Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“Baby, let’s get to bed.”
She shakes her head, taking me deep again.
“The first time you give me a blow job will not be in my bathroom.”
She rises, clicking the metal with her teeth before tipping on her toes and bringing her mouth to mine. “You’re right, it’s not classy. We’ll pick this up later.”
She jumps out of reach before my brain processes what’s happening.
“Oh, hell no!” I lunge for her, cringing at the pain between my legs.
Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she shakes out her hair, pulling in over her shoulder to hide the mark.
“Are you serious?”
“I like to consider it giving you a preview of what can happen tonight if you act civilized today.”
“Civilized? You think teasing me like a minx is going to make me civilized?”
“Only time will tell.” She blows me a kiss and rushes out the door before I can make another move.
“She’ll pay for this,” I tell my throbbing cock.
It takes a full ten minutes for me to calm my raging hard-on and get dressed. By the time I get to the backyard, it’s full of people.
“You look like you need this.” Mike Jacobs offers a bottle of beer.
“You have no fucking idea.” I swallow most in one gulp.
“I don’t know, I don’t want to know, and I’m certainly not asking for details. But whatever it is has to be bad.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Whatever Jewls did. I’ve been around these women enough to pick up on their behaviors. Today’s antics resulted in loud crowing, followed by Charlie spitting her drink everywhere. It takes a lot to surprise Charlie. So, surmising, whatever happened must suck for you.”
“Suck being the operative word.”
His eyes crinkle in sympathy as he takes a slug of his beer.
Mike is Harley’s cousin and boss. He owns a record label in Nashville that he’s grown into a big name. He’s known as a hard-working, no-nonsense type of businessman, but he’s as down-to-earth as they come.
Years ago, he signed on Sayge, a local band that soared to international success. His client list includes some of the biggest and brightest musical talent in the industry.
Harley took on a majority of Sayge’s marketing and publicity when she started with MJ Labels. Immediately becoming friends with the band and their wives. Who is currently crowding around the outdoor kitchen drinking and enjoying Shayla’s animated story.
“Happy for you, man. But even more, I’m happy for Julianna.” Mike drags me from my thoughts.
I bite my tongue at his formal use of her name. He’s known her for years, never making a move.
“Thanks.”
“Have you met her family yet?”
“Not yet.”
His lip tips up in a crooked smile and he half-chuckles. “I’d pay to be there when you do.”
“Not sure why.”
“Have you heard about her family?”
“Some stories, why?”
“You’ve met my grandma.”
“Many times.”
“They make her look like the poster child for stable.”
It’s my turn to smile. “Lucy’s not that bad.”
Ford saunters over with another round, shaking Mike’s hand. He flashes me a concerned scowl. “You okay?”
“Shit, did that woman tell everyone?”
“Don’t know who she told. I overheard while walking in the kitchen. My ears are still bleeding.”
“It wasn’t my ears that felt like bleeding,” I mutter.
Out of the corner of my eye, there’s a movement, and I swivel to find Rowan in the doorway, looking around timidly.
“Rowan? You okay?”
Her eyes meet mine, and I know immediately she’s anything but good. Ford straightens, and the slight movement causes her to jump.
“Rowan, honey, come here.” Her gaze darts to Mike, and she visibly relaxes, going to his embrace.
“Hey, Mike.”
“You look beautiful.”
She cracks a small smile. “Liar.”
“You’re always beautiful, never doubt it.”
Her smile grows wider, and she kisses his cheek. “Thank you again for visiting me in the hospital. The flowers were lovely.”
Ford stiffens, and I catch the flare in his glare. It’s a reaction I know well, considering I do it often when any man looks at Jewls.
“I’m glad to see you out today,” Mike goes on.
“My mom left this morning, and the girls invited me.”
“It’s good to be around people,” I say gently.
“Can I talk to you guys?” She looks between Ford and me.
Mike takes the hint, excusing himself.
“I thought about talking to Ace, but he and Harley are busy with everything, and I didn’t want to bother him.”
“Bother him with what?” Ford takes the lead, stepping closer.
“My mind has been all over the place this week. Memories and flashbacks come out of nowhere.”
“That’s expected. You were attacked two weeks ago.”
“There’s one reoccurring flashback I can’t put together.”
“Do you feel comfortable walking through it with us?”
She nods, licking her lips.
“Would you like a drink?” I offer.
“Beer would be great.”
Ford twists the cap off his unopened bottle and hands it over. She takes a generous swig and blows out a breath. “So, you know I was in the salon late, experimenting with new products. Lost track of time, which is not unusual. When I got home, there was a storm approaching, and the wind slammed the door.”