Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 100301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
A laugh jumped out of my mouth. “Don’t sound so scandalized. You’re hurting my feelings. And no, I’m not asking you for that, though you are a sexy little thing.”
“I—oh, wow.”
“Why are you so surprised by that?” Did Ian not see it? The more I thought about it…I didn’t believe he did.
The last thing I expected was for him to ask, “What’s going on with you and Jordan?”
“Why?”
“Because he’s my friend, and it would be weird. The other day you guys were flirting like crazy.”
I wondered if he knew what a caretaker he was. Ian would put his friends before himself any day of the week. “Jordan and I have decided to play together. That wouldn’t have anything to do with you staying at my house.”
He shook his head. “No thanks. Staying there while you guys do your thing would feel like I was crashing the party—not that I was gonna agree to it anyway.”
“You stubborn little pup.” I stood up and moved to sit beside him on the bed. It was hard, the room smelling slightly of dog as if one had been staying in it before Ian. “You remind me of myself so much.”
“Pfft. How could I be anything like you?”
“We both know what it’s like to come from nothing, only I was luckier than you and had my mom and sister.” I didn’t know the circumstances of how Ian ended up in foster care, just that he had. “I grew up poor and feeling responsible for my mom and sister, the same way I think you’ve let yourself feel responsible for others. I know you do with Finley, and maybe other foster siblings over the years.”
“Finley is my best friend. I love him. You make it sound like he’s an obligation to me.”
“No, that’s not what I mean at all. You love him, yes, but you want to make sure he’s okay. From what I understand, you were eighteen when you took off with him. You didn’t have to do that. You could have done your own thing, and they would have placed him with someone else, but you didn’t. I’ve done…more than you know to get where I am, and I don’t regret any of it. I think you did—and do—the same. You also have too much pride for your own damn good, stubborn pup. I’ve been told that myself a time or two.”
I liked those things about him. Funny how I could respect Ian for being determined to do things on his own, while also respecting Jordan for knowing what he wanted and having no trouble asking for it. Those things were in direct contrast with each other, yet both alluring in their own ways.
“It’s okay to accept help, Ian. There’s no reason to make things more difficult on yourself. I learned that the hard way. You don’t have to.” I shrugged. “Also, if you don’t, Finley will worry himself to death and might even come home from Texas to make sure you’re okay. I know you wouldn’t want that.”
A slow smile spread over Ian’s face, but I could see him trying to bite it back. “You don’t play fair. You’re manipulating me.”
“Hey, whatever works, right? Use all the weapons at your disposal.”
Ian closed his eyes.
“Stay with me, Ian. Save money. Work less. Don’t put as much stress on yourself. It’s not permanent, and if you want to pay me a little rent, I’ll allow it.”
He opened his eyes and turned to me, his brows raised to his hairline. “You’ll allow it, huh?”
“I guess, but I don’t like it.” He chuckled, and I added, “I’m a bossy motherfucker. I’m not leaving this room without you. I don’t care if I have to pack your shit, throw you over my shoulder, and carry you out of here myself.”
He held my gaze, confusion wrapped around what looked like desire staring back at me. His hand was on his thigh, and I watched it twitch as if he wasn’t sure if he wanted to run or beg me to do what I said. “You think so?”
“Look at you, getting mouthy with me. You don’t know if you want to listen or fight with me, do you?” Taking a chance, I reached over, hooked my finger below his chin, and held it there so he couldn’t turn away. “It’s okay to let someone other than Finley in. It’s okay to let someone take care of you, or hell, even just be there for you. Finley never left you. Jordan won’t leave you. I won’t either.”
Ian began to shake. He was skittish, that’s what it was. He was afraid of letting himself depend on anyone, because if he did, it would hurt more when they weren’t there. “Don’t.” He pulled back. “Don’t pretend to know me.”
“Tell me I’m wrong,” I challenged. “That’s the only way you’re gonna get me to back down. I don’t walk away, pup. You can push all you want, and all it’s going to prove is that I don’t walk away.”