Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“I don’t know, but you’re being weird.”
“You’re weird.”
“Lila.”
She stopped and stepped over to me. She spoke softly as she said, “I love seeing you so happy and excited about a guy. I really, really do, especially after Gary and that other numb-nut you dated. You were never this way with them, and I always thought you should’ve been.”
“But…”
“You’ve gotten wrapped up in Luke pretty fast.” It was like the vault had been cracked open, and every thought or worry she had came gushing out. “You’ve only been seeing him for a few weeks, and you seem so serious. I mean, you’re already talking about renovations and tile floors. I know you said you were turning a new leaf and trying not to be too judgmental, but I’m worried you two might be rushing things a little.”
She was right.
About all of it.
I’d fallen for Luke. I’d fallen hard and fast.
I couldn’t help myself. Our connection was like nothing I had ever known, and with each moment we spent together, I’d find another reason to love him. Lila was right. There was a time when I thought it would be crazy to fall for a man like Luke. His life was too different from mine, too fast and too dangerous, but I was wrong.
“You’re right. We have been moving pretty fast, but it’s been hard not to.” It was hard to find the right words to explain. “He’s so dang handsome and easy, and I mean that in every sense of the word. I don’t have to overthink everything. He’s just Luke, and I’m just me. And somehow, it works.”
I giggled, but she didn’t follow suit.
She just stood there, blank-faced, and listened silently as I continued, “I know the club stuff is a lot, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all. But Luke is a good man, and I really like spending time with him.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
“Well, I am.” I reached across the counter and placed my hand on hers. “I want you to be happy, too.”
“I’m not sure happy is in the cards for me.” She started back to mixing drinks as she admitted, “My classes are kicking my butt. Tips are for the birds. I can barely pay my bills, and I can’t remember the last time I kissed a guy, much less had sex with one.”
“Lila!”
“I’m serious, Pres! My girly bits are going to shrivel up and blow away if I don’t get some action soon.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and winced. “Be serious with me… Am I ugly?”
“What!” I gasped. “Don’t be ridiculous!”
“I’m serious.”
“You are stunning!”
“Do I have funky breath, or do I walk funny?”
“No, you certainly do not.”
“Then, what is it?” she sighed. “Why can’t I find a hot guy to sweep me off my feet?”
“I take it that you never heard from Smitty.”
“I did, but he basically told me that he doesn’t have the time to date or whatever while he’s prospecting.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
“It’s whatever.” She let out another defeated breath. “I just want to be wanted.”
“I totally get it, and you will have it. You just have to be open and patient.”
“I’m as open as it gets.” She turned to face the small crowd behind me. “That’s right, folks! I’m open and available, and I’m not a weirdo. I don’t have a million cats or call my mom a hundred times a day. Spread the word, people. Spread the word.”
“I’m not sure that’s the best way to go about it.”
“Probably not, but you have to start somewhere.”
About that time, a handsome guy with dark hair and even darker eyes walked up to the bar. He was wearing a white button-down and black slacks, and I spotted a hint of a tattoo at the cuff. He was intense but also very hot.
His eyes were locked on Lila as he said, “Lila? Right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Thought so.” He stared at her for a moment, then slid a hundred-dollar bill toward her. “This should cover my tab, and I included my card. Give me a call if you ever wanna grab some coffee or something.”
“Oh, no. You don’t have to take pity on me,” Lila giggled. “I was just having a moment.”
“Pity was the last thing on my mind.” He gave her a mischievous smirk and started out of the bar. “Call me.”
Lila picked up the money and his card as she called out, “Have a good night.”
“You, too.”
I was beyond intrigued by this guy, so as soon as he walked out, I leaned forward and asked, “Ummm, hello! Who was that?”
“I’m not sure. He’s been here a few times. We’ve chatted a little bit. Just some small talk, but nothing major.” She picked up the card and smiled. “Apparently, his name is Nikolai, and he works at the Black Crown.”