Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 63579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
I snort. “Firstly, he didn’t actually hit her. Secondly, he’s not going to know I’m a reporter.”
Leo narrows his eyes. “How exactly do you plan on doing that?”
“I got a job at the club.” I shrug. “I’m going to chip away at him until he talks to me.”
Shaking his head, Leo reaches out and grabs my shoulders. “Girl, I love you, but your plan is absolutely terrible. He’s not going to talk to you, surely you know that? He doesn’t talk to anyone. You think the bar staff there haven’t already tried?”
I smile at him. “He hasn’t met me. I’m hard to say no to.”
“Why? Because you’re tiny, beautiful, and you have that stupid accent that wins even the best of us over?”
I laugh and give him my biggest grin. “Exactly.”
I’m what you would call a Southern Belle. I grew up in the south, and only moved here about ten years ago, but my accent has stuck. Not to mention, I have that look, hell, even the name. People who meet me are automatically drawn to my cheerful, charming nature and soft Southern accent. I’ve been told I can make a person smile even on their darkest days. I’m loving, a trait that has always led me in the right direction, and I’m sweet as cherry pie.
Oh yes, Western won’t be able to turn me away.
At least, that’s my hope.
“Your charm won’t work on a man like him. Do you think he’s just going to open up and start telling you his secrets?”
“No, but over time, I plan on creating a relationship with him. Maybe then he’ll let me in just a little. I only need a snippet to find out the truth, Leo. Just enough to dig further.”
Shaking his head, Leo gives me that signature look that tells me he’s not happy with my plan.
“It’ll be fine.” I wave him off before he can say anything else. “I’ve got this.”
“Fine, but I’m going to be looking out for you. Don’t even try to tell me not to. I don’t trust that man, and I think you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
“How very poetic of you,” I tease.
“Hey, Leo.”
A beautiful blond waves to him as we walk down the street. Leo is known around town for his incredible good looks, charm, and personality. He’s a ladies’ man, and he knows it. He and I have been friends for close to eight years now, and even though I can see how gorgeous the man is, I’ve never had any type of feelings for him. He’s my very best friend, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
Still, the guy isn’t bad to have by my side.
“Hey, Maria,” he nods.
Mortified, the girl curls her top lip and scoffs. “It’s Macy.”
I muffle a laugh as he gives her a guilty smile and we keep walking. God, he’s got so many of them he doesn’t even remember their names.
“You’re terrible,” I say, as soon as we’re out of ear shot. “Poor girl.”
“I slept with three different women last week alone, two of which started with the letter M. I can’t keep track.”
I shove his shoulder and he chuckles. “You can’t sleep with the entire city, you know. Eventually, you have to settle down.”
A loud snort escapes him. “I don’t fuckin’ think so.”
“Come on. One day you’ll meet the love of your life, a woman who you’ll never want to leave, and things will be so much better.”
He throws an arm around my shoulder. “I’ve already found her. The best part is, I get to keep you around forever, and I can sleep with whoever I want.”
I roll my eyes. “I might get married one day, and I won’t be here as much, then what?”
“If you find a husband that doesn’t let me climb through your window in the middle of the night and get into your bed, then he’s going to have to leave.”
We both laugh.
The truth is, I couldn’t imagine my life without Leo either.
So we’re on the same page there.
3
“The glasses go straight in here where they get washed.”
I nod, taking note as my new coworker, Luna, shows me the ropes. It’s my first night at my new job, and I’m more than a little excited. I’ve never worked in a different field before, and certainly never in a place that’s this bustling, but I’m ready to learn something new. Luna is gorgeous, funny, and kind, so that makes it easier on me. She’s always answering my questions, no matter how stupid they might seem, and if she sees me struggling, she’s there in a second.
“This place is busy,” I say, glancing around.
“This is nothing.” Luna grins. “Give it two hours.”
Eyes widening, I stare at the crowd of people, that, to me, already look like an overpopulation for the large space. Luna is telling me there will be more? My gosh. I must admit, though, this place is something else. It’s huge, with big polished marble floors and fancy décor. There are booths scattered around the two large stages in the middle of the club, and a random scatter of curved sofas and chairs surround said stages, where people receive some private attention.