Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47191 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47191 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
“Really? So, this is normal? And besides that, this week, it’s only been one call and a few texts. I have him on Do not disturb. I’d block him, but I wasn’t sure if that would be smart. I’m at a complete loss.” I hear the defeat in her voice.
“What Chad is doing isn’t normal. Of course, he doesn’t know you. He’s probably not even from around here. Where did you even meet him?”
“You have to promise not to laugh at me.” She holds her hand out to mine, pinky finger at the ready.
“Something tells me I’m not going to like this at all.” I place my finger around hers and give her my word not to laugh.
“Blender,” she says almost too low for me to hear her.
“Where the hell is that?” Never heard of what this place is.
“Surely, you’re not that old. It’s not a place. Well, it’s kind of is, but it’s more of a social media dating app.” Her hand leaves mine, something I wasn’t prepared for.
“Fuck’s sake, no wonder he’s being a creep. We’ll get it taken care of. Not sure I even want to know how he found out where you work or where your apartment is, but I’m sure since you found him online, it doesn’t take anyone that long to figure anything out.” I’m pissed as hell. I have half a mind to find this Chad character and let him meet the end of my fist.
“This is why I didn’t want to tell anyone, but Beau, I’m twenty-eight years old. It’s not like I have a line of suitors banging on my door,” she admonishes.
“Lily, I’m well aware of your age. I’m not pissed about that. It’s for a completely different reason.” God damn, it’s not like I didn’t know who Lily was or what she looked like or that when I saw her, something in my body settled.
“Then why are you so upset?”
“Because I could have prevented it, the entire time. Clearly, I fucked that up.” I don’t say another word, instead letting my words soak in with her. We’re both quiet. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s definitely not what I expected for today either.
Chapter 8
Lily
Beau being quiet for the remainder of our ride was different. I wasn’t sure what to say. So, after we made our way back to the barn to untack, brush the horses down, and let them out to their pastures, I break the silence.
“I’m sorry, Beau. I didn’t mean to drag you into this. If I knew it was going to go down like this, I wouldn’t have ever got on that dating app or brought you into the fold. It wasn’t fair of me.” As much as I hate to do it, it’s probably best that I get in my car and ask for help elsewhere, even if that means telling not only my brother but my parents too.
“Lily, honey. That’s not what this is about. Shit has me thinking about sitting on my ass when you were right in front of me the entire time.” Beau’s hands slide around my hips, under my jacket until they’re bringing me closer, and he hugs me. I soak in his scent—warm leather and cardamom hit my nose, turning my head, allowing me to hear his heartbeat, and to be still.
“I still feel bad.”
“Look at me, Lily,” he commands. My eyes meet his. His facial expression is serious.
“Yes,” I practically squeak out.
“I want this, I want you, and I think you know what I’m feeling is anything but fake.” Beau rocks his hips, allowing me to feel him, not only telling me how okay he is with his words, but also showing me.
“Oh, well, then. It’s a good thing that I kind of, sort of like you too,” I say teasingly.
“Now you’re in for it.” Beau moves. Our moment is broken, and I’m up and over his shoulder.
“Oh my gosh, Beau, are you crazy?” He’s striding towards the house, not in a hurry, and definitely not breathless.
“Not at all.” His hands are holding my legs, underneath my skirt. His roughened and calloused hands on my smooth legs.
“I beg to differ, since, you know, you’re the one carrying me when I have two legs and can walk.” My hands slide down his back, trying to find purchase. I guess his back pockets will have to do, with the way he’s squeezing my leg one at a time, going back and forth, moving closer to my ass.
“I like having you helpless and in the palm of my hand.” He emphasizes this with his hand on the globe of my ass now.
“Well, okay, then.” My own voice is breathless. I want to widen my legs for him but am still locked in this hold with the blood rushing to my head, causing a heady sensation to take over. Beau is saying something, but with his hands on me, I’m not really paying attention.