Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
He sighs. His nostrils flare. “If this is what Tally wants.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Ah fuck.” Shakes his head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but anything is better than the last guy she brought home.”
That’s not a resoundingly positive approval, but it’s better than the alternative, which would be me, six feet under.
Before I can say anything, he pins me with a glare. “But if you hurt her, I’ll destroy you, Madden.”
“Of course, sir. I promise to treat her with the utmost care and respect.” I’ll have to prove myself through actions, because that sounds like a whole lot of lip service. But it’s been years since I’ve fed the rumor mill. That life is not what I want anymore.
“Please get the fuck out of my office.”
“Yes, sir.” I stand and hustle into the hall. “Thank you.”
I can’t believe I survived that experience with all my teeth.
One down, one to go. I’m not so sure the next conversation will go as smoothly. I chug three glasses of water and say a little prayer before I knock on the head of Terror PR’s open door.
Hemi looks up from her computer, and her lips flatten into a thin line. “For the love of all that is good and holy.” She tips her chin up and glares at the ceiling. “Lord, give me strength.” Her unimpressed gaze returns to me. “You did it, didn’t you?”
“Did what?” I don’t know why I’m feigning innocence. I’ve already kissed the girl. Three times. Each one better than the last.
The look she gives me feels like a punch in the balls. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“I haven’t even said anything.”
“Get in here and close the damn door.”
I do as she says.
She points to the chair across from her desk.
I feel like I’m back in elementary school, and I’m about to get in shit for doing something stupid. Which…is maybe partly true.
She crosses her arms. “Well?”
“I’m going to date Tally.”
“You’ve already talked to Vander Zee?”
“Yeah.”
Her eyes narrow. “I don’t believe you. Where’s your shiner?”
“He said if it’s what Tally wants…and also that anything is better than the last guy.” Might as well go with the truth.
Hemi shakes her head. “The last guy was about as exciting as chewed gum.”
“That’s highly accurate.” I lean forward. “I’m doing this right. No hiding.”
“Damn right you will, because if you fuck this up, I will string you up by your damn balls and let my brothers have at you.” Her eyes are fiery with challenge as she waits for my response.
I suppress a shudder. Sam and Isaac are intense on a good day. Dallas also believes that Sam is a finisher, like professionally. It’s a legitimate possibility. “Not if Vander Zee gets to me first.”
She frowns, apparently unimpressed with my joke.
“She’s worth the risk.” I would live in a well of regret if I don’t try with her.
Hemi nods slowly. “The media might be assholes about this.”
“We can try to mitigate the worst of it.”
“We may have to highlight some of the volunteer stuff you’ve kept me out of.” She flips a pen between her fingers.
“Can we do that only as a last resort?” Some of my charity work feels intensely personal, and like something I haven’t wanted to share with the world.
“Of course. But we can’t insulate Tally from your past. There may be some tough conversations ahead.”
“I know.” It’s one thing to talk about it; it’s another for her to have to deal with it in real time. “I just have to make the shitty parts worth sticking it out for.”
“We’ll come up with a plan. And backup plans for those plans.”
“Thanks, Hemi. I appreciate you.”
“And I appreciate that you’re not in the let’s-hide-this-until-things-blow-up-in-our-faces club.”
“I’ve seen my friends go through enough shit. Felt like I didn’t need to repeat history.” But I do have one thing I’m holding on to. Eventually, I’ll have to share that with Tally.
“Amen to that.”
I leave her office, marveling that I’m still above ground, and head to the parking garage. Once I’m in my car, though, I realize I need bestie support.
On my way to Dred’s, I imagine what it would feel like to have Tally at my apartment again. How good it would feel to cuddle with her on the couch. To make dinner together…
I don’t allow my imagination to take it further. I want to be more to her than my past reputation.
Once I’ve parked at Dred’s, I slide my phone out of my pocket and pull up Tally’s contact.
The message I’m about to send will change everything.
CHAPTER 18
TALLY
My phone buzzes for the twentieth time in as many minutes. Cammie and Chase are picking up drinks, and of course everyone wants something different, and Mac is very particular. The guy is all about craft IPAs.
Except the most recent message isn’t from my Tilton friends. Or my Terror/Babe crew.