Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23857 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23857 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“Okay, you want the truth?” I stand up from my desk.
“I would prefer that.”
“Fine, I have a confession.” Neil reaches out, hitting the button to pause the recording.
The action surprises me, and I’m not sure what to make of it. He could be trying to make me trust him. Ha! That’s not happening.
“Hit me with it.”
“The reason I’m being weird about the whole sex thing and the details is, well…” I lick my lips, hesitating.
“Tell me, Georgia, and we will figure it out together.”
“Sheriff Georgia.”
“Right. Sheriff Georgia.”
“Thank you,” I respond, and the silence grows. I know I’m stalling before I fall on this sword, but I’m trying to find the best way to say it.
“Sheriff?”
“Oh, yes. Um, if I’m being honest, I’m not sure if it’s something you can handle.”
“I can,” he says, urging me to go on.
“Well, maybe I don’t want you to. I might have plans for someone else to handle it.”
“I'll handle it.” His voice has an authority to it, and I can’t say I hate it.
“Okay.” I shrug, deciding I have to rip the Band-Aid off. “I got weird talking about the sex stuff because I'm a virgin.”
Quinn and Rhodes owe me big time. I totally didn’t want to admit that to Neil since my plan was to seduce him. This isn't going to do anything to help.
The seconds tick by, and Neil just stares at me while my face heats.
“Don’t be all judgy, lube man!” I blurt out defensively.
Damn it, I wasn’t going to mention the lube. He blinks as if coming back to life and shakes his head.
“I promise I’m not judging.” Neil stands from his seat and comes over to me.
“Sure feels like it.” I fold my arms over my chest protectively, but he moves closer. “Maybe we should be done for the day.”
“Hey, look at me.” When my eyes lock with his, he reaches out and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. Then his finger trails down my neck where it lingers. “There’s no judgment.”
It takes me a second to break the spell as I blink and step out of his reach. I grab the keys off my desk as a new plan forms in my mind.
“Let’s get out of here. Instead of telling you how my day went, I’ll show you.”
I don’t have to be the only one to seduce Neil. It’s hard to come to Cottonwood and not love the people here. We’re a bit strange, but it has a certain charm.
“Come on.” I motion for him to follow me, and he does.
“Am I driving, or are you?” he asks when we get outside.
“No need.” I lock the door behind me and put the keys in my pocket. “I don't want anyone stealing my throw pillows or Valentine's Day lights.”
“We can’t have that.” He smirks.
“Don't tease. Valentine's Day is the best holiday.”
“We'll have to disagree on that one.”
“Why don't you like it? Everything is pink and red and there’s so much chocolate. What more could you ask for?”
“As an FBI agent that has to travel, relationships aren’t on the top of my list.”
Right, he’s only here for a short time. It’s a good reminder that he’ll be moving on soon.
“I'm a virgin, and I love Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be about couples. I make small gifts for my girlfriends. All of them get chocolate. Obviously.” Though it might not be terrible to have a date for once. Especially if they were tall and handsome with a side of sexy mystery.
“You think I should make the other agents chocolate gift bags?”
“I bet they'd appreciate it. I saw you eyeing my Kisses.”
“I can't deny that.”
I peek over at him, and he winks at me. When I snap my head straight forward, Neil lets out a chuckle. I’m starting to think his goal is to make me blush.
“As you can see, I have the ability to walk most places,” I say, trying to steer the conversation back to professional. We make our way down the sidewalk, and then I warn him, “Brace yourself.”
“Why, is—” Neil’s question is cut off by the Moore triplets. They’ve drawn a hopscotch game with chalk in front of their parents' salon and barber shop.
It's actually pretty cool inside. Half of the shop is styled in pinks and golds for the salon, and the other side has browns and golds but with barbershop-style chairs. It's split right down the center, even at the front desk.
“Who are you?”
“Why do you have a suit on?”
“Why are you so tall?”
Each one asks a question at the same time.
“I asked about the tall thing too,” I tell them as I do the hopscotch. When I get through, I turn to Neil and point down. “You can't pass until you do it.”
“Those are the rules,” one of the girls tells him.