’ve noticed.” I took a sip of my coffee, then asked, "So, what’s the story with my dear, old stepbrother? Has he been seeing anyone?”
Goose's expression shifted. The playful glint in his eyes faded and was replaced by something more serious. He studied me for a moment, his gaze piercing. “You two don’t talk about stuff like that?”
“No. Not really.” I bit my lip, unsure of how to proceed. Goose was quick; he didn't miss much. "It’s not a big deal. I was just wondering.”
“Ah, nah.”
“What?”
“It makes sense. I don’t know how I missed it.”
“Missed what?”
“You got a thing for my brother.”
“What? No!”
“Yeah. You do.” Goose shook his head and scoffed, “Hell, you got a thing for your brother. Damn."
“Stop.” I felt my cheeks burn even hotter, and I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "It's not like that. I was just asking a simple question.”
"Uh-huh," Goose said, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "We both know better than that.”
“Even if I did have a thing for him, it wouldn’t matter. He’s my stepbrother.”
“Ah, don’t give me that shit. You two are grown-assed adults. That stepbrother bullshit doesn’t matter.”
“It’s more complicated than that.”
“Doesn’t have to be.”
“Why do people keep saying that? It’s not like it just stops being complicated because I want it to.”
“It could. You just gotta stop making things so hard, 'cause I got a feeling it’s not as complicated as you might think.”
“Maybe.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I just don’t know anymore. Him getting hurt really messed with my head. It’s made me see things a little differently.”
“Don’t worry. Things have a way of working out.”
I looked up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "You really think so?"
"I know so.”
"Thanks, Goose," I said, feeling a rush of gratitude. "This has been nice."
"Maybe for you," he said, his smile returning. "I had this coffee date playing out a whole lot different than it did.”