Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
He shakes his head while pivoting and stalking toward his truck.
“If she had sex with you, she’s going to fall in love with you,” I say.
He glances over his shoulder.
“I’m not your competition, but I’m the guy you’ll answer to if you break her heart.”
Koen raises an eyebrow as if it’s preposterous that this skinny orange guy could land a punch. And it might be inconceivable, but I love that woman too. And love is pretty damn powerful.
“Have a great day, buddy!” I wave and shut the door.
“I heard you’re meeting Koen at the gym tonight,” Scottie says the second I arrive for my shift. “And you’re orange. What the hell, Price?”
“I heard you got laid.”
Her mouth falls open. “He told you that?”
“Sure did. He said you were a little looser than he expected, but he made me promise not to tell you. So, whatever you do, keep your mouth shut. I don’t want to lose my new BFF.”
Her nose crinkles. “He said I’m …”
“Loose.” I shrug while peeling a banana that I haven’t paid for yet.
She swallows hard. And I can see the sparkle in her eyes slowly die.
“Scottie, I’m kidding.”
That dying sparkle turns into red rage, and she punches my arm. “You are a terrible man, Price Milloy. And I’d fire you if I didn’t need you to work so I can clean my trailer.”
I snicker over my bite of banana. “I’m not sure whose chain I enjoy yanking more, yours or his.” I make a shooing motion with my hand. “Go clean.”
We have a stare-off.
She loses, averting her gaze.
“What?” I mumble over the banana in my mouth.
“Nothing.”
“It’s something. Out with it.”
Her lips twist for a beat. “Since you first came in here and saw me after all these years, has there been a time when you’ve imagined us being more than friends again?”
Well, shit. Can I withdraw my plea for her to answer me?
Her question takes me aback. “Have you?”
“I’m with Koen.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
She shrugs. “Neither did you.”
A customer comes into the store, saving us from each other.
“I’m off to clean,” she murmurs.
I nod several times.
Three hours later, Scottie returns to close the store after a slow night.
“You sidetracked me earlier. Now, will you tell me why you’re working out with Koen?” she asks while shutting down the register.
I restock the soda glasses behind her. “I need a spotter. He looked capable and proved himself helpful by taking me home the other night.”
“I like him, Price.”
“That’s good to know. At the very least, you should like someone before sleeping with them.”
“You’re mad that I slept with him.”
I chuckle. “I’m not mad or jealous. I’m happy for you.”
“Liar.”
Yes, I’m a liar, but I don’t think I’m lying about this. Am I? Is it possible that I’m jealous on a subconscious level? That would be an unexpected and interesting revelation.
“Scottie, why do you think I’m lying?”
“Because I think I would have complicated feelings if I were in your shoes.”
“Complicated feelings?”
She turns, leaning against the counter. “Price, we weren’t just friends. We went from strangers to something intense in a matter of days. And we had an unforgettable summer together. I don’t have memories of us being anything but lovers. And now you’re here, and I’m single. But this other guy just walked into my life. So yeah, I think it would be fair for you to have complicated feelings about us.”
“Do you have complicated feelings about us?”
“Stop deflecting.” She crosses her arms.
“I’m not deflecting.”
“Then answer the question.”
I shrug. “You didn’t ask me anything.”
“Do you have feelings for me?”
“Yes.”
She presses her lips together.
“But I’m not saying they’re romantic. They’re …”
She eyes me. “They’re complicated.”
With a sad smile and a tiny nod, I accept her assessment of my feelings for her. “But the dominant feeling I have is bliss. Being back in your life in any form is unexpectedly amazing.” Lie. Lie. Lie.
I one hundred percent expected it to be amazing.
“I like Koen so much,” she whispers.
“Scottie, I’m not asking anything of you. I’m not asking you to love me. I’m not asking you to choose me. I’m not even offering myself up as a choice. So by all means, feel free to like whomever you want.”
After a breath, she glances at her watch. “You better get going.”
“Are we good?”
Her expression cuts me. It’s so sad. “We’re good.”
“Goodnight.” I head toward the back door.
“Price?”
I turn.
“I will always love you.”
I know. That’s why I’m here.
I return my most sincere smile. “And I you.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HE WAS THE EXCEPTION, BUT YOU ARE EXCEPTIONAL.
Scottie
I spread my new puzzle onto my table and sort out the edges—one thousand pieces to distract me from thinking about Koen and Price spending the evening together.
I brush my teeth a little after ten, feeling disappointed that Koen didn’t stop by after his workout. He left so early this morning we didn’t get a chance to talk.