Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 101764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“Nothing.” I shifted, trying to keep him from falling while avoiding getting a mouthful of his gelled hair, but he was determined to squirm around. Whenever he drank, he became worse than a wiggling toddler. “Hey, Trev, I’m gonna take off. I gotta check on Kenny.” It was the most believable excuse because it was only half a lie. I should check on Kenny. Someone should constantly be checking on Kenny. And who, if not me? Trevor would have no reason to doubt my intentions.
“You’re a good brother.” He grabbed my arm and started to lead me in a stumbling waltz, only to pitch us onto the couch. His bony elbow dug into my hip as he giggled.
“Yeah. I’m the best,” I grumbled with a wince as I struggled to sit up with a hundred and fifty pounds of Trevor trying to ‘help.’ At least he hadn’t taken us to the floor. “Look, Trev, you’re wasted. I don’t want to leave unless I know you’ve got a way home. How about you come with me? I’ll drop you at your place.”
The offer wasn’t as selfless as it seemed. With Trevor in the car, yapping away, I wouldn’t be stuck listening to the voices in my head dissecting what happened tonight and why I’d liked it so much.
“I’ve got him. I’ll see he gets home safely.” Parker’s amused tone had me glancing up to where he stood over us, wearing a frown that betrayed his voice. Everyone knew Trevor had it bad for our boss, but Parker had never been anything but professional, almost overly professional, around my friend. As far as I knew, Parker hadn’t crossed or blurred any lines. Trevor’s poor heart took a beating every time rumors of Parker’s nocturnal escapades made it to our staff room. The man certainly wasn’t a monk, but he refused to give Trevor the time of day, no matter how green Trevor’s light flashed.
But times like now, with the intense way he stared at Trevor, I’d swear Parker wanted Trevor as much as my friend craved our boss.
Why did all of this shit have to be so complicated?
“You sure, Parker? I don’t mind dropping him home. It’s on my way.” Translated—please save me from myself.
“I’m sure, Alex. Thank you, though. You’re a good friend to him.” Parker shifted his attention to Trevor, who stared up at him with hearts in his eyes from where he’d sprawled on the couch. “Come on, Trevor. Let’s get you some water.”
“Okay.” Trevor took Parker’s outstretched hand and practically floated off the couch. “I’ll call you tomorrow, Ally.”
“Sure.” Chances were, he’d never remember, but I’d check in on him in the morning.
I stood and made the rounds, saying a quick goodbye to the rest of my coworkers. A few protested my leaving early, but a simple mention of helping my family dispelled their arguments.
After retrieving my coat and gloves from James, I left.
Cold, crisp air smacked me in the face the second I stepped outside. The kind of frigid air that seized your lungs when you inhaled and made your breath visible when you exhaled. I loved it. Sure, warm weather where I could run around in shorts and T-shirts was great, but I truly loved these freezing winter nights. Despite the social nature of my job, I preferred to stay home, and nights like these made me want nothing more than to huddle under a blanket on my couch watching a movie.
I’d love it even more if I had someone to join me. A man who would tangle his legs with mine and run his fingers through my hair as we pretended to pay attention to the movie until we were both hard enough that we couldn’t ignore it any longer. We’d fuck right there on the couch for hours, maybe even the rest of the night, then fall asleep spent and satisfied. Too bad I lived with and was responsible for my ailing mother and deadbeat brother.
I’d probably spend the next thirty years alone, working my ass off to keep us afloat until I was too old to get it up and no one would want me anymore. Then I’d trudge into my twilight years a grumpy old jackass who had no prospects and a prescription for Viagra.
Jesus, I was getting morose.
Undisturbed snow glittered in the moonlight as far as I could see. Parker’s property was gorgeous. I tried to focus on the area’s beauty instead of my minor freakout. The stroll down the walkway to my car was leisurely despite the cold and snow. Parker had a heating element under his driveway that melted the snow on contact.
What a life.
I spent two hours yesterday shoveling our small driveway by myself because Kenny never showed up despite promising to take on shoveling duty this time.
I was starting to sound so bitter. No wonder Ryder called me cranky.