Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
The only thing that gives me a small amount of pleasure is knowing he is just as unhappy about it as I am.
His easygoing demeanor vanished when he looked up and saw who Ellie had with her. Like yesterday, shock had flashed across his face before that hardened armor fell into place.
For a moment, I considered hightailing it out the door, but I didn’t want to do that to Ellie after she went out of her way to bring me here. Besides, he’s the one with the problem, not me, and I’ll be damned if I was going to let him run me out of here with that salty attitude of his.
That’s why I straightened my shoulders, pasted on my best smile, and followed Ellie over to the table where she began introductions, starting with her two girlfriends, Penny and Harlow. Next was her best friend, Gunnar, who I found out owns the mechanic shop down the street from us. Then his two friends, Linc and Dawson, before it ended on Officer Grump, aka Mike Cross.
I wasn’t sure if I should mention we had already met so I left the ball in his court. He didn’t mention it. Actually, he didn’t say anything at all. Instead, he rounded up the guys for a game of pool and they’ve been over there ever since, which is fine by me. It’s given me the chance to get to know Penny and Harlow without his gloomy presence looming over me.
I’ve learned that Harlow is a wedding planner, and Penny is a healthcare worker at the seniors’ home in town. Harlow seems to be the more talkative of the two, but both are as nice as Ellie. They are definitely my kind of people and the type of friends I would have back home.
“So, what do you think of Passion Falls so far, Hollis?” Penny asks, shifting the conversation onto me. “I bet it’s a lot different than what you’re used to back in California.”
“It is.” I nod. “That’s kinda what I love about it.”
“Even with the weather like this?” Harlow questions doubtfully, arching a perfectly sculpted brow.
“Even with the weather like this,” I confirm with a smile. “I also love how quaint it is here. I’m from a big city where it’s always noisy and crowded. This has been a nice change of pace. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming.”
Well, almost everyone…
“That’s because you can’t hear us yelling at you from inside our vehicles,” Harlow retorts, amusement lacing her voice. “Welcome to Alberta, where road rage lives strong and free.”
“Stop.” Ellie laughs, playfully elbowing her friend. “Don’t listen to her, Hollis. We’re not that bad.”
I smile at their banter. “I’m not worried. Trust me, California has its fair share of road rage too.”
I’m more worried about driving on crappy roads and running into a certain grumpy officer every time I turn around.
The thought sends my attention across the dimly lit bar to where Officer Grump leans against the wall, a wooden pool cue resting between his legs as he patiently waits for his turn.
I really hate to admit it, but the man looks even better out of uniform. The well-worn blue jeans he wears fit exactly as they should—not too tight, not too baggy—they hang just right off his hips, while a long-sleeved gray Henley accentuates his lean, muscular frame. Add in his strong-cut jaw, olive complexion, hazel eyes, and thick dark hair, and it makes for a deadly combination. So lethal, it’s almost easy to forget what an asshole he is.
Almost…
As if feeling the weight of my stare, his eyes meet mine in a connection so powerful it steals my breath. There’s no looking away from it, it holds me captive, piercing through every layer of my skin.
His demeanor quickly shifts, expression transforming into that mean scowl. It never wavers as he lifts the beer bottle to his lips, taking a long swig.
He’s trying to make me uncomfortable, make me squirm in my seat, but buddy boy isn’t going to get it.
I meet his challenge head-on and reach for my own drink, a Cesar that I found out is the Canadian equivalent of a Bloody Mary. Taking a leisurely sip, I savor the taste, all the while matching that hard glare of his. Our gazes remain locked in a battle, a collision of two forces, each one fighting for dominance.
Instead of it pissing him off like it should, it does the opposite.
Amusement flickers across his handsome face, his lips curving into one hell of a sexy smirk. One that makes my pulse race and knees weak.
The magical bastard…
“Yoo-hoo. Earth to Hollis.” Ellie’s voice jolts me out of the staring contest.
I bring my attention back to the table and find all three women looking at me expectantly. A rush of embarrassment heats my cheeks when I realize they must have been talking to me this entire time. “I’m sorry, what was that?”