Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
I guess his family is a bit nuts, too, because no one batted an eye when this one threatened to toss me out the window. “Hey, you invited trouble; I didn’t come looking for you. Let’s eat. Smells wonderful.” For some reason, the women were beaming at me, but the men looked kinda sick.
I didn’t quite understand the pitying looks between him and his father and brother, nor did I care. If he keeps messing with me, I’ll show him what years of resentment look like.
I think he took classes in annoyance because he excels at it. He kept putting shit on my plate from his as if what I took for myself wasn’t enough. I ignored him and spoke to his mom and sister-in-law, whom I’ve always gotten along with.
That seemed to piss him off for some reason, and he started stabbing his steak like it had robbed him. “You doing okay there, buddy? Did that cow gore you in a past life or something?” I plopped a big piece of steak between my teeth and bit down, while threatening him with my eyes.
“I’ll gore you later if you don’t behave.” At least he had the decency to speak barely above a whisper. I didn’t have an answer, but was thankfully saved by his Mom.
“So, how have you been doing? It’s been a while since we’ve seen you.” How did a woman so genteel bear such an ingrate?
“I’ve been fine, busy, but I like it.”
“Any new romance we should know about?”
“Nah, I’m done with that stuff. Men are pigs. Most present company excluded.” I looked him dead in the eyes as I said it. His brother, the troublemaker, laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair.
I tried to make a run for it immediately after the meal was over, thinking that with his family there, he’d not act out, but I was so wrong. After saying my goodbyes to the others and thanking his parents for dinner, I turned to him with a half-smile while he eyed me suspiciously.
“Thanks for the meal, it was awesome, I’ll be going now.” I headed for the door, intent on getting an Uber to take me back home, but he caught me on the top step. Dammit, I almost made a clean escape.
“Where are you going? Didn’t your parents teach you that it’s not polite to eat and run?”
“What the hell else do you want from me?” I folded my arms and tapped my foot on the ground.
“How were you planning to get home? Didn’t I bring you here?”
“Welcome to the twenty-first century, where a car ride is right at your fingertips. Now get out of my way, I have things to do.”
“I already told you. You’re not going anywhere until I’m sure you can take better care of yourself.” He’d barely stopped speaking when my baby brother came down the driveway. I’d know that death trap he drives anywhere, but what was he doing here?
“What the hell is he doing here?” It was made very obvious what the traitor was up to when he stepped out of his car, reached in the back, and pulled out a suitcase that looked very familiar.
“Hi sis! You owe me one brother-in-law.”
“What the…?” He dropped my suitcase at my feet and high-tailed it back to the car, only to speed off, leaving me there.
“What did you do?”
“I called your father and told him you’d be staying here for a few days.”
“And he agreed?”
“Why wouldn’t he?” He actually seemed to think that was a valid question.
“Did you fall and hit your head?”
“You’d think. Trust me, no one knows better than I that I must’ve lost my mind messing around with you.” There he goes gritting his teeth again.
“Your dentist must love the hell outta you.”
He didn’t answer, just picked up my suitcase and pulled me back inside. I kicked his leg, no response, bit the hand that was holding mine, and all I got was a glare. When I was strategizing my next point of attack, he lifted me over his shoulder and headed up the stairs.
If I were into him, I’d find this kinda sexy, but since it was him, I was only slightly moved. Who knew the cold fish had such smooth moves? As soon as my feet touched the floor, I headed for his bedroom door. This fiend tackled me.
“I still have to go home, I don’t have my laptop, and I need to work.” Yes, you are interrupting my plans for mayhem. I’ve only just begun dealing with Dale and his side chick, neither of which are too bright.
I’ve all but emptied Dale’s bank account to make up for all the money I spent when we were together; it’s only fair. He’d have to run home to Mommy for an allowance if he wants to keep his little girlfriend. Since all she’s interested in is money or a stepping stone to better days, I don’t see them lasting too long.