Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
The only bright spot is the text messages that Cassie and I exchange. They have me smiling at my phone all day long.
“What’s your deal?” Ledger asks while he wolfs down a sandwich in the back office with me. “You been smiling like a fool all damn day.”
Like Micah and Cassie, Ledger was adopted by my folks when he was a teenager. He was a firecracker in high school, always doing something crazy and wild. My best memories from back then involve him pulling me and Micah into some outrageous stunt.
I open a bag of chips. Does everyone around here think I’m the big green guy? “What’s wrong with being happy?”
“It’s creepy when you’re smiling.” Ledger washes down a bite of his food with a long sip of water. “Wait…did you get laid last night?”
I’m not the type of man that would kiss and tell. It’s nobody’s business what two consenting adults do but more than that, this is Cassie. I’ll always be overprotective when it comes to her, so I settle for a warning grunt.
“Peyton will be there tonight,” he tells me to change the subject. Peyton is Ledger’s best friend, a girl he’s been in love with since they were in high school together. I don’t know how she feels about him though. The bartender of Liquid Courage plays everything close to the vest.
“Are you going to tell her how you feel?” It’s what I ask him every Christmas. He swears he’ll tell her when the time is right. But we both know the moment he tells her how he feels, she’s going to bolt like a deer that caught scent of a predator.
“Soon.” It’s what he always says.
“You know she was supposed to help Cassie finish the set up with Santa’s workshop today, but she called out because of a migraine.” He finishes off the rest of his sandwich and shakes his head. “Michael volunteered to help out though. They’re all alone over there. Putting up Christmas lights, probably listening to some golden oldies. I’m sure it’s not cozy and romantic at all.”
I toss my half-eaten food on the desk then shoot to my feet so fast my desk chair rolls back and bangs into the wall. My woman does not spend time alone around other men. Definitely not men that look at her like she’s a tasty treat. She’s my treat. She’s only for my hands and eyes and tongue.
He laughs then and I realize I tipped my entire damn hand. He knows who I’m dating.
“You’re a bastard.”
“Sounds about right,” he mutters.
I ignore his glee as I shove my keys and wallet in my pocket. “Try not to let this place fall down around your ears while I’m gone.”
He gives me a sarcastic salute that I’m too busy to even care about. There’s only one thing on my mind right now and that’s getting back to my girl.
The drive to the community center doesn’t take long and before I know it, I’m marching inside. My anger grows with every step. He’s not taking her from me. No one is. She’s my girl and I’ll never let her go.
I step inside the community center and see her standing in the middle of the decorations as she surveys her work. I stomp up to her. I spin her around and pull her into my arms. Then I lower my head and kiss her until we’re both gasping for air.
“I don’t share,” I growl when I finally pull away long enough to let us both breathe. “Not with Michael. Not with anybody.”
She giggles then, a small tinkling sound. “That’s good to know. But I’m here alone.”
The fight drains out of me as I realize I’ve been had. Damn Ledger and his love for practical jokes. Though I can’t say I really hate this one since it led me back to my girl.
Her eyes are sparkling as she says, “But since you’re here, I could use help with a few things, boyfriend.”
7
CASSIE
My back is aching, and my feet hurt but it’s finally done. The community center has been transformed into Santa’s workshop, just like it always is every year. I added a few fun touches this time.
I snap a couple of pictures that hint at what I’ve done and send them to Mom and Dad. Hopefully, they’ll love these additions. They promised they’d drive into town and stay for a few minutes of the event. I think Dad would still be dressed up as Santa Claus if Mom didn’t put her foot down and demand that he relax this year.
One of the doors to the center open and I hear someone stomping across the worn linoleum. But I don’t even have to turn. I know from the sound of the footsteps that West is here.
I wait, my body filled with wild anticipation. Then he grabs me, spins me around, and kisses me breathless.