Total pages in book: 146
Estimated words: 142214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 711(@200wpm)___ 569(@250wpm)___ 474(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 711(@200wpm)___ 569(@250wpm)___ 474(@300wpm)
“I know what he needs.”
She met his stare with silence.
Why was this so hard? He didn’t want her to hate him, but he hated how out of control she made him feel. This was a dangerous game they played and she was lucky he only fucked his hand today.
She stood and brushed off her clothes. “I’m writing you another check. Cash it this time.”
“We’ll see.”
“Damn it, Grey—” He shut her up with a kiss, all the tension in her body instantly softening.
Holding his lips to hers, he growled, “Enough about the fucking checks, Wren.”
She pushed him away. “It’s compensation for your work—“ Her phone rang, cutting off her words. She rummaged inside her tote bag, but didn’t give up. “You’re making a big deal out of a totally normal practice.”
“You gonna get your phone?”
“I’m trying,” she snapped. The ringing stopped just as she withdrew the phone. She glanced at the screen and frowned.
“Who called?”
“No one.”
“You’re not gonna tell me?”
She scowled at him. “It’s none of your business.”
“Why so secretive?”
“Why so nosy?”
The phone started ringing again, and she silenced it. She tried to drop it back into her bag, but Greyson snatched it out of her hand and held it above her head.
“Greyson!”
“No more talk about checks.”
“Give me my phone.”
“Say you’ll drop the issue with the checks and I’ll give you the phone.”
“This is so stupid.”
“Agree to drop it.”
“Fine,” she snapped. “I’ll drop it for now, but next time you work for me, I’m paying you in cash.”
He’d see about that. He lowered his arm and stilled—grip tightening around the phone as the screen showed two missed calls from his brother. It lit up again, vibrating with another call. “Why is Soren calling you?”
She yanked her phone out of his hand and sent the call to voicemail. “People call me all the time.”
Not Soren. If they wanted to talk to Wren, it was a general habit that they just stopped by. Which reminded him... “How did the date go?”
She pursed her lips. “Really?”
He shrugged. “Why not?” They could talk about this. It probably seemed good that they did. Keep things real. “Did you have fun?”
“We’re not doing this.”
She put on her coat. Her phone vibrated in her bag. “Sounds like Soren left you a few voicemails.”
She ignored him and buttoned a jacket he didn’t recognize. What happened to the flannel he gave her?
“Are you going to check your messages?”
“Later.”
More vibrating. What could his brother possibly have to talk to her about that required another phone call?
Sorry it didn’t work out. Let’s still be friends.
She’d gone out with Logan, too, but for some reason, that didn’t bother him as much as the idea of her on a date with Soren.
“You’re playing all the angles, aren’t you?”
She stilled, her hand an inch from the door. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugged. “It’s not a bad position. Pick the right brother, and you’re set. It’s not the life of a fisherman’s wife everyone imagines, that’s for sure. I’m not sure Soren even remembers how to cast a line, but you two will find other hobbies.”
When she turned, her eyes glistened again. “Why are you acting like this?”
“Like what?” He leaned casually against the wall, stroking Rat’s head. The cat climbed onto his shoulder. “I’m always supportive of your business endeavors.”
“Fuck you, Greyson.” The words tripped out on a laugh but there was no humor in her eyes.
“Why fuck me?”
“Stop implying I’m some sort of gold digger.”
“Are you saying you would’ve agreed to go out with Soren under normal conditions?”
“As a matter of fact, yes.”
His body stiffened, but he played it off.
“Your brother and I actually had a nice time on our date.” She hesitated the way she sometimes did whenever she stretched the truth. “We barely talked about your father or the fishery or his money.” She lifted her chin, petulant and pissed. “For your information, we have plenty of other stuff in common.”
“Good.”
“It is good. And I’m going out with him again this weekend.”
His jaw locked and nostrils flared, but he still refused to admit that he was bothered by the thought of her and Soren. “Great,” he said through clenched teeth.
Her hands balled into fists at her side. “Maybe he’s the right kind of guy for me. Unlike some people, Soren’s not afraid to talk about his intentions or feelings.”
“Good for him.”
She vibrated with tension, but she gave it right back. “Not just good for him. It’s good for me. As a matter of fact, it’s sexy and refreshing.”
He didn’t want to play this game anymore. “Then you better call him back.”
Now, only anger glittered in her eyes. “You’re a child.”
“That’s me.”
She shook her head and walked out the door, but not before muttering, “Grow up, Greyson.” The door slammed behind her and he growled.
Fucking Soren.
CHAPTER 11
“Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’”
Wren seriously needed a break from Hawthorne men. The moment her phone stopped buzzing, it instantly started again.