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)
“But why now? Because you saw me kissing another man? Because I went on a date? You had your chance and weren’t interested.”
“I’ve never not been interested.”
“You stuck me in the friend zone.”
“I had some issues to work through.”
“My plate is full of issues. Not interested in taking on yours. I’ve moved on.”
“With Mal?”
“Maybe, he’s a nice guy.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Nice guy is the curse of death to a woman like Jewls.
“Stop smirking!”
I lean in close, running my lips over the shell of her ear. “Give it up, Jewls. Call him today and let him down easy.”
“You can’t tell me what to do.”
“I’ll do it then.”
She stomps, pushing against me. “Who do you think you are?”
“The feel of your lips, your body pressed close, the taste of peppermint—all had my cock begging. That hasn’t happened since I was sixteen years old. I knew it would be like this between us, Jewls. So goddamn explosive that heat sears through my veins when you’re near. You want to know who I am? I’m a man who’s lived a disciplined life, always planning the what-if scenarios.”
“You’re still living that way.”
“Yes, but now I’m done fucking around. The woman I’m crazy about is also the woman destined to drive me insane. And I’m going to love every minute of it.”
Her mouth snaps shut and I take advantage of her silence, kissing her lips gently.
With that, I release her and walk to her door. “We have a date tonight, Jewls. I’ll be here at six.”
4
Jewls
“He meant well. He’s just—”
“An overbearing bonehead who should mind his own business? I’m a grown woman. Then Darryl and Darryl joined in the harassment.”
“Julianna, you’ll always be their baby sister.”
“Darryl deuce is technically my cousin. Does Uncle Dope still treat you like a little girl?”
Mom pauses, then blows out a breath. “Why do you think his name is still Dope?”
“So, you see my point.”
“Yes, but branding them as Larry, Darryl, and Darryl doesn’t show much maturity on your part.”
She’s right, but the way they’re acting warrants a little immaturity.
“Mama, I’m on my way to Tom’s and don’t want to argue before my shift. Tom gets cranky when his servers are irritated. I make money on my sparkling personality.”
Her giggle makes my heart ache. I love my parents. When I was home for Christmas, the trip was clouded with worry and heartache over the guys in South America. I couldn’t get back to Nashville soon enough.
I thought things would be different when Major returned.
Stupid me.
“Give Daddy my love. I’m pulling into work.”
“No date tonight?”
My chest tightens at the thought of the man waiting at my apartment.
“No dates. I think one hockey game and a very public kiss has given everyone enough to stew about.”
“It’s a shame, honey. You looked beautiful, and he wasn’t too bad.”
I snort, shifting into park. “He was hot, mama. Say it.”
“Handsome young man. I hope you decide to see him again.”
“Love you, bye!” I make a few smoochy noises and disconnect, slapping my hand to my forehead.
Mal is hot. Tall, lean but muscular, dirty blond hair, blue eyes—a killer smile with an equally charming personality.
Any single woman would throw themselves at him.
What is wrong with me?
Images of Major fill my mind, and I groan out loud. His thick dark hair in need of a haircut, the jet blue intensity in his eyes, his massive frame filling my doorway. The permanent stubble on his jaw that I now know is prickly but soft.
Heat floods through me thinking of the kiss.
Jesus, that kiss.
The kiss cam took Mal and me by surprise, and ever the gentleman, he asked if it was okay to kiss me.
His lips were soft, and it started slow and sweet. Even when I cupped his clean-shaven jaw, it was nice.
But this morning was anything but nice. Major’s lips crashed over mine, taking control.
“STOP it, Jewls! Don’t fall for his shit,” I chastise myself, slamming out of the car and trudging into the back entrance to Tom’s.
He’s standing at the walk-in cooler and scowls when he spots me. “What are you doing here?”
“I offered to take Faye’s shift tonight since I missed last Thursday.”
“It’s Monday. You and Harley don’t do Mondays.”
“Harley’s not coming in. Just me.”
His thick eyebrows draw together and he eyes me skeptically. “You okay?”
“Peachy! Didn’t have any kids go into the system and no one sent to jail.”
He jerks back, his expression growing concerned. “Girl, you got something on your mind?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m not in the mood to go home alone tonight.”
He looks me over once more and dips his chin. “NCAA sweeps kicked our ass this weekend. Full inventory restock in restaurant, kitchen, and bar. I’ve been working today, but the bar may need attention.”
“I got you, Tommé.” I breeze by, ignoring his grumpy glare.