Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
“Game? What game?”
“It was all just a competition with him. Nothing more.”
“You’re wrong. He loved you, Mia. He still loves you.”
I’d watched my brother with her. I’d seen the way he looked at and touched her, how he held her, and there was no doubt in my mind that he loved her. Hell, just like me, he’d spent half his life loving her, and I couldn’t imagine that he’d do anything to put their life together at risk. Mia, on the other hand, clearly didn’t agree. “I wish that was true. I really do, but sadly, that simply isn’t the case.”
“So, what exactly do you want me to do here?”
“I thought you might try talking to him.”
“What?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I could barely stand to be in the same fucking room with Camden, much less carry on a conversation with him, and she wanted me to talk to him about her. There was no fucking way. “You can’t be serious.”
“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.” She walked over and placed her hand on my bicep. “I know I’m asking a lot, and I would understand if you didn’t want to do it.”
“What good is it going to do for me to talk to him?”
“I just want to know if my marriage is over, Thatch.”
“And if it is?”
Just like she’d been since the moment she arrived, Mia’s tone remained calm and steady as she continued, “Then, I’ll move on with my life. Simple as that.”
“Maybe it’s just me, but I would’ve thought you’d be more upset about the possibility of your marriage being over.”
“Oh, Thatch. There’s so much you don’t know.”
She lifted up on her tiptoes, then kissed me softly on the cheek. Seconds later, she was gone, leaving me alone to figure out what the hell was going on with them and what exactly she’d meant by her last comment.
I was a man who always kept his finger on the pulse of everyone and everything around me, and I didn’t like the idea that I’d missed so much, especially when it involved Mia.
Come hell or high water, that shit was about to change. I’d find out what the fuck was going on, and I’d be doing that right now.
6
REBECCA
“You’ve slept with this guy, right?”
“Yes, but only because I listened to your crazy advice.”
“It was good advice,” Celeste replied confidently. “You were smart to take me up on it.”
“Is there a point you’re trying to make here?”
“I just don’t see what you’re getting so worked up about.” She sat down on the edge of my bed as she continued, “This guy has seen your girlie bits on multiple occasions. I don’t think he’s gonna care if you’re wearing jeans and a sweater or a skirt and boots.”
“This will be the first time we’ve spent any real time together, Celeste.” I tried on a third sweater and looked at myself in the mirror. “I just want to look pretty.”
“I think you’re worrying over nothing. He obviously thinks you’re hot—otherwise he wouldn’t be coming over tonight.”
“That’s just it. I don’t even know if he’s coming. I haven’t heard anything from him since the day he picked up Cat from school.” I took off the sweater and tossed it on the bed next to Celeste, then grabbed another one from the closet. “For all I know, he forgot about my dinner invitation.”
“I highly doubt that, babe.” She motioned her hand from my head down to my feet. “I mean, look at you. He’d be crazy to pass up a chance to spend the night alone with you.”
“I’m sure he has his pick of women. Why would he want to be with someone who’s covered in scars and has a kid with a few of her own?” The thought had me suddenly feeling insecure, and I quickly slipped on my sweater. “Look, he’s probably not coming. Let’s just order a pizza, have a few drinks, and watch a scary movie.”
“Yeah, we could do that.” Celeste reached over and grabbed my phone from the bedside table. “Or you could just text the guy and find out.”
“Not a chance.”
“Why not?” she pushed.
“Because I don’t want to sound like I’m desperate. Besides, I’d much rather spend the night hanging out with you.” I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and smiled. “You go grab the booze, and I’ll order the pizza.”
“Sorry, doll. I’m gonna have to take a raincheck.” Celeste stood and walked over to my floor-length mirror. She toyed with her purple-colored hair. “I’ve got a hot date tonight.”
“You do?” I gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You didn’t ask.” She turned to face me. “You were too busy going on and on about your sexy biker boy.”
“You’re right. I’m a selfish asshole.”
“No, you’re not. You’ve just had a lot on your mind lately.”
“Yes, but that’s no excuse.” I couldn’t have felt worse. “I’ve been so wrapped up in my own crazy head that I haven’t been a very good friend to you.”