Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“I see you have scouted thoroughly, and I appreciate your diligence.” Nelle talks as if this is a business plan.
“Oh my gosh, go away with that talk. My water is getting cool, and the last thing I want to be is cold. I’ll call you tomorrow on my way to work. Text me the details on what you need set up at the house, and we’ll make it happen.” I’d usually add hot water, prolonging the process of leaving the comfort of the tub, but my grumbling stomach is giving me other ideas. It’s saying, ‘Feed me,’ even though my center is thoroughly enjoying the long soak.
“I will. Love you, Tulsa.”
“Love you. I can’t wait till you’re down here with me.” We hang up after that. Coming home has helped more than just me; it’s helping Ledger and Nelle, too.
27
LEDGER
Three Weeks Later
“Do you think it was a good idea to have the girls head to Hank’s before we were done off-loading Nelle’s boxes?” Chase asks me as we walk through the door. It’s busier than it was than the last time I came in here to meet Tulsa Rose.
“Probably not. Knowing Tulsa and what I’ve heard about Nelle, the girls know how to have a good time. They deserve it, though. Tulsa has been on the edge of her seat ever since Nelle told her she was moving down.” That was a few weeks ago. A lot of planning was involved, like a new Internet service for Nelle to have a secured line and replacing the pool system to salt since Tulsa knew they’d be using it more. One thing that didn’t change was my woman sleeping in my bed every single night. Earlier this morning, she mentioned staying the night at her house so Nelle wouldn’t get lonely. That was fine with me, but I’d be right there with her. We compromised in the long run. We’ll see how the night goes and how her best friend feels.
After the girls had the most of Nelle’s stuff sorted, they agreed to figure out the logistics of duplicates later and stored what she didn’t need right away in the spare room. Fuck, my butterfly worked like two grown men would, stating it was high time life was breathed back into the house. Nelle had her own furniture to bring in, and as far as Tulsa was concerned, she was tired of holding on to a house sitting empty with furniture that could be used. So, I made another phone call, and a few guys came out to help load up the truck with the living room, guest room, and her bedroom furniture and the rest of the stuff she wanted to get rid of. The master bedroom set she wanted to keep because it was her grandparents’ before it became her parents’, and then Montgomery’s. There was no damn way I was letting her set it up in her bedroom when we’d be moving it again whenever she got it through her head where I want her, always. She’d be living at my house anyways, which is where it is now, in the once empty guest bedroom.
“Fucking Christ, who invited my mom?” I ask Chase as I open the door for him and see all three girls dancing on top of the bar. The crowd is getting a front row view, one of my woman in a tight fitting tank top, one I know she isn’t wearing a bra beneath since she got dressed in front of me this morning, the cut-off jean shorts with pockets peeking out beneath the hem, distressed from wear and tear rather than the style you buy in the store, and on her feet are flip-flops you’ll find her wearing whenever she’s not at work.
“I’m willing to bet that would be Tulsa Rose. You’re fucked, my man,” Chase tells me as we walk further inside. He’s wrong. I’m not fucked. Tulsa is, or she will be the minute I get her away from prying eyes.
“She might have invited her, but I know damn well whose idea it was to get them dancing on a bar top." Tequila shots, Mom’s preferred liquor of choice. And not the cheap variety. Nope, the smoother, the better, meaning she goes after the top-shelf tequila, and that shit will bite you in the ass if you’re not careful.
“Let them have fun. You’ll enjoy the view, and so will I.” My eyes cut to Chase, making sure his gaze isn’t anywhere on my girl. I’m a possessive fucker, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
“As long as you keep them off Tulsa and my mother, you’ll live to see another day.”
“Dumbass, my eyes are on Nelle. I’m not looking at your woman.” I walk toward the bar and hear him mumble, “I’m not a fucking idiot. Plus, she’s like a sister.” I smile, content with his answer.