Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 85888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
“We’re just making conversation,” said Aaron defensively. His smirk disappeared and the nice-guy persona made an appearance. To think I used to fall for this nonsense. Shame on me.
“What’s with all this petty bullshit?” asked Lars. “You raised every negative thing you could think of, told her your mother hated her, and then rubbed your fiancée in her face.”
“Lars...”
“I told you she was important to me and this is how you treat her?”
Aaron shifted on his feet. “We have history.”
“I don’t care.”
“Look, I’m sorry, okay? She brings out the worst in me.”
“She barely opened her mouth, man.”
“I’ve finished my drink,” I said, setting the empty glass aside. “I’ll see you later, Lars.”
“Give me a minute and I’ll walk you out.”
This time my smile was real. I’d done it. I hadn’t reacted to the taunting. Glory was mine. “Thank you, but not necessary.”
Aaron grabbed at his arm, “Lars, hang on. Let’s talk about...”
I wound my way through the Friday-night crowd. As soon as I stepped outside, I could breathe again. The cool night and the music falling quiet was a relief. What I deserved was a long bath with a good book. I’d done my time and made it through the drink. The rest of this night could still be salvaged. Where there’s a will there’s a way and all that.
I walked down the street away from the parking lot, then I pulled my phone out of my purse and opened the car ride app.
“Hey,” called a deep familiar voice.
“Hey,” I called back in surprise.
Lars strode down the sidewalk toward me. I opened my mouth, but couldn’t find the words. What did you say to someone who just discovered their best friend was a little bitch?
And how awesome that he’d come after me. That he’d chosen me this time. To be honest, I was sort of stunned.
In the light from the street lamp, the lines of his face seemed starker. A light breeze ruffled his golden Viking mane and all the while he strode toward me, big and solid and strong. Like I could crash up against him as much as I liked. He made me want to write bad poetry. That was the truth.
I was still searching for something to say when he walked straight up to me and kissed me stupid. This was nothing like last time. His tongue slipped into my mouth and stroked against mine. There was no easing in. No messing around. The man was passion unleashed. His hand slid beneath my hair to grab the back of my neck and hold me in place as his mouth claimed mine. And he had skills. It was hot and wet and oh so good. All lips and tongue and teeth. His other hand slid around my waist to the small of my back, pulling me against him. I clutched at his shirt as my head spun in dizzy circles. The sounds of need he made deep in his throat... I’d never heard the like. Every inch of my body was wide-awake and wanting.
We startled apart at the sound of the car horn beside us. How rude.
“My, um, my ride is here,” I said, stating the obvious. Since when was standing, breathing, and thinking at the same time such a struggle?
In an apparently similar state, he just stared at my lips.
“Any chance you’ve made up your mind about us having sex?”
He paused. “Not yet.”
“Okay.”
Just over his shoulder, I could see Aaron standing outside the bar watching us. He was not happy.
“C’mon,” said Lars.
He ushered me to the car and opened the door for me. As soon as I was settled safely inside, he nodded and closed the door. Then he took a step back and waited, watching me. The car pulled away from the curb and we drove off. I did not turn around and stare at him until he was out of sight. I was not quite that desperate and all up in my feelings. Not yet, at least. But I was dangerously close to getting there.
Ten
Lars: Working all of this weekend on a rush job. Catch up with you next week.
Me: Ok.
Lars: I’m not ignoring you.
Me: Ok.
Lars: Are you sure you’re ok?
Me: Yes. Positive.
Lars: Last night was unexpected.
Me: Was it really?
Me: Do you regret it?
Lars: No.
Me: I’m glad.
With the divorce certificate in hand, I stood outside the legal offices of Johnson and Cavanagh on Monday afternoon. They were the lawyers mentioned on the decree. Though on the document they were Johnson, Cavanagh, and Yeoh. It was just your regular glass-and-concrete commercial building. Nothing special. But at the same time, it was all so very bizarre. Lars and I hadn’t even slept together. However, years from now, this was where I’d apparently come to end our marriage. I checked the address on the certificate for the hundredth time. Still the same.