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)
I sway, feeling lightheaded. This is awkward.
“Oh, Julianna, loosen up.”
“Mom! You’re, you’re, you’re… I don’t know what you are, but it’s…”
“Endearing,” Major finishes for me with a term I wouldn’t have chosen.
She beams at him.
“Here’s the plan. Breakfast, then you ladies pack for a day by the pool. We’ll hit the store on the way to the house. While you tour Ace and Harley’s, I’ll walk my property for some measurements. Then a day at the pool, grilling dinner, and back here.”
“Sounds good,” Mom quirks, shoving a bite of pancake in her mouth.
“What are you measuring for?” I knew they were all looking to build soon, but didn’t know he was thinking this soon.
He crooks a finger under my chin, brushing his lips across mine. “Gotta get my thoughts together for planning.”
“That makes sense.”
“I have a question for you ladies.”
Mom and I exchange a look before focusing on him.
“Jewls mentioned it in her sleep. Who’s Doobie?”
At this, the whirlwind of the morning sinks in, and I burst out laughing.
21
Major
The back door slams open and Tom’s thunderous expression stops me mid-step. “Been waiting on you rookies.”
“Looks like someone pissed in his Cheerios,” Ford says loud enough for him to hear.
“Yeah, Tommy, what’s with the surly grizzly bear vibe you’re giving off? By the looks of the parking lot, your bar is jamming,” Talon adds.
“I don’t like being swindled. And that’s exactly what’s happened.”
“Swindled?” I arch an eyebrow in question.
“By two twerps and the devil of a mom.”
There’s no question who he’s talking about. “Did you call Margo a devil?”
“Oh yeah, under all that southern charm and sweet talking is a devious woman.”
“Maybe you should explain.”
“See for yourself.” He steps aside, his arm slicing out. “I don’t want any trouble out of you two.” He motions between Ace and me.
Ace stiffens, and I eye him suspiciously. “Seriously, what the fuck is going on?”
“Just remember, it was your girls’ idea to have custom shirts.”
He raises his arm, and we stomp through the back, coming up on the bar from behind. The crowd is thicker than I’ve ever seen, every side at least two-deep with customers waiting. In our reserved area, Margo and Amanda sit with Rich standing behind them.
“Oh, shit.” There’s an edge to Talon’s voice that is clear through the loud voices.
Tom slides behind the service well, opening a line of sight through a group of servers waiting. The first thing I notice is the Tom’s logo in flashy sparkles of rhinestones, and then my vision goes red.
“Get your ass from behind my bar!” Tom yells as I storm past him to Jewls.
She’s bent over the bar pouring a line of shots for a satisfied group of men eyeing her with obvious intentions. I give her the courtesy of taking their money before stepping in and scooping her off her feet.
“What the hell—” The words die when she spies my expression.
I get her to Tom’s office before losing my mind. “Where is the rest of your shirt?”
“Are you serious right now? That was unnecessary!” She pops her hands on her hips in her signature move.
A low growl rumbles from my throat. “Not a good idea to throw attitude when I walk in and see you practically topless behind a bar full of men.”
“I’m not topless. It’s a crop top.”
“A scrap of material that shows your bra and has rhinestones across your tits.”
“I’m wearing a sports bra.” She flashes me the red bra-like top.
I now understand Tom’s statement of being swindled. “Is this the idea for a new shirt your mom had?”
“Yes, and it’s brilliant. Harley and I are raking in the tips.”
“You go back out there in your regular shirt and rake in the tips.”
“I’m not changing.”
“Then your shift is over.”
Fire blazes in her eyes, the heat in the room escalating. “Get out of my way.”
“Not until you listen to me.”
“You mean not until I obey you, because from where I stand, you’re being arrogant and demanding.”
I blow out a breath and slowly count to five, knowing I’m on thin ice. “Baby, cut me a break. I walk in and find you barely dressed in a bar full of men.”
“I’m wearing cutoffs and a crop top. It’s perfectly acceptable attire for a bar on ladies’ night. Have you seen what our servers wear?”
“You own all my attention when I’m inside this joint. What anyone else wears doesn’t concern me, because they aren’t mine.”
The blaze softens, and she rolls her eyes. “You are a barbarian.”
“I’m a man who hasn’t had time with his girlfriend in a week. I’m holding it together pretty fucking well, all things considered.”
Her attitude completely thaws as my meaning sinks in. “I miss you, too.”
“Then get your ass over here.”
She throws herself at me, locking her thighs around my waist. “I adore my mom, but I’m ready for her to go home.”