Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
I had no money for college, so the military seemed like a great choice. I took the test, passed the physical, and was ready to sign on the dotted line when a job came through. Waiting tables at a local establishment.
I should’ve gone with the military, but I let my insecurities make the decision for me.
It was easier not to leave. Easier to stay with what was familiar.
My friend’s parents let me stay until I had enough money saved up from my job to rent a room from an elderly couple. I had my own entrance by way of the garage, so as long as I paid my rent, I didn’t have any interaction with the Joneses.
I was angry, but I was forced to suppress that anger during work. To be friendly and keep a smile on my face at all times. That’s how you get good tips when you’re waiting tables. Most people don’t care if you screw up every now and then as long as your attitude is good.
I found out I was a damned good server. I also found out I was damned good at suppressing my emotions.
“How’s the job hunt going, Kelly?” Aspen asks.
Her voice jars me out of my thoughts.
“I’m not qualified for much except for waiting tables.”
“There’s an abundance of jobs in that area here in Manhattan,” Buck says. “We have top-notch restaurants.”
“Or you could talk to the Wolfes,” Aspen says. “They helped Katelyn get a job. You know, Moonstone.”
“They haven’t made that offer to me,” I say.
Then I wait.
I wait for the inevitable.
Because you don’t deserve it.
Because you have no nothing to offer their business.
They didn’t make you that offer because you’re being a bitch.
But silence reigns, until—
“I’ll help you,” Leif says. “We can go around tomorrow, check out the restaurants in the area, see if they’re hiring.”
I stop my jaw from dropping. “Why would you do that?”
“You’re my project, Kelly.”
Anger curls up my spine. “I’m no one’s project,” I grit out.
Leif raises his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t mean it that way. I’ve been hired by the Wolfe family to keep you safe, so I’ll go with you. Together, we can come up with something.”
“Why would we come up with anything together?” I say snidely.
He smiles then. “Buck, back me up on this. You’re a hard guy to say no to.”
Buck lets out a guffaw. “You’re so full of it, Phoenix.”
Aspen is laughing as well, and she punches her husband good-naturedly on his upper arm. “You’re pretty hard to say no to yourself.”
Ugh. Sex vibes galore. The two of them are so in love it’s pukeworthy.
Except…it’s also kind of adorable. The sunshine of happiness that envelops them.
Part of me is envious.
Part of me knows I’ll never have that, so why be envious?
Seems like I’ve spent my entire life envying others.
It’s getting old.
“So what do you say, Kelly?” Leif continues. “First thing tomorrow, we go out. We’ll find you employment.”
“Do I have a choice in this?”
“Of course you have a choice. I’m not the boss of you.”
“Right. You’re just my personal bodyguard.”
“If you choose to think of it that way,” he says. “If I were you, I would choose to think of it as another person who has your wellbeing at heart and who wants to help.”
God. I’m having such a hard time trying to dislike this guy. He’s such a do-gooder.
“Fine,” I relent. “Tomorrow, we go out together, and we look for a job for me. But I’m warning you. It’s not going to be easy.”
“I’ve always loved a challenge.”
He smiles, and in that moment, a tiny bit of the ice around my heart melts.
11
LEIF
What the hell? I’m supposed to make sure she’s safe, so I can’t get out of spending time with her. This way, maybe I can help. This woman needs something in her life. I don’t know if a job is the answer, but it can’t hurt. Clearly she doesn’t like being beholden to the Wolfe family. I can relate to that. I like standing on my own two feet as well.
She stays quiet while I talk with Buck and Aspen, and the time passes until finally, the bell on the oven timer rings.
Buck rises. “That’s my cue. Baby, get everyone situated at the table, and I will present my feast.”
The table is a small oak rectangle in a dinette area off the living room and kitchen. I smile at the red-checkered tablecloth covering it.
Buck made it look like an Italian restaurant. All that’s missing is a round bottle of Chianti in a wicker basket. Instead, the Chianti is in a regular wine bottle.
“Leif, why don’t you take a seat?” Aspen nods. “And Kelly, sit beside him.”
I hold out the chair for Kelly and she sits down. Then I take a seat next to her.
Buck first brings in a plate of garlic bread.