Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 94903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Finally, he shakes his head and growls.
“Glad we took care of that,” I say smugly. “When do you want me to start?”
“Tomorrow.”
“What time?”
“Eleven thirty.”
“So specific.”
“You asked.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine. What do you need me to do while I’m there? Your mom told me you would let me know what you expected.”
A couple with a wheelchair comes down the aisle toward us. Chase jumps up and apologizes before putting his chair back where it belongs. He stands out of the way as they push through. Then he takes the seat across from me.
His leg brushes mine as he gets situated. I pretend I don’t feel it, like a rip of heat didn’t just blow through me like a hot knife.
“I’m not … I don’t know,” he says. “I’ve never had someone do this before. What are you supposed to do?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never done this before either.”
“Oh.” He pauses and looks around the room. “You can do whatever, I guess.”
That doesn’t help.
“Look,” I say, resting my forearms on the table. “Your mom is paying me well. I’ll be at the house anyway, and Kennedy will be at school during the week. I don’t want to overstep my bounds or get into something you don’t want me to do, but I don’t mind going to the grocery store or doing laundry. Dishes. I can cook a little, too, if you want.”
He lifts a brow. “You cook?”
“It’s not the greatest stuff you’ll ever eat, but I can put together a simple meal.”
“All right.”
“All right.”
We grin, both relieved, I think.
Tabitha swings by the table. “Do you need anything else?”
I glance down at my untouched grilled cheese. I bet that was delicious when it was hot.
“Put that on my tab, Tabitha, please,” Chase says.
“No.”
Tabitha smiles. “No problem, Chase.”
“Hey,” I protest as she walks away. “That was unnecessary.”
“If I hadn’t shown up, you would’ve eaten your sandwich. Do you want a to-go box?”
I stand. “No. Cold grilled cheeses aren’t great. However, my mom told me you have many options in the next town over. I might head that way this evening and check it out.”
“Sounds good. I’ll follow you out,” he says, motioning for me to take the lead to the door.
The afternoon is warmer than it was during my walk. The bright sun filters through the colored leaves and makes them look magical. It lifts my spirits as Chase stands beside me on the sidewalk.
I inhale, hoping to get a cleansing lungful of air. But I get a straight shot of Chase’s cologne—my kryptonite.
My stomach pulls. I wish he didn’t smell so divine.
“Tomorrow,” I say.
He nods. “Tomorrow.”
“See you then.”
“See you,” he repeats and heads to his truck.
I walk across the street, aware he’s watching me. I might shake my ass a little for his benefit. After all, this is the last time he can check me out per our agreement.
My lips twitch.
This might be fun. Chase is off-limits, so there’s no hope that anything will blossom between us. I’m too smart to get attached to him because I’m leaving in thirty days—on to bigger and brighter things than a small town in the middle of nowhere.
If it all works out, it’s exactly what I need. It’s time, money, and a chance to make plans. Maybe I can even have a bit of fun while I get my life sorted. What harm can come of this? I don’t want anything Chase has.
Well, maybe I do want some of it.
I laugh.
Let’s hope I have more self-restraint than I think I do.
Chapter Eleven
Chase
Relax, Chase. For fuck’s sake.
I rinse the breakfast skillet and set it in the strainer beside the sink. Water gurgles down the drain, sucking the remaining suds with it. A part of me wishes I could slip down the pipes in one of the bubbles and get as far away from this place as possible.
I reasoned at three this morning that a large part of my frustration with this whole Megan situation is my lack of control. Frankly, I don’t have any. What’s worse is that I can’t demand control or make moves to get more of it without being a complete and utter dick.
Not that I give a shit about that, except I won’t be a dick to my mother.
“Can I go to Neve’s?” Kennedy’s voice echoes through the kitchen, taking me by surprise. “Her mom can pick me up.”
My head hangs for a split second before I turn to face her.
“No, Ken. You know Megan is coming.”
My daughter stands on the other side of the room. Her hands are pulled into the sleeves of a sweatshirt that’s three sizes too big for her, and she gives me a look like I’m the dopiest person on the planet.
This is going to be fun. I grip the counter behind me and steady myself for battle.