Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
He nods. “Yes, a second date. I don’t think you get it, Lindsey. I want to get to know you. I want to know everything there is to know about you.”
I’m still not understanding. “But why?”
He chuckles, pressing a hand to his chest. “I have to admit, you’re great for my ego.” He leans closer. “Because I want you, Lindsey. And even though this is our first date, I already know I want you to be mine.”
My eyes go wide, and I’m staring at this man with a designer button-up shirt and a necklace that is probably worth more than my truck. After getting to know him, there’s no doubt he could have any woman he wanted. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to believe that I’m the one that is on his radar. We are complete opposites. Yeah, this steak is probably the best I’ve ever eaten, but I’m also just as happy eating a burger from Red’s Diner.
I lean toward him. “Okay, I’ll agree to a second date, but we don’t need anything fancy. You. Me. Maybe Red’s Diner. A walk in the park.” I shrug. “I don’t need all this fancy stuff.”
He smiles so wide his whole face lights up. “Honey, I don’t care what we do. I just want to spend time with you.” He points at my food. “Eat.”
We spend the rest of the time eating and laughing, and every now and then I’m asking myself if this is for real. I’m skeptical, and I’m waiting to find something, anything, that makes me realize that Miller Brody is too good to be true.
CHAPTER 4
MILLER
After insisting I drive Lindsey home since she’d been drinking, I’m pulling into her apartment complex. Mike is following in my car to pick me up, but he parks down the lot, giving me space and time. I’m sure he knows this is a rare occurrence and is willing to give me some space.
I get out of her truck, walk around, and help her out. She’s smiling and I grab her hand as I look at her. “I know we talked about our second date going to Red’s Diner, but I have an event tomorrow night I can’t get out of. Go with me. It’s a fundraiser at the community center in Whiskey Run.”
She’s already shaking her head. “I can’t.”
I just look at her pleadingly, and she laughs. “I really can’t. I have a night shoot tomorrow in downtown Jasper.”
I want to beg and plead with her, but I can also respect that she has work. “Downtown Jasper at night? Sounds dangerous.”
She laughs. “It’s not, not really. I’ll be fine.”
Mike approaches us. “Can I carry her stuff up?”
“That would be great. Thank you, Mike.”
“But—” Lindsey starts.
Reluctantly, I let go of her hand. I grab the bag that has her camera and another bag in the back seat. Mike grabs the lights in the bed of the truck, and when we’re both standing here with our hands full, Lindsey gives up. “Follow me.”
Mike and I follow her to the apartment building, up the two flights of stairs, and she stops at apartment 3C. As she’s unlocking her door, the door across from hers opens, and a man comes out full-on smiling. It drops when he sees Mike and me standing here. “Lindsey, you okay?”
She smiles, but I’m happy to see that it’s not the same smile she gives me. It’s more restrained. “Yeah, hey, Walter. This is Miller and Mike. They’re helping me get my equipment in.”
Walter walks out of his apartment. “Oh, I could have helped you.”
Lindsey shows us where to put things down, and instead of following her in, I step to Walter. I move one of the bags to my other hand and reach out. “Hey, Walter, it’s nice to meet you. Lindsey and I are dating, so I figured I’d better introduce myself since I’m going to be around a bit.”
His jaw tightens, confirming what I already guessed. The neighbor is into my girl.
Mike walks out of Lindsey’s apartment with a chuckle. No doubt he heard me practically staking my claim. He puts a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll be in the car.”
I nod as Lindsey joins Walter and me at her front door. “Anyway, it was nice to meet you, Walter.” I walk into Lindsey’s apartment. It’s small, but it’s cozy and welcoming.
She says bye to Walter and closes her door with us inside. She points to the couch. “You can just set it here.”
I set the bags down. “Lindsey?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know your neighbor is into you?”
She sighs. “Yeah, I know. I’ve turned him down and told him I don’t date neighbors. He’s just… being friendly.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t like it.”
She laughs. Full-on laughs at me and holds a finger up. “Uh, do you know we just met today? You’re awfully possessive of a woman you just met.”