Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21169 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Wait a second. My mind must be playing tricks on me. Is he saying what I think he is?
“Maybe not a lion,” Rex continues before I get a chance. “I’m more like a junkyard dog. But once we latch on, we don’t let go.”
I suspect that’s as close to confirmation as I’m going to get. Now, the real question is what am I going to do with this information?
I’ve waited for a moment like this for years. Something different, of course, where we were both happy and brought together under more favorable circumstances. I’ve played it out in my mind a thousand times over, too. Thinking of what to say, how to act, what I’d be wearing … hell, I even practiced a sultry voice in the mirror so I’d look more accustomed to this whole thing.
But I’m not accustomed to it. Not at all. My only experience with a man before right now, was in high school, and the furthest we got was a peck on the lips. This is out of my element and I’m out of my depth, but I can’t miss taking this opportunity. Seeing where it leads.
It might just be the beginning of something spectacular.
“Rex is a mighty fitting name for a junkyard dog, don’t you think?” I grab my drink and slot its short straw straight into my mouth.
Not the sexiest compliment I could give, but it kicks things in the right direction.
“You’re not the first person to tell me that,” he smiles. Leans closer to me. “But you’re definitely the prettiest.”
My cheeks instantly set ablaze and I can’t help but giggle.
“With red eyes and a runny nose? You’re flattering me,” I tease.
Rex smiles and leans back in his chair. He fiddles with his drink glass a moment, taking a long while to think of what he’s going to say next.
“Can’t expect to have you at your best, if I can’t take you at your worst,” he says, sort of nonchalant. An offhand comment he put out there for me to take however I want.
But the answer screams to me.
It’s happening. Really happening. This isn’t some late-night fantasy while I’m curled up in bed.
Rex McCree is flirting with me.
Before I can answer, two guys walk up behind Rex. One of them stands in front of the other with a smirk on his face, but both of them have their eyes glued to me like I’m a trophy they’re trying to steal away.
I freeze up as I stare at them. Rex’s face hardens, eyes narrowing to thin slits as he inspects my face.
“Excuse me,” the one standing closer to us says. “I was wondering if I could bother you a moment.”
“Unless you’re here to bring me another drink, you better fuck off,” Rex doesn’t bother looking at them. He speaks into the void, knowing his message will carry itself to their ears.
“Woah, woah, woah, relax,” the one behind adds. “We’re not looking for any trouble. We’re just—”
“Leaving,” Rex cuts him off.
“Christ, Lady, your old man’s pretty intense.”
I see the shift on Rex’s face before I can process the guy’s words properly. His nostrils start flaring and something inside those beautiful hazel eyes snaps. He launches out of his chair, and spins toward them snarling.
“What the fuck did you just say?” He roars. Tables all around us spin around to see what’s causing the commotion.
The two men in front of him aren’t small, but they’re tiny beside Rex. He’s truly a giant of a man, standing over a head taller than the guy in front of him, and double their size.
“We’re not looking for any trouble,” the furthest one says, his smug look vanishing behind quivering lips and craned-neck gawking.
“It found you anyway,” Rex answers.
The guy in front of him rolls his eyes. Just by looking at him, I can tell he’s an entitled brat. Two entitled brats. Thinking they’re better than everyone and that the world owes them something.
“Take it easy, Pop’s, you’re gonna bust a blood vessel,” Brat one says, dashing Rex a cocky grin.
Big mistake.
Suddenly and without warning, Rex’s hand shoots up from his side and his flat palm collides with the guys cheek. A thunderous clap booms out around the room, followed by shocked gasps from nearby tables. Brat one stays standing for a second, the cocky smile washed away by utter disbelief.
Then he topples forward, but his friend catches him before he faceplants. Rex looks down at the two of them, his fists balling in preparation for a counter attack. None come, as the two of them scurry off.
“Might be time we get out of here,” Rex says, looking at me over his shoulder.
I nod slowly, awe-struck and amazed at just how so fucking hot that was.
3
REX
What the fuck was that?
I need to control myself better. Hailey isn’t in the right state of mind. She wouldn’t be thinking and saying these things if she were. And what kind of monster am I for playing along with it? Feeding on her vulnerability for my own benefit.