Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 27182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“How come you never left?” I ask as I sit up, wiping my face with my towel. “Did you ever dream of something bigger?”
He takes a deep breath as he thinks about it. “Maybe once or twice,” he says, nodding. “But these mountains have their hooks in me and this town is my home. I don’t think I could live anywhere else. It would be like taking a lion and dropping him into the Arctic. It wouldn’t fit.”
I know exactly what he means. I grew up in these mountains. I camped in the forests, swam in the rivers, and fished in the lakes. I have a million good memories. Memories filled with a feeling of peace and tranquility. It’s just lately, that feeling of peace has been replaced by a restlessness that I can’t quite shake.
I’m thinking that maybe a career change and a change of scenery might help, but I’m not sure. I’m worried it’s just going to make it worse.
“Let me have a turn,” Ryland says as he rolls his shoulders.
I get up and walk around to spot him. My mind is racing as usual.
The FBI needs an answer by the end of the week. I have five days to make the biggest decision of my life.
Ryland grunts as he starts lifting. I will miss this if I leave. Training with my friends. The clang of metal. The grunts of men lifting iron. The scent of sweat and testosterone. I doubt the massive FBI has a sense of family like a small town police station does.
The bell over the door rings when Ryland is in the middle of his set.
“Henry, go check who it is,” Ryland grunts as his flexed arms move up and down.
“If you can take a break from Candy Crush,” Cara says with a laugh.
Henry sticks his tongue out at her and then disappears into the front.
“I gave you a glowing review,” Ryland says as he works his arms and chest. “I don’t know what’s taking them so long.”
I don’t want to talk about this. Not right now. I was up all night stressing about it and I just want to do my workout in peace.
“Hey, Cara,” I say, calling her over. “Come spot for the Sheriff, will ya? I want to work on my triceps.”
Cara takes over and I head to the pull-down machine near the door. I slide the pin into the bottom weight and start blasting my triceps, pulling the heavy weight up and down.
“Wait, whose dog is it?” I hear Henry ask the person in the front as I do my set.
“It’s a long story,” the woman says. Her voice makes goosebumps ripple along my skin. “But they’re trying to steal the dog back.”
“But it’s your dog, right?”
“Not exactly,” she says. “I kind of borrowed him.”
“I’m confused,” Henry says. “You stole a dog and now the rightful owners are trying to steal him back?”
“Steal is such a harsh word,” the woman says. “I prefer rescued.”
My curiosity is peaked. I have to see this crazy lady.
I drop the weight with a clang and then peek into the front. My heart nearly stops when I see her in front of the desk. She’s… She’s… Magnificent.
It’s like a thunderbolt has slammed into my chest, shaking me to my core as I stare at her in awe.
She’s stunning. I can’t take my eyes off her.
She’s got this messy bun piled on top of her head like she doesn’t even realize how sexy it is—strands of honey-blonde hair spilling out like she just rolled out of bed. Her oversized hoodie is drowning her tiny frame, but it doesn’t hide those long, toned legs in her cutoff jean shorts. Bare legs. Sun-kissed, smooth, and entirely too tempting. My mouth waters as I drag my hungry eyes up and down them.
My jaw clenches as I take a step closer.
What the hell is happening to me?
I’ve never had a reaction like this before. My whole body has come alive, buzzing and yearning and needing and thirsty. Thirsty for her.
I swallow hard, knowing this is new territory for me. I’ve never been so captivated with just one look. I’ve never been intrigued like this.
I squeeze my hands into fists to keep them from trembling as I lower my heated eyes down her body.
She’s wearing flip flops and I’ve never had a foot fetish before, but I could definitely get on board with one over those adorable toes.
I make an involuntary groaning sound and those big brown eyes—full of life and fire—land on me.
The second our eyes meet, I’m done for.
My whole body reacts. My pulse spikes. My heart pounds.
And one word races through my mind on repeat.
Mine.
The word is loud and clear in my head. It’s not a whisper. It’s a demand.
Mine. That girl is mine.
I don’t know what I have to do to get her, but I’ll do anything.