Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
The physical therapy place is busy as hell, cars everywhere, and I almost decide not to go inside. She’s probably busy as hell and doesn’t need me distracting her.
Or it might be the thing to brighten her day.
Plus, I got her an iced coffee.
I can’t waste that.
“Come on,” I mutter under my breath. “Don’t be a pussy. Go see your girl.”
Is she my girl? After last night, I hope that’s true.
I climb out of the car and grab the coffee from the cupholder. Once inside the building, I have a flash of anxiety from all the people waiting everywhere. A frazzled young woman working the front desk doesn’t even spare me a look.
Quickly, I scan the space, looking for Casey. I see her in a corner area working on someone. As I approach, I notice the guy is about my age, but clearly an athlete based on his muscle tone. She has her hand on the back of his thigh, rubbing deeply with her fingers.
It’s just her job.
Why is there a flare of jealousy spiking inside of me?
I feel like a stupid kid for even feeling that way.
“Take a picture if you want something to look at later,” the guy says, eyes meeting mine. “Thigh porn.”
Casey sighs, shaking her head in exasperation, before turning to see who he’s talking to. I stand rooted in place with her cup in my hand, flashing hot with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
Her smile falls when she sees me and confusion crinkles up her features.
This was a mistake.
The guy on the table moans in pain, but I can’t help feeling like it’s sexual. My chest starts to ache like someone just fucking stabbed it.
“What are you doing here?” Casey demands, voice sharp.
I thrust out the cup, feeling like a total idiot. The guy on the table watches me with interest, like I’m his entertainment for the day. Casey never ceases her rubbing on his thigh.
It’s all too much.
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I’ll set this up front for you to get later. I shouldn’t have come here.”
“Later, loser,” the guy says with a laugh that echoes across the whole damn place. “Next time make an appointment.”
Casey calls out to me, but I’m already practically fucking running to the front desk. I slam the cup down with a little too much force, flinging condensation droplets all over the sign in sheet.
“For Casey,” I hiss out, and then rush out the door.
What the hell just happened?
I climb into my car and peel out of the parking lot. I’m desperate to put as much space between me and that awkward fucking moment as possible.
This is her workplace.
I just showed up unannounced and had the audacity to get jealous of her doing her job.
I’m so frustrated and upset with myself, I totally run a yellow light that turns red midway through. It’s no surprise when a cop pulls out behind me after I sail through the intersection.
“Fuck!”
I pull over and slam the car into park. I’m overwhelmed by messy emotions. I don’t like them. I don’t like how out of control I feel now that I’ve been pursuing Casey.
One minute I know she likes me. A lot.
The next, I think I misunderstood everything and it’s a stupid fantasy I want to come to life.
Now I’m getting a damn ticket.
I mash the button down for the window and await my fate. A man saunters over to me and laughs.
Wait, laughs?
I whip my head over to see Cole leaning in, smirking at me. In his cop getup, he’s kind of intimidating. But there’s amusement in his eyes, so maybe that’s a good sign.
“Dude, I’m so sorry,” I mutter. “I fucked up. Just give me my ticket.”
“Your dad’s one of my best friends, kid. I’m not about to fuck that up by giving his baby boy a ticket. I’m here to warn you to slow the hell down and pay attention.”
“Warning taken.” I run a shaking hand over the back of my neck. “Sorry, Cole.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yes.” I grimace. “No. But you’re a cop, not a therapist.”
“I’m a neighbor and a friend, too. My shift is ending. Let’s meet at the diner and have a chat.”
“Did Savvy tell you?”
“That you’re head over heels in love with Casey? Yup. Also, I saw you fly out of the parking lot where she works. Something happened. Let’s talk about it. Follow me.”
With those words, he leaves, assuming I’ll follow. I don’t want to, but I feel trapped now, and go with him to the diner. Once inside, sitting opposite at a booth and our order placed, Cole affixes me with a firm stare.
“Tell me, kid.”
“I’m not a kid,” I grumble. “Same age as the girl you’re sharing with your best friend.”
Okay, that was mean.
Cole arches an eyebrow. “You really are upset. I’ve never once known you to be an asshole. Spill it or I’ll interrogate the shit out of you.”