Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Finally, I manage to find my voice. “And who are you?”
“I’m Amanda, his girlfriend.” Her bright smile drops from her face. “Oh, I hate it when he does this. He didn’t tell you, did he? He thinks it’s funny or something. Do you want me to go? You can—”
Her words register. “He said you were broken up.”
Sympathy crosses her features. “Did you open up the closet? Use the master bathroom? Anything while you were here?”
I swallow hard. I only used the guest bathroom when we were downstairs. I fell asleep pretty soon after. My stomach feels queasy and there’s a burning in my throat. “I have to go.”
“I can make you breakfast,” she offers.
I’m so stupid. Why would I think that a guy like Brock would be interested in me? I’m curvy and clumsy. My hair is always frizzy and my feet trip over each other. Everything about me is nerdy and awkward.
Brock would never pick me when he could have someone beautiful and perfect like Amanda. I’ll always be second pick.
11
BROCK
The smell of coffee hangs in the air when I come down the stairs and I can’t help but smile. Last night with Zoey was perfect. She’s the one for me and the moment I get the chance, I’m slipping a ring on her finger.
I know what this means. I’m leaving my hometown and moving to Charleston. After she fell asleep last night, I spent hours next to her on my phone. I was learning everything I could about the city where she lives.
I’ll be trading brutal winters for brutal summers and the bugs there are fuckin’ massive. I probably won’t get the chance to be sheriff again but maybe I can swing a job in local law enforcement. But even if I can’t, just getting to be Zoey’s husband will be enough for me. She’s the love of my life, and I plan to let her know that every day for the rest of hers.
But Zoey isn’t in my kitchen. I glance around for Woofer but he’s not here either. They’re nowhere to be seen in my tiny cabin.
Next, I look outside, expecting to see him romping through the snow. Then I check the whole place again. I’m looking for a note or an explanation, maybe even some of her clothes from last night. But I come up empty-handed.
Finally, I grab my gear and head out. I’m pissed as hell that after what we shared last night, she ducked out. She has to know this was more than just a one-night stand to me.
I’m in my Jeep on the way to Zoey’s cabin when my phone rings. I listen as Piper relays information about a missing tourist. He’s been missing since last night and with the conditions, every minute is going to count. Spanking Zoey for ducking out then convincing her to become my bride will have to wait until after I find this guy.
It’s late in the afternoon but the tourist is located. He’s fine other than frostbite to a couple of toes. Like I’d originally suspected, he got drunk and fell asleep in the snow. But he’ll make a full recovery thanks to help from both law enforcement and local residents who joined the search.
The only thing left to do is fill out a mountain of paperwork then I’m free to track down Zoey. I’ve left her countless voicemails and text messages whenever I was in an area that had cell service. She hasn’t answered any of them.
I’m almost done with the forms when Piper bounces into my office. She loves it when we get to rescue people, and I have to admit it feels pretty damn good knowing you were part of a team that saved a life. “How was your Valentine’s evening?”
I pause in the middle of my work and glance up. “Close the door.” I don’t want what I’m about to tell her to get back to my mom before I can have a conversation with her.
She does as I ask but then turns back to me. “No matter how many of my romance books you read, I still do not want the gory details, big brother.”
“I’m not telling you that.” I’ve never told Piper the details of any women I’ve been with. That would just be weird and creepy. “But I am moving. I’m going to Charleston to be with Zoey.”
Piper squeals in delight. “That’s so exciting! So, what? You’re taking a two-week vacation? We have people in place. You’re not indispensable, you know.”
I lean back in my chair. Now that the adrenaline of the rescue is leaving, my body is aching. “Look, I know this is going to break Dad’s heart. It’s not what he would want. His dream was for me to be here but Zoey…she’s my heart now.”
She blinks slowly, the way she does when she thinks I’ve said something really dumb. “You think Dad’s dream was for you to be here?”