Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77842 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77842 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
I nod. “Yeah, okay, I’ll be right back.”
My hand slides along the driver door, reaching for the handle and opening it. I instantly fall out of the car, my legs not working properly. My eyes scan for who hit us, and I spot a blue SUV with a dented front end, sitting about fifteen feet away, with smoke billowing around the hood and filling the air. It looks like their airbags didn’t deploy; I should make sure they’re okay. Forcing myself to walk I head toward the vehicle, the driver door swings open and a man steps out groaning. He seems calm compared to myself. His head snaps up, looking for who he hit, and our eyes lock. Bright as sky blue eyes infiltrate my own. He has sharp cheek bones with full lips and short ash brunette curls. His broad shoulders stretch, working out the knots. Despite the dirt and grime from the accident, he’s nothing short of the actor Ryan Phillippe.
“Sorry about that, I didn’t see you.” Sincerity wraps around his apology, his soothing voice like still water on a summer evening. Knowing he’s fine, I look back to my car; it’s definitely in worse shape than his. How are we supposed to move without a working vehicle?
Placing my hand on my forehead, I try to push through the anguish and despair and remain strong. I’m okay and Paige is going to be fine, that’s all that matters.
Forcing myself to think positive thoughts, I bite my bottom lip and take another glance at my car, the same one I’ve had since I was eighteen. “It’s definitely totaled,” I mutter, my words quivering with emotion. Stepping closer to it, I look through the back window. One side is broken and the other has spidering-like veins cracking throughout it. Some cardboard boxes are smashed against each other, but thankfully, all the breakables are with the movers.
“I can pay for the damages. I’m so sorry,” the guy says from behind me, his tone a bit too upbeat, considering the situation. Looking over my shoulder at him with a deadpan expression, he tilts his head into his shrug. I hate how calm he is. Why isn’t he even a little bit startled? Affected?
“Are you serious? Your insurance will cover it because it wasn’t my fault!” I spat, my tone as sharp as a blade. “And what do you mean, you didn’t see me? You had to be speeding around that corner to slam into me!” I’m talking with my hands at this point, waving them around for effect, which is what I do when I’m really upset.
Crossing one arm over his chest, with his elbow resting on his other arm, he holds his chin with his hand.
“Or, maybe you were driving too slow?” Dropping his arms, he grins as if his poking fun is cute. Now gone with the apologetic attitude his true colors coming to the shitshow.
My mouth drops, anger fuming inside me. Is he messing with me?
“You hurt my daughter, how can you stand there and act like this is my fault.” Lines crease among my forehead as I scream at the asshole.
“Mom!” Paige hollers from the car; she must hear me yelling.
“Stay there, Paige!” I shout with annoyance, knowing if she comes out and sees me upset, she’ll follow suit, and this will be an even bigger scene.
“Who’s that?” the guy asks. His body shifts to the right, trying to get a look at who I have in the passenger seat.
“My daughter…” I murmur, but then remember she’s hurt because of him. “Who is injured because of you!” I point at him with my index finger, wishing it would slice through him right now. His negligence resulted in hurting my child and ruining my car. It should be him bleeding, not her.
Stepping past me, he heads to my car.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I ask, but he ignores me and goes to the passenger side. I’m right behind him and ready to attack. He better not touch her!
“Let me see,” he speaks to Paige. She turns her face for him to see. “Yeah, that is a nasty cut. Let me grab something from the car to help with that.” Scooting past me, he jogs to his SUV.
“Is that who hit us?” Paige asks, looking out the window at him.
“Yeah…” I’m a bit lost at what to say to her about this man. Watching him rush back to us, he hands Paige a blue rag. It looks brand new.
“There ya go, just hold it on there. Apply pressure.” He’s bent over, hanging into the broken window to help her. He’s so attentive and calm but that rag isn’t going to cut it.
“Thank you, really, but I need to get her to the hospital to be checked out.”
“The ambulance must be held up somewhere,” he throws his hand out towards the backup traffic.