Total pages in book: 203
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
“Maybe you’re delulu.”
Frustration hits his eyes before he smiles again. And this is a different smile, the one without dimples, and it feels dangerous.
I ignore the strange, unwelcome thrill his new smile gives me and raise my palm in his face, declaring, “I’m done talking to you.” I walk toward my car.
Jase follows. “You’re goin’ to my folks?”
I get in and lock the door without answering him. I press my palm on the horn. Stacy rushes outside, hurrying to the passenger side.
“Bailey.” Jase knocks on my window.
I give him the finger and I’m backing out of my driveway while Stacy buckles up.
But seriously though… this smell is fucking with me. I should’ve showered instead of rushing away like this. Whatever he did, I refuse to admit that it doesn’t smell gross or vile. Despite that, I’m still fuming mad about it.
***
We drove to Drowsy Hollow first so she could pick up some flowers for Sherry and get coffees from my favorite coffee shop. Sometime in the next couple months the trip won’t need to be so long as Erica will be opening her garden center just a short drive outside the village and there will be a little café and housewares plus clothing shop in it.
The coffee hits the spot, but my barista friend Nadia remarked that I smell amazing and Stacy giggled.
The side quest also bought some time so I could call Val and ask if we can pop by after Sherry didn’t answer Stacy’s call or text. Val was all for the idea when I called and told me I don’t ever need to call first since I’m family now. Argh.
“I don’t know how he marked me,” I say to Stacy as we pass the four corners. “But it probably doesn’t take a rocket scientist to guess.”
“Nope, probably not. Maybe he… ejaculated on you while you were asleep,” Stacy whispers.
“If he did … that’s just… it’s just…”
“Hot?” she asks.
I shoot her a glare before returning my eyes to the road.
I catch her smile from my periphery.
“Stop,” I mutter.
“I know you’re avoiding your emotions where all this is concerned, like your mom said. I won’t pressure you to talk about it because I can relate to knowing you can’t overthink your situation for fear of falling apart, but…”
“But?”
“But when you’re ready or if it happens before you’re ready and you need to talk it out, vent about it, whatever… I’m here. Day or night.”
“Thank you,” I say, and I’m sincere about it. “Even though I know you’d be thrilled if I forgave him and jumped into his arms.”
“I’m not going to deny it. I want you to have your happy ending.”
I grind my teeth.
Goodness knows when I’ll be ready to tackle all these emotions, but I do know that at least I’ve got plenty of friends who will be here for me when that time comes.
As I pull up to the curb, she asks, “You realize you’re walking into the Creed house smelling like he marked you?”
I wince. “Fuck. I didn’t think about that. I should go home and shower quick first,” I say.
But Jase’s dad opens the front door and waves, a big smile on his bearded face.
And now I’m wishing I didn’t even come today.
I’ve always liked Jase’s dad. A big super alpha with a full beard and a very nice smile. I guess Jase has his dad’s smile. And his eyes. Robert also has a great sense of humor. He and Val are always bickering, but it’s kind of sweet because while they do, he teases her in a playful way, and while she gives him sass he always looks at her like he wants to tear her clothes off.
“I guess it’s too late to back out now,” I mumble as I take off my seatbelt.
When I get out of the car, Robert is immediately hugging me, lifting me up. “What a sight for sore eyes. I’m real happy to welcome you to the Creed clan, Bailey.” He eyeballs my neck briefly before his eyes return to my face and frown lines appear.
I only manage to mutter, “Uh…”
My face is red. This was a colossal mistake.
Robert waves a dismissive hand. “Don’t you worry. We know… you’ll work it out after you make him work for it.” He plants a kiss on my forehead while setting me down. “How you doin’ Stacy Blackwood?”
“I’m fine, thanks, Mr. Creed.”
“Rob,” he corrects and walks us up to the house, his big arms around the both of us.
Val opens the door with a smile, looking at me.
“Bailey,” she greets. “And hello, Stacy. Welcome.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Creed,” Stacy says at the same time as I say,
“Hi.”
“Valerie. Val. Come on in.”
“I… probably shouldn’t have come,” I say, remorse swimming through me.
Me avoiding my feelings evidently means I’ve also avoided logic.
“Why not?” Val asks.
“Jase and I aren’t exactly…”