Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
I mime sticking a finger into my mouth as if I’m puking. Brand laughs, his dark chuckle like a warm wave bathing my soul
“Yeah,” he agrees. “I’ve known Jerry for a long time, so I know what you mean by that.”
I shake my head with exasperation.
“How did a guy like him even get that way? Even more, how are you guys even friends?” I crinkle my nose. “Jerry’s nothing like you and thank the heavens above you’re nothing like him either!”
Brand chuckles, his hands relaxed on the wheel.
“I wouldn’t say we’re friends, exactly. I think it’s safe to say that Jerry and I aren’t friends at all, actually. We just happen to work for the same hauling company, Supreme Hauling, and over the years, we got to know one another. He started inviting me to his poker nights, and that led me to you.”
I nod.
“I suppose that’s one good thing.”
Brand grins and nods too.
“Hey, Jerry’s not the worst guy in the world, but yeah, I’m surprised that any woman would give him the time of day. His terrible hygiene is legendary at Supreme. There’s a reason he’s alone in his truck cab.”
I giggle, nodding. “Yeah, I have no idea how my mom can even handle Jerry up close because he’s so gross. I hardly ever see him shower and he sits around in the same dirty underwear all day every day for days at a time. I mean days. And don’t get me started on the week-old food permanently trapped in that damn beard of his,” I shiver, barely containing my gag. “Vomit.”
Brand frowns, turning to glance at me for a few moments. “Jerry hasn’t tried to come onto you or anything, has he? He’s disgusting and with a pretty girl like you walking around the house …”
I quickly shake my head to reassure him.
“Oh, no, no, no! Definitely not. That old geezer knows better than that and I’d smack him upside the head if he tried anything with me. Besides, Sheena’s protective, and I think me and my mom would fight over who would get to kill him first if he stepped out of line. No, the dirty old bastard knows I’m off limits.”
“Good,” Brand says with satisfaction. “You’re a feisty one, so I didn’t think Jerry would even try, but you never know.” Then, he goes silent while pulling the truck into a rest area before rolling to a slow stop. “Sometimes truckers forget how to behave around women because we’re in solitary for so long, but it sounds like Jerry has his faculties about him. That’s good. I don’t know what I’d do if he or anyone else tried something with you,” Brand adds in a growl.
I smile, reaching over to rest my hand on top of his. “Thank you for worrying about me, but you don’t need to, I promise. Jerry’s fine, aside from his lack of hygiene. Speaking of which, I need to shower because you used me so hard last night,” I mewl. “There’s still you know what caked on my bottom.”
Brand’s blue eyes flare.
“Really? Show me.”
I giggle and shake my head.
“Oh no. I’m going to grab a shower here without you, so that I can actually get clean. Come on. Out of the truck we go.” He chuckles as he unbuckles his seatbelt and swings open his door. I do the same, and we both hop out of the cab and start strolling towards the row of buildings.
“You know how to find the shower area?” Brand asks, his gaze running over my form.
“Yep!” I nod. “And don’t try to join me inside!”
He chuckles.
“Alright. But don’t take too long, honey, because the diner here is known for its ice cream sundaes and I don’t want to have to eat two while I’m waiting for you,” he winks, patting my behind. Then, it’s his turn to shoo me off, and I blush as I head off toward the showers. To be honest, I’m practically skipping because I’m so happy. After all, I’ve got a lot to look forward to: a hot shower, a yummy lunch, an ice cream sundae, and then the man I adore, in that order.
7
Brand
The truck stop diner is pretty normal. Actually, it’s nicer than the smaller ones along the freeway that usually have dingy seats and light fixtures that look like they’re about to fall off the ceiling. Instead, Jimmy’s Big Burger has a somewhat vintage look with chrome counters and red pleather booths. Plus, country music fills the diner, and I feel myself relax listening to the strum of a banjo.
But now, I frown at my coffee. Where is Janie? I know she loves her hot showers and often lingers in them, but she disappeared half an hour ago. Now, our food is getting cold and I frown again. I took the liberty of ordering for her, but I don’t want to eat this by myself. After all, I love savoring a meal with the beautiful woman. I enjoy times when we can sit together at a restaurant and actually look at one another face to face, instead of sideways. Plus, diner food beats sandwiches any day of the year.