Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
“Good idea.”
I followed him over to the cooler and watched as he pulled out two cold beers. When he offered one to me, I smiled and said, “Thanks.”
“My pleasure.” We both took a drink, and then, he added, “I like the hair. I’ve never seen you do it that way before.”
“Caroline fixed it for me. She did my makeup, too. I think she was hoping I’d snag myself a date for the night, but there’s no chance of that happening.”
“I don’t see why not.” His eyes skirted over me seductively as he told me, “You’re the hottest girl here.”
“You’re sweet but clearly blind.”
“Far from blind, Jules. You’re beautiful,” he pressed. “Any guy would be lucky to have you at his side.”
Hayes was just a kid, but I was still immensely flattered that he’d paid me such a sweet compliment. At the same time, I didn’t want him to get any idea. “Hayes, I really appreciate you being so sweet, but I...”
“I was just giving you a compliment.” He gave me a sideways look as he said, “Clearly, you haven’t had enough of those.”
“It’s been a while.”
“Well, something needs to be done about that.”
Hayes had good intentions, but he was wrong. Nothing needed to be done. I was damaged goods—inside and out. In my mind, I didn’t believe I deserved any compliments. The minute I heard something good about myself, I would hear all the vile and hurtful things my father or James would say about me. It was a sick cycle. I knew that, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break it.
I didn’t bother telling Hayes how I felt about compliments. He’d been very sweet to take time out of his night to talk to me. I wasn’t about to return the favor by sharing a woe-is-me spiel, so I told him, “I’m going to go check in with MJ, and then I’m going to find a bathroom. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”
“Okay. Sounds good.”
I feigned a smile, then headed over to say hello to MJ. She introduced me to a couple of her friends and bragged about the work I’d been doing for them out at the orchard, then made me promise to try one of her apple pies. I agreed with a nod, then waited for my chance to make an exit.
As soon as the women started talking about the upcoming holidays, I decided to use the moment to make my grand escape. I took a step back from the chattering group, then made my way through the crowd over to the back door of the clubhouse. When I stepped inside, I was surprised to find a bar with an entirely different crowd of burly bikers and women of all ages. Music was blaring, and there was a young woman behind the counter serving drinks. Doing my best to go unnoticed, I slipped behind a large group of men and walked over to a large doorway that led into a hall.
I wasn’t sure which way to go, so I just started walking, hoping I would eventually run into the ladies' restroom. I hadn’t gotten very far when I heard a man ask, “Where ya headed, little lady?”
I felt my heart stop when I heard the man’s deep, threatening voice. I whipped around, and my jaw dropped with panic when I spotted a robust man walking towards me. He reminded me of a lumberjack with his overgrown beard and plaid flannel shirt that barely fit over his bulging muscles. He was wearing a Fury leather jacket, but I didn’t think I’d ever seen him before. In fact, I was sure of it. I had no doubt that I would’ve remembered him.
Unnerved by his large stature, I took a step back and stammered, “I ah... I was just trying to find the bathroom.”
“Never seen you around here before?” He continued toward me, only stopping when he was inches away from me. “You got a name?”
I nodded but was too rattled to speak. I hated that I was afraid. It made me feel so weak and vulnerable. It didn’t help matters that the guy was looking at me like I was about to be his next conquest. “Well, what is it?”
“I’m Jules,” I managed. “I work with Smokey and MJ.”
“Is that right?” His eyes skirted over me seductively, and I knew he was about to say something I didn’t want to hear. “You know, a pretty little lady like yourself shouldn’t be wandering around the clubhouse alone.”
I was just about to respond when I heard a familiar voice say, “She’s not alone. She’s with me.”
Q
“She’s with you?”
“No, I’m not with him,” Jules answered, glaring me down. “I’m not with anyone.”
Rooster’s brows furrowed as he asked me, “Is she or isn’t she?”
“She is,” I answered with no give. “I’ll make sure she gets where she’s going.”