Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Jewls—After my escort followed me home and watched me get inside, I slept great.
Me—You’re lucky. It took a lot not to follow you inside.
Jewls—Major! Is there a reason you are bothering me this early in the morning? Don’t you have roommates you can aggravate?
Me—Nah, we just finished working out and I’m headed to the station. Thought I’d swing by and bring you breakfast.
Jewls—Worked out? It’s barely daylight. You guys are crazy.
Me—Want me to bring you breakfast?
Jewls—Actually, I have a meeting with my team. The office will bring in something.
Me—Need me to stop by and zip your dress?
Jewls—No.
Me—How about a good morning kiss?
Jewls—Stop it! No more kissing.
Me—We’ll see about that.
Jewls—You’re annoying me again.
Me—You’re cute when you’re annoyed.
Jewls—Goodbye.
Me—See you tonight at Tom’s.
Jewls—Of course you will.
A minute passed before she sent another reply.
Jewls—Stay safe today. Don’t get shot.
Me—No worries. Nothing will get in the way of my plans tonight.
This was by far the longest text conversation in my life, but I did it with a smile. Even now, my shitty mood evaporates, thinking of the look on her face when we get to Tom’s.
“Give me a few days. She’s kinda pissed at me right now.”
“Meaning you were a bullheaded jerk?”
“Something like that.”
“Text me when things are confirmed so I can chat with her and Harley.”
Her disdain comes through loud and clear.
“How about I call you?”
“That’s my sweet boy. Love you.”
“You too, mom.” I disconnect and shut off my truck, hauling my ass out.
The image of Darla Strauss plagues my mind with the memory of the last time I saw her. Fake tears running down her cheeks, her screaming pleas as I walked to my truck, the way she threw herself at my door when I shut her out.
Her mom pulling her back, glaring at me with hatred.
I made my point, not giving one shit what they thought.
Eleven years later, I feel the same.
Fuck the Strauss family.
6
Jewls
Be there at 6:00.
I stare at the text, that stupid, silly, girly fluttering puttering in my stomach.
“Stop being such a sap,” I chastise myself.
A chorus of laughter sounds from the hall, the familiar tone catching my attention.
“What in the world?”
Harley and my boss, Tonda, stroll into my office.
“Surprise!” Harley throws out her arms.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”
“After this week from hell, I took off a little early today. Since we have had no time to talk, I decided on an impromptu girls’ afternoon.”
This is Harley’s code for she’s waited long enough to hear what’s happening with Major.
Our lunch Tuesday was spoiled when she had an emergency with one of her bands’ upcoming tour dates. She was working long hours, and when she arrived at Tom’s, we were slammed.
Not to mention, Major and Ace took up residence at the bar, giving us little privacy.
“And I was in reception when she arrived,” Tonda explains.
“Well, I’m not sure a girls’ afternoon is possible. These files will not document themselves.” I motion to the paperwork scattered over my desk.
“Ahhh, my overachieving star. You and I both know those files have been documented to perfection. You also had a week from hell. Get out of here and enjoy yourself.”
“Why don’t you join us?” Harley offers, throwing me off guard.
Tonda has always been a cool boss. She’s only a few years older and took a chance on me with an internship that eventually turned into a full-time position. In the years I’ve worked for her, we’ve been together in many social settings. But nothing as intimate as a girls’ afternoon.
A thought comes to mind. If Tonda is with us, maybe Harley will tame her overactive and intrusive interrogation. “Yes, that’s a wonderful idea.”
Tonda checks her watch and teeters on the idea. “So happens I have the afternoon free. And I could use a good pedicure.”
“Pedicure?” I raise my eyebrows at Harley.
“Yes, we’re going to Rendezvous. Rowan is waiting.”
Oh shit. This is an ambush. I cast a look at Tonda. “How’d you know we’d be going to a salon?”
“Because Harley already invited me, and I am equally curious to hear about this man that has you turned inside out.”
“Harley Jacobs!” I screech a little too loud.
“She didn’t have to say a word. It’s written all over you,” Tonda says with a new sparkle in her eye. “Plus, I want to catch up on all the wedding news.”
“Ugh!”
“Let’s meet in the parking lot in ten.” With that, she disappears around the corner, leaving me with a self-satisfied Harley.
“Wipe that grin off your face.”
She sits, undeterred by my snipe. “I’m riding with you. Achilles dropped me off.”
“He’s not working?”
“He and Major have their doctor’s appointment today.”
My mood changes and a sense of hope grows. “Think they will be cleared for full duty?”
“I do. Not to mention, I pity the doctor who decides they aren’t ready to return.”
My lips twitch at the thought. It doesn’t take long for me to review all my notes, close my computer, and lock the files away for next week. Tonda is already in her car waiting when we arrive and motions for me to lead the way.