Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“Hey, man.” He lifts his hands. “It’s just business.”
“You really think when you get there, you’ll be able to separate shit and go through with it, ask her to give up the only thing she has left of her grandparents, the business that provides for her and her children?”
“She has kids?” His brow furrows together.
“Yeah, eight-year-old twins. A boy and a girl.”
“Huh,” he says, looking lost in thought.
“What?”
“I just thought learning that would be a turn-off, but for some reason, I can totally see it, and it only makes her hotter.”
I want to talk shit, but he did find her first, and I know exactly what he means. I never thought I’d be attracted to a single mom who owns a coffeehouse, but I am… big time.
“All right, I gotta go,” he says. “I’m stopping by there on my way into the office. If all goes as planned, the papers will be signed by the time I leave, and she’ll have some money in her pocket. Then I’ll be on my way to being appointed the new CEO of Shea Real Estate Investments. My dad will finally retire and leave me the hell alone.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
AUBREE
“Are you seriously checking your phone again?”
I slip my phone back into my apron pocket and avoid Lacey’s glare. “I was seeing if the kids had texted.” Lie. I was checking to see if Brody texted or called. He hasn’t. It’s been two days since our date, and I haven’t heard from him. I shouldn’t be as hurt about him not calling as I am, but I really thought something was there. Apparently, my lack of experience means I misread the signs, and while I felt something, he obviously didn’t.
The bell chimes, and when I glance up, I find the guy from a few days ago standing in front of me. He’s dressed in another tailored suit and is carrying a briefcase in one hand. His brown hair is messy, and his face looks like it hasn’t been shaved in a few days. He’s as good looking as the last time he was here—when he asked me out, and I turned him down—only right now, instead of his green eyes being filled with warmth, they’re lacking any emotion.
“Welcome back,” I say. “What can I get you? It’s probably too early for a cupcake,” I joke. “But I made some orange cranberry muffins that, if I must say so myself, are to die for.”
He opens his mouth to speak, then closes it. Open. Close. He does this a few times before he shakes his head and chuckles, then mutters something under his breath.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, sorry,” he says. “I’ll take a coffee and a muffin, please.”
“Sure thing.” I ring him up while Lacey gets his drink and Caroline, the college student working this morning, gets his muffin.
He pays, and I hand him his drink and food. Only, instead of walking away, he says, “Eat with me.”
“What?”
“It doesn’t look like you’re too busy yet. How about you grab a coffee and one of the to-die-for muffins and sit with me?”
Since we’re between the early morning and late morning rush, I say, “Okay, give me a minute.”
“Sure, I’ll save you a seat.” He winks playfully, and the action hits me right between the legs. Jesus, it’s like a levee has been opened, and the water pours through so quickly, I can’t shut it fast enough.
“He’s totally going to ask you out again,” Lacey says once he’s walked away.
“And?”
“And you need to say yes! He’s sexy as hell and clearly likes you.”
“What about Brody?” I hiss. “Isn’t that like cheating?” I glance over at where Hayden sits casually at a table, watching me with interest in his eyes.
“You went on one date with him,” Lacey deadpans, forcing my attention back on her. “And he hasn’t even called.”
“I know.” I sigh. “But he did kiss me.”
“That’s hardly a marriage proposal,” she deadpans.
I can’t help my flinch at the mention of marriage. “I’m never getting married again.”
Lacey’s face softens. “My point was, if he wanted to lock you down, he would’ve called or texted. He didn’t. There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself out there and playing the field. You’re a young, single woman. If that guy asks you out”—she nods toward Hayden—“say yes.”
“I’ll think about it,” I mumble. “But I already turned him down once. I doubt he’ll ask again.”
Lacey shakes her head. “One day, you’ll see how beautiful you are. Peter thought you were a goddess. I don’t get why it’s so hard to believe other men would feel the same way.”
“Pete also fell for me when I was young, skinny, and before I was a mom.”
“And now, you’re a grown woman, have a body filled with the most perfect curves, and have two amazing kids.”
Since I can’t argue with that, I push my insecurities aside and grab my coffee and muffin so I can join Hayden.