Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 102(@200wpm)___ 82(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20435 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 102(@200wpm)___ 82(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
When he yanks open the door, he gives West a glare I’ve never seen him use on anyone. Except that guy at the bar who tried to hassle me once. Told me he could teach me how to use that tongue ring of mine. Ledger had him backed up against the wall with an arm to his throat, demanding he apologize.
West keeps his eyes on Ledger’s face, purposely not looking down and not even glancing in my direction. It’s a good thing too. I feel the same energy coming from Ledger tonight that he had in the bar that night. Back then I didn’t know how to define it, but I do now. It’s jealousy and possession and ownership. And I want that. I want Ledger to be jealous over me. Possessive over me, as if he owns me.
“Mom was looking for you for cake,” West explains. “I bought as much time as I could. You know this is her favorite part.”
“Fine but after an hour, you have a kidney stone and Micah has appendicitis or something. I don’t care. Just get the fuck out of my house.”
Ledger’s intensity shocks me. He’s always been patient and easygoing. Out of all the brothers, he’s the one who doesn’t get riled up by anything. He takes it all in stride.
“You got it.” West salutes and leaves the room.
“You’re being a caveman,” I accuse Ledger, but I can’t hide the amusement in my voice as I pass by him. Looks like I’ll be standing in front of him for most of the night.
He grabs my hand and growls. “First, that’s your caveman. Second, get your cute ass back here as soon as they’re gone. We’re going to keep talking.”
The way he says talking has a shiver running down my spine. I have a feeling we’re not going to be doing very much talking tonight at all.
6
LEDGER
Sixty-three minutes. It’s been sixty-three minutes, and everyone is still here without a clue that all I want to do is fuck my best friend.
When the heat and the noise of the party finally get to me, I step out on the back deck and breathe in the cold air. It soothes my sour mood but does nothing to keep my raging lust at bay.
Feeling her against my fingertips and knowing that I was the one bringing her pleasure was a surreal experience. Never in my wildest fantasies did I imagine I’d actually get to touch her beautiful curvy body.
Now I want more. I’m addicted to the sound of her name on my lips and the taste of her on my fingers and the way she softly sighs when she’s come. Just thinking about it has me wanting to stomp inside and tell my family and friends to go the fuck home. Because there’s only one thing I want for my birthday and it sure as hell isn’t cake.
The back door opens behind me, light from the house spilling onto the deck before Mom joins me. She leans against the porch railing next to me, surveying the winter wonderland that is my backyard.
“You shouldn’t be alone,” she says softly.
“I’m just taking a break for a minute,” I reassure her. She’s gone to a lot of effort for this party. She and Peyton both have.
“Not out here. In life. You need to be out there, seeing people.”
“People?” I repeat with a frown. I’m universally liked around town with a large circle of friends. According to my eleventh-grade biology teacher, I’m a “charming loudmouth with a love for practical jokes”. But my personality has served me well in my life.
“Women. You need to be seeing women. West has Cassie. Micah has Chloe. And you don’t even have a cat!” She sniffs.
“Ahh, ma, come on. Don’t be upset. I’ll adopt a cat tomorrow if it makes you happy.” I don’t like seeing women cry. But something about seeing my mama or Peyton cry and I turn into a superhero. I’ll say or do anything to comfort them even if it means adopting a little furball.
“I don’t want you to have a cat,” she insists.
“Well, I mean, there are dogs,” I say, thinking of Honey. The little mutt wasn’t doing well when I took her in. But I nursed her back to health until she was strong. Peyton fell in love with her and the two of them became inseparable.
“You’re missing the point.” She sighs. “You need companionship. Out of all my boys, you’re the one I worry about.”
“But I’m happy,” I reassure her. Ever since Peyton walked in tonight and told me she wanted my baby, I’ve been over the fuckin’ moon. Then she let me touch her and it’s like all the pieces of my life are finally falling into place.
“I’ve watched you grow up since you were this fifteen-year-old scrawny little thing. You’re good at appearing happy, Ledger.”