Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Her pink lips turn into a sexy pout. “Oh, well then, we’ll need to go to the store.”
I find myself staring at those lips a beat too long before I spring into action. “Just let me get ready and we’ll head out.”
She smiles. “I’ll just get Jeb fed and put away while you get ready.” She leaves my room in a flash, closing the door behind her.
I move through the motions of getting ready, missing my sleep as I do. I was up late last night, working on a quick sleight of hand trick that I would love to test out on somebody soon. I wonder how Briar feels about magic.
After I throw on a baseball cap and get myself somewhat presentable, I head out to the living room. The moment I step into the space, I freeze.
What the hell happened here?
It’s not a disaster, per se, but it's certainly... chaotic.
This bird, I think, shaking my head.
The entire room looks like it’s been overtaken by a bird-themed carnival. There are feathers scattered everywhere, like confetti after a parade. Toys, bird perches, and what can only be described as a miniature jungle gym dominate the area. Tiny swings, mirrors, and ropes dangle from various furniture pieces, and even a makeshift bird ladder leans against the couch. This bird must have had one hell of a morning workout.
"Wow," I mutter, stepping cautiously around a brightly colored toy that looks suspiciously like a bird-sized seesaw. “What... happened in here?”
Briar’s in the kitchen, laughing sheepishly as she looks through my pantry. “Oh, that. Yeah, Jeb likes to keep himself entertained.”
“Entertained? It looks like he hosted a bird rave while I was asleep,” I say, lifting a small rubber ball with a bell inside and giving it a shake. The bird, perched proudly on his stand, squawks in response, like he’s proud of his handiwork.
Briar leans against the counter, a grin on her face. “He gets a little carried away sometimes. It’s... his version of fun.”
I raise an eyebrow, looking at the bird, who is now preening himself like the king of the castle. “I’m starting to think Jeb thinks he’s running this place.” Not on my watch, buddy.
Briar laughs. “Oh, he definitely thinks he does. But hey, it keeps him busy.”
I glance around at the chaotic mess. "Busy is one word for it. This is like a bird version of an amusement park in here.”
“Well,” Briar says with a wink, “it’s his world—we’re just living in it.”
I sigh, shaking my head. “Good to know I’ve got some stiff competition for attention around here.”
“Don’t worry,” Briar teases with a blush. “I’m sure I can make room for one more." Her green eyes sparkle as I stare at her. Her tight little body is tucked nicely into a pair of jean shorts and a yellow babydoll tee with a bird on it holding up two claws like a peace sign. Underneath the bird are the words, ‘Free bird.’ Her sexy legs go all the way up, and I nearly drool as I stare at her a bit longer.
“Let’s get to the store,” I say, grabbing my keys by the door.
“Let me get Jeb put away,” she says, gathering a few of his toys and getting the bird into the cage in the living room.
“I thought he’d be staying in your room?” I ask her.
She shrugs. “He’d be more comfortable out here while we’re away. So he can protect me.”
“Jeb protect Briar,” the bird squawks, and I roll my eyes once more as Briar laughs.
I follow her out of the house, checking our surroundings to make sure her ex isn’t around. I know he’s most likely not, but I’m always on high alert. Any other job, I’d send someone else to the store, but I know I can take her scumbag of an ex in a fight if it comes down to it, so I’m not too worried having her on this side of town. Saint Pierce is a big city, and we’re nowhere near her apartment or the zoo.
Chances are, he’s nowhere around.
“What does Jason normally do on his days off?” I ask Briar once we’re in my SUV and heading to the store. I’ve read his file, knowing he works a nine-to-five job in some accounting firm. Boring type financial shit job, but he makes okay money. He works Monday through Friday, and since it’s a Saturday afternoon, it makes me wonder where the fucker is.
She fiddles with the air conditioning controls. “He liked going to the races, making bets.”
“Gambling?” Now that wasn’t in his file.
“Yeah, but never anything too crazy.”
I wonder if he owes money. It’s definitely something to take a look into. “Let’s be quick in and out at the store.” Wonder if he’s after Briar’s parents’ money. It’s definitely an angle to explore. I’ll have to text Dean to look into it.