Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“I’m going to lose my job and a ride home if I don’t hurry this along.” A few towels are bundled in her arms, and she’s got a look of sheer determination on her face. The weight of the world may be on her shoulders, but Danica isn’t crumbling like so many others would. I’m stunned stone-cold silent when she drops to her knees. Jesus fucking Christ, my restraint is about to come undone. She doesn’t use the wall or my hand to steady herself as she lowers her body to the floor, and damn if my cock doesn’t harden further. A thought hits me. I gave my friends, who are so much like brothers, a ration of hell. Each of them is tied in fucking knots over their women. Women who are now like sisters to me by way of marriage. A couple of them even have kids. On the rare occurrences we all get together, I’d tell them there was no damn way I’d ever be strapped to a woman. Yet one tiny little woman who’s on her knees in front of me has me rethinking every single thought I’ve ever had.
“That’s enough, Danica.” The strawberry-blonde crown of her head tips back. Her lips are pursed, eyes narrowed, and all I can do is smirk.
“How do you know my name? I didn’t give it to you.” There’s a note of worry in her tone as she drops the towels beside the mop bucket and stands up, staggering back a step or two. A bad feeling takes hold of me. There’s more to Danica than her working for Clean and Gleam.
“Mallory sent me an email with your name in it.” I don’t elaborate that her boss, whom I’ve had under my employment for many years, has always had this protocol. Now not only is Danica on high alert, so fucking am I. A range of expressions crosses her face before worry and shock transform into a look of indifference. It’s her hands balled into tight fists at her sides that gives her away. “Leave it. I’ll take care of the rest. You’ve done more than anyone else has, and it’s me who’s causing the extra mess.”
“Crap, I should have thought about that. I usually work in the corporate offices, where there’s no one except a few other employees.” She bends down to grab the towels and mop bucket.
“Danica, hand it over. I’ll take care of that. You mentioned something about missing a ride?” I question, stepping closer to her in order to take the items from her hands since she’s standing still, unmoving, with her head cocked to the side.
“No. It’s too late now. I’ve missed the train, and the next one won’t arrive for another couple of hours. I’d have had to leave ten minutes ago. I’ll finish this up and then order a car.” She checks the watch on her left wrist, one of those that isn’t a smartwatch like most everyone wears these days but a run-of-the-mill basic one that looks well worn, going hand in hand with the defeat currently rolling through her body.
“I’ll take you home. It’s my fault you’re running late.” I’m not giving her an option. There’s no way I want her in the back of a car where who knows who is behind the wheel.
“Mr. Goldman, I appreciate the gesture, but I’ll be okay. I always am,” she mumbles as I take the bucket from her hands. The grip she has on the towels says enough. Clearly, Danica will handle them.
“Theo. Call me Theo.” One more step, and I’d be close enough to touch her. I also see she’s reluctant in that aspect, which is why I stay where I am but continue the conversation. “Non-negotiable. I’m driving you home. You want someone to vouch for me, I’ll give you my brothers’ numbers. Call them. Mallory will do the same.” Danica’s nod is hesitant. Either she really needs to get home, or the ride will set her back financially. Regardless, it’s a win in my book.
FOUR
Danica
I’m going with my gut, that’s the only logical explanation I can give as to why I relented so easily when Theo offered to give me a ride to my apartment. The thought of waiting for a ride, bus, or train had me ready to bite my nails down to the quick. At this rate, I’m without a doubt going to be late for class tonight, for the first time ever during my final year in college, so close but still so far away. Sure, he told me I could call one of his friends from the well-known Four Brothers Incorporated, or call Mallory, but there was no way I’d call my boss. As cool and laid back as she is, this wouldn’t be okay with her, and asking his friends for what? A background check? As if that would help. I only hope my instinct doesn’t get me killed.