Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 280(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 280(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
We’ve had little discussions via email about the book, but tonight I’ve decided to give her my cell phone number. Just to discuss the book. Nothing more. I’m not going to make a move on my brother’s ex. Even if every part of my body wants nothing more.
Shepherd: Maybe he fell asleep.
Shit.
Me: No, I had a phone call, sorry. Yeah, we’ll do that soon. I’m running out so I’ll see you all tomorrow. Thanks again Anya and Hartford.
Brock: Where are you going?
Paxton: Is there a girl we should know about?
Shepherd: Oh shit, remember to wrap that thing! August doesn’t need any cousins from you yet.
Anya: OMG, Tripp, are you going on a date?
Hartford: Invite her tomorrow night! We all want to meet her.
Me: Holy shit, I didn’t say I was going on a date. I said I was running out. I have nothing to drink in the house. I don’t think I should invite the cashier to the housewarming.
Yeah, it’s a lie, but damn they all get overly involved and invested in things. I can’t tell them where I’m going because Brock would know I’ll be around his ex and I don’t want the judgment from any of them. Plus, if they knew I was attending a book club they would all tease me relentlessly. The only things my brothers read are about baseball and beer.
Brock: Well if she’s cute you could invite her.
Willow: Stop, you are all terrible.
Anya: There’s my bestie. Why the hell were you so quiet? Actually, don’t answer that.
Brock: Want me to answer?
Paxton: LOL multitasking, impressive.
Callum: For fuck’s sake.
Shepherd: That’s just reminding Callum that he gets none.
Brock: Ouch, the harsh truth LOL
Me: You might want to give yourself a reminder every once in a while that you do in fact have a dick.
Griffin: LMFAO oh shit.
Paxton: He’s not wrong. When was the last time you had sex, Callum?
Anya: Gross, stop.
Felicity: It’s no one’s business, Callum.
Shepherd: Get back on your knees, woman.
Paxton: I’m fucking dying!
Willow: Maybe she, too, can multitask.
Brock: Damn, baby.
Me: Yep, I’m outta here.
Anya: Pretty sure Callum is too LOL
Griffin: Can you blame him?
Paxton: He knows we’re joking.
I silence my phone, shoving it into my pocket as I chuckle. As much as I would’ve loved to keep teasing my brother, the thought of seeing Millie is much more exciting.
I need to stop thinking about her like that.
She’s off limits.
Which fuck, makes these thoughts of her that much more exciting.
Chapter 7
Millie
I’m racing around the shop trying to make sure everything is perfect for book club tonight. Normally I make a fuss each week about book club, but tonight there’s a different kind of energy in the air. It’s charged with an electrical current I can’t seem to escape. Maybe it’s because I know Tripp will be here.
There’s something about him I can’t quite put my finger on. Something different. Something almost magical.
I gaze out the big bay window of my store, and look out at the other shops lining the streets of downtown Magnolia Ridge. The Pour Some Sugar On Me Coffee Shop sits right across the street, and I watch the people walk on by. It’s too late for coffee, and in the morning the shop has a line out the door that wraps down the street.
It makes me smile to know Harrison and February are doing so well with it. I’ve met them a few times over the past year, and February is so fun to be around.
I’ve got a few friends here in Magnolia Ridge, but I’m so busy with the shop that I don’t really do much anymore.
I head past a mirror and check my hair for the millionth time today. Okay, maybe I’m a bit nervous to see Tripp tonight. It’s not like I like him or anything, but ugh, okay there’s a small crush developing.
Not like I will ever do anything about it.
I dated his brother. Tripp is off-limits. He’s also a few years younger than me. I’m twenty-four, and I’ve worked hard for everything I have.
The bell from the door chimes as Hazel and Arlene walk in.
“Look at her,” Hazel says, giving Arlene a nudge with her elbow. “Are we not who you were expecting?”
I park a hand on my hip. “Stop, I don’t have a crush on him,” I say, knowing exactly what they’re implying.
Hazel raises a brow and Arlene giggles like a schoolgirl. “You sure?”
My eyes widen. “I dated his older brother, and that didn’t go well at all.”
Arlene brushes off my comment as if it’s no big deal. But it’s a very big deal. We don’t get anymore talking in because Tripp waltzes through the entrance and it’s as if time stands still.
Our eyes lock and I swear it’s like he can see right through me. I have so many questions for him. I want to ask him his inspiration for his words. Who is he thinking about when he writes such romantic things? And does he have more for me to read?