Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89465 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89465 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
In any other situation, the picture would no doubt turn me on. My mouth is hanging open, and from the angle the picture was taken, it looks like I’m already inside of her. I don’t have to go to the comments to know that it’s what others think as well, and I know that was purposeful, part of the vlogger’s strategy.
“Jesus,” I mutter, swiping my hand over the top of my head in frustration and anger.
Why are people so quick to think that it’s okay to get in the middle of shit like this? I find it disgusting and intrusive, but I guess that’s because it’s me on the shit end of the stick this time around. I’ve been just as guilty of falling for clickbait articles and reading up on celebrity chaos. We used to laugh about it in the locker room when one of the guys would get caught doing something that should’ve been kept private.
This sucks, like seriously sucks.
Madison had me fooled. She really made me think that things could be different.
I knew she was needing some space. I knew she wasn’t in the same place I was, but I never expected this.
“Fuck!” I growl, swiping my arm out and clearing an entire rack of screwdrivers. They stab at the worn floor as they scatter.
How does this hurt worse than finding out my best friend had been sleeping with my wife?
I must be a glutton for punishment because I pull the article back up, watching the accompanying videos of us dancing at the bar. It was our second time dancing not the first, but I doubt people will pay much attention to our clothes.
I didn’t notice anyone watching us because I only had eyes for the woman in my arms, but everyone in the bar has their eyes directed at us, and several even have their phones out.
I felt the fire between us two nights ago on that damn dance floor, and you don’t have to be an expert in body language to see that we know each other’s body well by the way we move together. We’re liquid fire, molten lava, flowing against each other as if we were always meant to touch, to be one.
I felt it then, the warmth of her body under my hands, the way she rolled against me as if she wanted to climb inside of me and live the rest of her life there, but I can see it’s all a ploy. While I’m looking at her, she’s looking around. I don’t know if the vlogger took this video or bought it from someone else, but Madison glances in the camera’s direction too many times for me to believe she wasn’t in on this.
I press my hand to the ache in my chest.
She had to have known what was going to happen, but what did I expect? Everyone in my life is after a payday. I’ve heard whispers and rumors about her failed business, how she got into debt in Austin and that’s why she had to come crawling back to Lindell. It’s why she was living back with her parents because she couldn’t afford a place on her own. I didn’t pay much mind to those because I know what it’s like for people in this town to get the wrong impression, to jump to conclusions. I know that a small truth gets twisted and turned until it no longer resembles the original information. But after this article, I think I put too much faith in her. I was too trusting, too reliant that she was the epitome of hometown goodness. She hadn’t been tainted by the outside world.
I was so wrong, and even worse, I brought her into my boys’ lives. They’re going to be devastated. It’s one more person they’ll lose. The way they run to her and their little faces light up means it may hurt them even more than Emily’s departure did. It cuts me straight into my soul.
My hands tremble as I pocket my phone. I go in search of my dad, but even with my anger making my footfall heavy, Dad doesn’t notice me walk up.
I grind my teeth in irritation at the sight of him stashing recently delivered boxes full of stock that needs to be out on the floor into different boxes labeled RECORDS 1987-1989.
It seems there isn’t a single person in my life other than my children who isn’t willing to manipulate me.
“I’m taking the rest of the day off,” I growl instead of jumping in his shit. I can only handle one implosion at a time.
He startles, spinning around to face me. At least he has the humility to look guilty. I have no doubt Madison will double down and make excuses when I confront her.
He opens his mouth, but before he can speak, I spin around and leave.