Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“You don’t have to watch him—”
I cut her off with a look. “I’ll be here, Cat. Have fun with whatever you have going on tonight.”
Before she can respond, I walk away. It’s either that or I’m going to kiss her until she’s breathless and she realizes that Jeremy is not the right man for her. I am.
10
CATHERINE
I haven’t seen Jeremy in a week. I spent the time getting Cole and me into Holden’s house and then on top of the one time a day therapy sessions, the runs, the strength training, and Cole’s practices, well, there wasn’t much time to see Jeremy.
But tonight is a planned dinner with his accounting firm.
As the doorbell rings, I finish putting on my lipstick and make my way downstairs. Both Cole and Holden are standing inside the door, and I rush down the stairs to meet them. I’m about to do introductions when Holden holds his hand out. “You must be Jeremy. I’m Holden.”
Jeremy pushes his glasses up his nose and then reaches for Holden’s hand. “Yeah, it’s nice to meet you.”
Jeremy looks at Cole. “Hello, Cole.”
Cole just raises his hand in a half wave and mutters, “Hey, Jeremy.”
I push my arm through Jeremy’s. “Well, we better go. Cole, please be good tonight. Call if you need anything.”
“You look beautiful, Cat,” Holden says, and I practically stumble on my feet.
“Thank you. I’ll be back later. Let me know if you, I mean Cole needs anything.”
I’m quiet as we walk to the car, and I realize that Jeremy didn’t comment on how I look. It’s not that I need a man to notice me to know my worth, but it does feel good to get complimented.
The whole thing is awkward, and as I look back at Cole and Holden and see Holden has his arm around Cole’s shoulder, I wish that I was staying home with them instead of going to what will probably be a boring dinner.
As Jeremy drives us across town, he is telling me about who I’m going to meet and how I should act while I’m there. He goes on and on, and I can’t help but think about everything. Jeremy doesn’t open the car door for me. He doesn’t open doors for me at all. He doesn’t hug me or kiss me unless we’re in complete privacy. We’ve only been seeing each other a little while, but I don’t expect things to change. I feel guilty as I look over at him. He’s completely clueless to where my thoughts have gone. I bet Holden wouldn’t keep his hands to himself.
I let out a small gasp and turn to look out the window. I’m not sure where that thought came from, but now that it’s in my head, I can’t get it out.
"Catherine," Jeremy says, and I realize I totally zoned out.
“Sorry, Jeremy. It’s been a long week. What were you saying?”
He smiles wide and nods his head. “I get it. I’m sure dealing with the jock is exhausting.”
Instantly, I come to Holden’s defense. “No, that’s not what I meant. Holden is nice and a hard worker. I just meant it’s exhausting with the change in my schedule, Cole’s schedule, and everything else.”
Jeremy doesn’t respond; he just purses his lips and continues driving. The rest of the ride is in silence, and I’m actually thankful when we walk into the dinner party to deal with some of the awkwardness.
Jeremy stops and talks to a few people, and I wait for him to introduce me. After the third person stops and my date has continued to ignore me, I get irritated. When another man comes to talk to Jeremy, I stick my hand out. “Hello, I’m Catherine Maples.”
The man is congenial, but I can hear Jeremy huff next to me. I give him a look that says What’s your problem? before continuing the conversation.
When we finally make it to our seats for dinner, Jeremy excuses himself almost immediately.
I’m shocked as I sit here, looking around the room where I don’t know anyone. I mean, it’s Whiskey Run, so chances are I’ve seen most of these people before, but I’ve not talked to them. I straighten my back and look around the room. Jeremy is gone so long, mingling with other people that I’m about to get up and walk out when the speaker announces for everyone to sit down and that dinner is being served.
Jeremy sits next to me, and I lean toward him. “What’s going on?”
He’s confused by my question, but before I can explain it to him, the other people at our table sit down.
Conversation continues, and Jeremy turns to the woman sitting on the other side of him. Shocked by the way he’s ignoring me, I stare down, debating what I should do, until the man next to me nudges me with his arm. “Hello. I’m Clark.”