Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 40128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
“Yeah, like my dad would let me,” I reminded her. She’s met him so many times already so she should know better.
She nudges my elbow. “He will when you go off to college.”
“He wouldn’t let me.” My dad has always taken my safety and that of my family’s extremely seriously so there’s no way he wouldn’t freak out if I was out clubbing so far away from Steeleville where he couldn’t be close enough to rescue me if necessary.
“No, but what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
“Somehow, I’m sure he’d know.” If one of my siblings doesn’t have tabs on me, one of the prospects is looking out for my safety. Honestly, having heard horror stories from the past, I don’t mind being protected, but I do wonder what it would be like to let loose every once in a while.
“What’s it like having such nosy parents?” Beth’s family abandoned her a long time ago. They don’t give a shit what she does and she doesn’t either. My parents don’t care for the freedom she has or her influence on me, but they trust my judgement.
“I love them even if it’s sometimes suffocating.” I roll my eyes and keep moving down the street. My heart nearly bursts from my chest when I spot a familiar vehicle.
“Isn’t that Will’s SUV?” my bestie, Beth, says. I do my best to feign ignorance.
“Is that his ride?” I question, squinting my eyes even though my vision is perfect and the sun is behind us. I miss him, but he’s been back for almost three whole weeks and hasn’t bothered to see me. Not once has he come to the house to stop by, and he’s ignored my messages.
I already know he has a no-call policy because he needed to focus on school and I was a sensual distraction. I understood it because there were nights when my body wouldn’t sleep when I thought of his voice saying my name with such lust. It still drives me insane.
She nudges me with her shoulder, smirking. “Please. We’ve known him for years. Of course it is—look at the plates.”
“Whatever. So he’s back in town. Big deal. I wonder how long he’s been here because he hasn’t visited me, and he graduated three weeks ago.” I hold my head up high because that’s what I was taught.
“Well, that’s why they’re having a barbeque—to celebrate his graduation. He must be getting a haircut to look good for someone.” She bumps me with her elbow.
“Whatever,” I answer with a blush on my face. When we pass by the shop window, we sneakily steal a peek. He’s there, all right. The man I’ve had a crush on since I was like thirteen. The man who promised me the world and his fidelity while telling me to be a good girl has Chrissy and her ample breasts in his face, getting a full view and loving the show. She’s holding his face, and then he closes his eyes and holds her hand. I swallow hard, attempting to control the bile rising in my throat.
“That bitch has her hands on your man.”
With all my strength, I keep my tone level. “He was never mine and never will be. He’s obviously enjoying his time with the local doorknob.”
“Damn, girl. Let it out,” she says with a giggle.
I turn and glare at her. “I’m starting to think you like my misery.”
She hugs me. “Come on girl, you know I love you, but I’m tired of seeing you mope around for a man that hasn’t been around just because he told you to stay put like a damn dog. I like that fire.”
“It’s cool. I guess I should stop turning guys down then.”
“Yeah, especially Damon, who can’t keep his eyes off you.” Her head tilts upward, and I realize that Damon isn’t more than fifteen feet ahead. He must be on my babysitting duty this morning. Beth drags us past the salon and right in front of Will’s large, sleek SUV. I wonder if he fucks that whore in there. My chest aches, thinking about it.
“Good morning, Damon,” Beth says, tossing him a wink. “So Mel could use a date.” My mouth falls open, shocked that she’s so damn bold. I’m sure my face is comically red.
“I’m available on Tuesday,” he says, smiling at me with all that charm he brings every time I see him. Except every time he’s watched over me, I’ve made it clear that I’m not up for dating.
“What a coincidence—so is Mel,” Beth cheers. I want to kick her and say I can’t, but then I see my reflection in Will’s SUV, and I don’t deny her interference.
“Well, it sounds like a date,” Damon says. “I’ll see you then.” Beth takes my arm and leads me away before I can change my mind and tell him I’m not available for dating. Great. He’s going to think I like him more than I do. He’s handsome and buff, but my fragile heart isn’t interested in dating even though I’m suffering.