Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Maybe it was stupid to say that out loud and a bit reckless, but it was also true. I let him do what he would with the admission and moved toward the door. My fingers slid over the lock, and I grimaced, remembering that the dude who’d been in there earlier hadn’t washed his hands. Ryder didn’t stop me, but I felt his eyes on my back. My heart pounded against my ribs, a traitor aching to stay. To turn back and place it in his hands where it belonged. I stepped into the hallway, the dull thrum of the diner swallowing me whole.
Laughter. Music. Silverware clinking against ceramic plates. Life kept moving, as if I hadn’t just left part of my soul behind in a fluorescent-lit bathroom. I weaved through the diner, mouthing I’ll be back to Roxxi, Cloe, and Ari, who all looked ready to climb across the table when they saw me. I didn’t glance at the guys. They were too perceptive, and I couldn’t deal with them on top of everything else. I needed air that wasn’t laced with tension and the scent of him. The second I hit the entryway, my phone started going off. I yanked it out on instinct, half-expecting another text from my stalker.
Sugarmama lit the screen.
A laugh slipped from my lips. I pushed through the doors and stepped out into the crisp night air, dragging in a lungful. I didn’t wander, going just far enough to put space between me and the noise, answering before the call could go to voicemail. “Hey, Sugarmama.”
“Meri Jaan,” she crooned, her voice warm like honey, cardamom, and love all wrapped in one.
“Is everything okay?”
“Oh, everything’s fine,” she said breezily. “I just got back from dinner with some friends.”
“Where’d you go?” I asked, walking toward Ryder’s truck and leaning lightly against the door.
“Shalimar, of course. The owner’s son just got engaged—again. You know how those Patel boys are.”
I smiled faintly. “Mmhm.”
“And you know I don’t like gossip…”
I laughed. “That’s a lie.”
“Let me finish.” Her tone turned prim. “Ms. Noreen mentioned you stopped by the drugstore the other day.”
I closed my eyes. I knew where this was going. “It was for a friend.”
“Are you the friend?”
I snorted. “No, Sugarmama. I take all precautions.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that.” She paused, then added casually, “You and Ryder are both young. You should enjoy each other before bringing me a great grandbaby.”
“Ryder?”
“Who else’s baby would it be?”
“…My boyfriend’s?”
“Ryder.”
“Ashton,” I corrected, exasperated.
“Let’s be serious.”
I tried not to laugh, failing and dragging a hand over my face. “Honestly? You’re right. That whole situation is a mess. I’ll talk to you in person because I’m in desperate need of your wisdom.”
“Oh, you know I’m the expert on the men. Are you sure there’s no baby?”
“There is no baby, I swear.”
“Well, I had to double-check. You know you’re the Noor of your papa’s eye. I needed to know if we had to start laying groundwork and testing waters before you made any surprise announcements.”
“I appreciate your willingness to be an accomplice, but like I said, I take double precautions. I’m also on a path of celibacy.”
“Celibacy?” she repeated, then clicked her tongue. “Well, that’s your choice, and I’m proud of you for being responsible. When I was your age, I was a little wild.”
“Yeah, okay.” I laughed. “I’m going to go. Give my love to everyone. I’ll see you soon.”
“I can’t wait. Sending love to you too, Meri Jaan.”
I ended the call, the screen fading black as I tucked the phone against my chest. For a moment, maybe only seconds, I felt something close to peace. I checked the time. 7:56 PM. Almost eight. My entire body ached—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Between practice, The Hunt, Ryder, and everything else, I was tapped out. I sighed, knowing I needed to head back inside before the girls came looking for me.
I was ready to go home.
Food didn’t sound appealing, and that said a lot coming from me. I shut my eyes, taking a few more minutes for myself.
“Sanjana.”
I jumped, straightening instantly. I scanned the shadows by the edge of The Nest, the sidewalk near the alley, and the cars parked farthest from the diner lights. There was no one around but two guys at the back of the lot, talking, one lighting a cigarette. Neither of them was paying me any mind. Had I imagined it? My phone went off with a text.
1031
You’re even prettier when you’re scared.
That little hitch in your breath, I felt it from here.
Don’t worry. I won’t come any closer. Not yet.
I like watching you from the dark.
My stomach dropped.
I stared at the message, creeped out to the max. I calmed myself by repeating what Roxxi had said earlier. It’s just a crusty college kid. I blocked the number once again and decided to go round up the girls so that I could get home. Just as I reached the doors, Ashton stepped out. Something about his expression was off, a mix of resignation and anger.