Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“There’s more. She wanted to know all about you.”
“Like what?”
“Our classes, our schedule. She looked like I struck her when mentioning upcoming graduation.”
“Not sure why she seemed stricken. My graduate school calendar hasn’t changed.”
“Yeah.”
There’s a melancholy tone that falls between us.
“Is there something else?”
“Stacy lost all my respect. But yesterday, I felt sorry for her. Just hearing about you seemed like it was slicing her up. Then your sister, the attention whore that she is, threw a tantrum.”
“Do tell.”
“She declared you have no regard for manners or tradition. Called you bitter and childish. This set me off and I may or may not have unleashed some of my own inner-bitch.”
“Bex, what did you do?”
“I explained that people don’t respond to save-the-dates. Then explained that in case she was waiting—Chase, Wyatt, Grandma, and Grandpa also wouldn’t be wasting their energy or time on a silly response for the nuptials. Basically, she could take her announcements, invitations, responses, and entire wedding and shove it up her ass because she is a conniving, raunchy, backstabbing bitch that deserves the two-timing slick dick. She turned purple, screamed bloody murder, and stormed off.”
“God, please tell me you weren’t kicked out of the store.”
“It was Nordstroms, security came running, then took off after her.”
I can’t help the smile, picturing the scene. “Damn, sorry I missed it.”
“Stacy ended up chasing after them, but not before she looked at me with pure devastation. It’s like she wanted to say more.”
My smile fades. “She’s had plenty of chances, Rebecca. Don’t let her manipulate you.”
“I’m not manipulated, I’m hopeful.”
“I haven’t changed my number or my address. She knows where to find me.”
“You’re right. Maybe she’s finally coming around. She lost the best things in her life. I can’t imagine.”
Her words warm me throughout. Bex may be full of wit and sarcasm, but she’s loyal and loving to her bones.
“I have some news of my own. I called Dad. We’re having dinner tonight.”
Her face lights up. “That’s great.”
“Would you like to join us?”
“Isn’t that kinda strange? You have a lot to talk about.”
“We’re going to Grandma’s. All of us, including Chase and Wyatt. Grandma declared it’s Mexican night. Chase is the DD. You and I can indulge in margaritas.”
The mention of margaritas brings a spark to her eyes.
“I can’t miss Mexican night.”
“Didn’t think so.”
“Speaking of food…” her words hang.
“Nice segway.”
“Come on, Wills, I’ve been sooooo patient. It’s been two days since Talon went over the top.”
“Over the top is one way to put it.”
“Can you get more romantic?”
“Never thought of Ralph’s as romantic.”
“It was the gesture. He catered lunch for the entire clinic just to spend time with you!”
“Let’s not forget he had help.” I side-eye her. “Thanks for the warning, by the way. And what the hell were you thinking inviting Chase and Wyatt?”
“It was knee-jerk.”
“Knee-jerk my ass. You could have put him off instead of inviting him.”
“I was swept up in the moment. Love was in the air.”
At this, I come to a stop, poor Wolf jerking back. He whines in confusion. “Love is NOT—”
“Incoming!” a yell comes from behind as Bex yanks me out of the way.
Three women run by, all of them in skimpy clothes with hair perfectly slicked back in long swaying ponytails.
A few feet behind is another group, this time with faces full of make-up.
It’s an unusually warm day this time of year, but still not exactly skimpy clothing weather.
“What’s with the Barbie squad?”
“Shhh,” I hush Bex.
“How far are they behind us?” one of the women asks.
Her friend glimpses over her shoulder. “We should slow, they’re out of sight.”
“I’m calling dibs on the one with the Dalmatian.”
“I’m fine with any of them.” The third woman says as they slow.
“Holy, sweet baby Jesus.” Bex’s hand lands on my forearm.
The first thing I spot is three dogs trotting in a pack.
Then…
Holy Jesus is right.
It’s like any cloud in the sky parts and the sun shines down on the three men jogging behind them.
Their strides are in perfect sync. Muscles bulge and ripple under their clothes, black hats flipped backward, aviator wrap glasses, trails of ink snaking down their arms—it’s too much at once.
They could be a real-life advertisement for an energy drink… a sporting event… a cologne for men.
Whatever it is, I’m ordering…
… in bulk…
…and buying stock.
I’m so lost in the view I don’t catch Wolf’s excitement as he takes off, his leash slipping out of my hand.
My brain processes in slow motion as the guy on the end hands off his leash and steps to the side, crouching to catch my baby before he barrels into the pack of animals.
“Whoa, Buddy, where ya going?” His smooth, velvety voice instantly registers.
“Oh my God,” I whimper, realization washing over me.
Talon props his glasses on his head, his breathtaking eyes glimmering in the sunlight. Wolf laps at his hands, trying to get to the other dogs who are all now sitting obediently.