Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“I really did. During art school I got into tattooing, and my work grew from there. I did an apprenticeship for five years at a studio in the city, and my popularity built just by word of mouth. It’s part of the reason I keep my face off social media. I want people to see the art and not the artist.”
“I get that,” I agree, and the look she gives me is one of understanding and kinship.
The waitress comes by and places all the slices of pie between us. Shelly rubs her hands together and licks her lips as she looks them over.
“So while I sample all this deliciousness, tell me what your future looks like.”
“You mean here in Pink Springs?” I ask, and she nods. “I’ve got my shop here where I tattoo and pierce, and then I’ve got my online galleries for my canvases.”
“Damn, that lemon is good,” she says as she goes for the coconut next. “I know all that, Westley.” She puts an emphasis on my full name like my grandmother does.
“She’s the only one who ever calls me that.”
“I can tell. I like it.” She shrugs, and I like it too. “I mean beyond that. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?”
An image of Shelly naked and stretched out on my bed with a round belly flashes in my mind. “Um, here.” I clear my throat and try to rein in my thoughts. “I want to stay here, maybe raise a family.”
“Really?” The look in her eyes is one I can’t read. It’s almost like pride.
“I spent my whole life running from here. When my grandmother got sick, I knew I had to come back.” I blow out a breath. “To be honest, at first I had some resentment in my heart that I was being dragged back here. But the second I planted my feet in Pink Springs, I knew this was home. I ran from it because I wasn’t ready to deal with the pain in my past. My parents ditching me really fucked me up, but I never stopped to think about how that shaped me in a positive way. I got to live with a grandmother who loved me unconditionally and devoted her life to my happiness. I was raised in a safe home with enough food to eat and without fear of what tomorrow might bring. Her love and this town allowed me to create my art and live my dream.”
“That’s really beautiful.” She smiles sweetly at me, and then I feel her hand reach across the table and squeeze mine. “Opie really loves you.”
“She sure does.” I smile as I rub my thumb along the inside of her wrist and then lean forward. “Now give me a bite of that apple pie before I have to take it from you.”
Shelly pretends to scowl but uses her free hand to scoop up a bite and hold it out to me. There’s no mistaking the look in her eyes right now; she’s hungry, and it’s not for food.
Chapter Four
Chapter 4 Wess
“In the library, with the candlestick, Miss Scarlet,” I say, narrowing my eyes at Shelly.
We’re on the floor in the living room, stretched out on either side of the game board, drinking beers. When we got back to the house she kicked off her combat boots, and we piled up pillows next to the fire. It’s late, probably close to midnight, but we’ve been laughing and listening to music while we play game after game.
Her mouth pops open in surprise as I reach for the little yellow envelope in the middle of the game board.
“No!” Shelly squeals as she dives across the floor to get it before I do. “It’s Professor Plum in the kitchen!”
“You cheated.” I gasp in mock accusation as I hold the envelope higher so she can’t get to it.
“If you’re not cheating you don’t want to win!” Her squeal is even louder this time as she falls on top of me and I begin to tickle her side. “No fair, you can’t use your hands against me.”
Without thinking, I roll us over so she’s under me and put my mouth to her neck. I blow a raspberry against her skin, and she laughs so hard she loses her breath. It makes me laugh too, and I look down at her in a fit of giggles.
I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life. Her dark hair is down and fanned out around her. She’s flushed with happiness, and her tank top has ridden up to reveal her soft belly. With the tip of my index finger I trace the edge of her shirt and the skin there. Her laughter begins to slowly fade as she opens her eyes and looks up at me. The look she had earlier is there once again, and this time, I’m not going to let it pass.