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)
“Yeah, and it’s only gonna get a lot colder.” The wind continued to whip around us, making her hair dance around her delicate face, and I’d never seen a more beautiful sight. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as I added, “Won’t be long before we get our first snow.”
“I loved the snow when I was a kid.” She stood and shook the water from her hand, then started walking along the edge of the water. “Now that I have to drive in it, not so much.”
“Yeah, it can be rough.” I followed Jules down the beach and picked up random shells as we talked. “Have you given any thought to what you’ll do when Smokey shuts down for the winter?”
“The hours will be shorter, but he’s planning to keep us on helping out with day-to-day chores. He’s keeping the gift shop open, so I’ll get some hours in there. If it’s not enough, then I’ll find a part-time job somewhere. I’m sure Caroline will have to find something, too.”
“You could always pick up a couple of shifts at Danver’s. I’m sure Flynn could use an extra waitress or two.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” We walked a little further, then Jules said, “So, what do you do?”
“The club runs a construction company. I work there when they need me or at the garage.”
“So, you’re pretty involved with the club?”
“Yeah, you could say that. We all are.” I stopped to pick up another shell as I told her, “When the club does well, we do well.”
“How long have you been a member?”
“Patched in right after I turned twenty-one.”
“Oh, wow. That’s really young.”
“Would’ve done it sooner if I could.” I turned to face her as I said, “The brothers have been more of a family to me than my own flesh and blood ever was. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.”
“Sounds really nice.”
“Not sure nice is the right word, but becoming a brother was the best decision I ever made.”
We went on about our walk, stopping now and then to look out at the water, and when the beach became too rocky, we turned and headed back. We hadn’t gotten far when Jules looked over to me with a troubled look on her face. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Yeah, what’s on your mind?”
“How are you still single?” It was a reasonable question. I wasn’t getting any younger and still hadn’t settled down, but her question caught me off guard—winded me even. I had no idea how to answer. My facial expression must’ve startled Jules, and she quickly started backpedaling. “I didn’t mean to overstep. It’s just... you’re a great guy. I can’t believe someone hasn’t snatched you up.”
“I find it hard to believe myself.”
“I bet... I’m sure you have women coming at you in droves.”
I chuckled as I replied, “Surprisingly, that’s not the case.”
“Well, I’m sure you have plenty to choose from. You got that smoking hot thing going on, and you’re smart and funny...” She stopped herself, then looked up at me with a strange expression. “I just can’t believe you aren’t seeing anyone.”
“Well, sorry to disappoint, but I’m not. In fact, I haven’t in quite a while.” I continued walking up the path up to my bike as I told her, “I was hung up on a chick for a while. Thought something was there that wasn’t and ended up gettin’ burned. Haven’t had an interest in getting tied down since.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s fine. You had every right to ask. Besides, it was a long time ago.” I picked up her helmet and offered it to her as I said, “And, things have a way of working out.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that, but as far as I’m concerned, the jury is still out.”
“Your day will come. Just wait and see.”
“I certainly hope so.” She gave me one of her bashful smiles, then watched as I kicked my leg over the seat of my bike. Once I was settled, she asked, “Can I ask one more question?”
“Yeah, shoot.”
“Why does everyone call you Q?”
“It’s my road name. It’s a play off of Quinton, and God knows what else. You can’t ever tell with the brothers.”
“Quinton?”
“Yeah. My ol’ man was a real tool for passing the name down to me, but sadly, I didn’t have much say in the matter.”
“What? I don’t think it’s too bad.”
“You’re clearly not thinking straight,” I scoffed as I helped her get on behind me. Before I started the engine, I asked, “You had a long night last night. I’m sure you’re wiped.”
“Maybe a little.”
“You ready to call it a day?”
“I’m okay. I mean, I could use a little break. Maybe a quick nap and a cup of coffee, but I’m not really ready to call it a day.”
“I think I can manage that.”