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)
He chuckles, knocks the last white piece of their game off the board and stands. Paige’s mouth drops open as she stares at the bored like he just completed some magic trick.
“Grr, I didn’t even see that coming!” she shouts, causing Rhodes to smile bigger.
“My mom used to bake pies all the time for church. I learned a few tricks, if you want some help.”
That antsy, I don’t know what to say, but I’m thinking I know what I want to say, happens again, rendering me a mouth-gaping idiot.
“I don’t know, I’m sure you have things you need to do today; I don’t want to impose.”
His shoulders rise, just as he slips his hands into his back pockets.
“I need to work on my bike and call my daughter, but after, I can come back over. Besides, I need to prepare some meat for the party, so we can just do it together.”
His persistence makes me silently laugh. “What are you making?”
“Hell, probably just burgers and hot dogs.” His ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude is admirable. Taking his lead, I think about how I could use the company during this hell of a times, especially if Heston shows up again today.
“Yeah sure, let’s meet up later then,” I finally answer. His hand slaps the counter as he sucks a breath in through his teeth.
“Nice.” The electric tension between us is definitely there and I can’t help but wonder if he feels it. It’s horrible to think he’s sexy and strong, and that I feel safe around him when I am going through this break-up with Heston.
“I’ma run to the store and get what I need, do you want me to get anything for you?” I ask.
“Nah, I already have what I need,” he replies, his hand rubbing his beard.
Getting dressed in a brown tank and black shorts, I slip into my brown slides. Grabbing my purse, I find Paige sitting on the last step of the stairs, waiting for me.
“Hey, I’m heading out. Want to come?”
She shakes her head, looking down at her hands that rest between her knees. I wasn’t expecting her to say no. I can’t leave her behind when Heston is out acting like a mad man.
“No, I’ll stay back. Have you heard any news on Dad?”
Inhaling a deep breath, I reply on an exhale. “No baby, I haven’t.”
Without another word, she stands and stomps up the stairs. I should call the sheriff on my way into town.
Outside, the too hot sun smothers me with its intense heat, sweat instantly beading on my forehead.
Instinctively, I look over at Rhodes’ house, but I don’t see him. Inhaling, I think about the pros and cons of us spending time together weighs heavy on my mind.
One hand on the wheel, the other holding my phone, I dial Sheriff Reese to see where we’re at with Cam’s missing-person case.
“Hello, you’ve reached Sheriff Reese, I am currently unavailable, but if you leave a brief message, I’ll try and return you call by tomorrow.”
“By tomorrow?” I repeat angrily, just before the answering machine makes a loud beep.
“Uh,” it takes me a second to get my head straight from her message, “yeah, this is Rain Adler. I’m calling to see if you have any leads or anything news about my ex-husband, Cam? Please call me back as soon as you can.”
Hanging up, I slip my phone into the cup holder.
Finally reaching the market, its parking lot is full of cars, so I park in the shade, near the back, making sure to keep my windows an inch down to let it breathe. I hate getting into a car and feeling like you just slide into an airlocked crockpot.
Head down, purse hanging from my shoulder, I go inside. Cool air blows aggressively as if it’s going to blast my body back to its normal temperature, and it feels good.
“Hey Rain!” Turning my head toward the friendly voice, I find Blair working register three. I’ve been in here a few times, and the fact she remembers my name like were friends feels great. It makes living here more personal and comfortable.
“Hey Blair.” I wave and grab a small basket to carry the few items I need. Down the baking aisle, I stare at my phone for the ingredients for this damn pie.
I could get a graham-cracker crust, ready to-go pie crust, or make my own. Making my own is clearly what Tenly would want.
I’ll meet her in the middle and get the ready to go pie crust, but get real apples for the filling. Reaching for a bag of Red Delicious apples, footsteps close behind me, causing me to look over my shoulder to see who is near, but there’s nobody. I look the other way, nobody again. Goosebumps rise along my tanned arm, and I suddenly don’t feel safe. Heston knows I come to this market, could he be here? Jesus I’m a paranoid loon.