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)
“You close with your mom?”
“Not at all,” I repeat.
“You want to talk about it?”
Instead of sounding like a parrot, I shake my head.
Normally, I’d shut this down. Sharing my personal business isn’t my style. But something inside me pushes on. Being in his hold, his heartbeat steady against my palm, the concern in his eyes mixed with the warmth of his expression—all of it combines to create a place that seems safe. “My mom and I haven’t been close in a while,” I share quietly. “She made some critical decisions that hurt me and never looked back.”
“Critical decisions that hurt her daughter?”
“Something like that.”
“When’s the last time you spoke?”
“Almost a year ago.”
He blows out a soft breath. “Her loss, angel.”
“Not sure she sees it that way.” My mind goes to the fancy announcement and perfect penmanship on the envelopes. Then the picture of her with Bex yesterday replaces the image. “It’s very complicated.”
“You want me to come over when you get home?”
“No, one bonus of tonight is my brother has been slotted with DD. Bex, Grandma, and I will drink Grandpa’s award-winning margaritas.”
“Award-winning?”
“Grandpa doesn’t skimp on anything. They are lush.”
“Lush?”
“Lush,” I confirm.
“Peach-infused Vodka and a strong margarita, good to know.”
“You remembered.”
“I remember everything.”
The gravel in his voice tells me he isn’t just referring to my drink choice that night.
“You get home, things don’t go well, and you aren’t settled, call me. I can come over, or listen.”
I’m about to mention that I don’t have his number when his hand slides down my waist to my hip where he retrieves my phone from the pocket. A few seconds later, his phone rings. “Now you have my number and I have yours.”
“How did you get past my code?”
His lips curve on one side and he leans in, brushing his lips past my ear. “I have my ways.”
This time my stomach does an all-out plunge, free-falling until I’m sure he’s holding me up.
A million butterflies surge through my system at the thought of this man, crushing my reservations.
One thing is for sure—I’m in so much trouble.
6
TALON
Willow
I’m home
Glad to know
Willow
You asked me to let you know… so this is me, letting you know.
How were the Margaritas?
Willow
World Class. Grandpa knows his tequila.
Did you have a good time?
Willow
It was mostly good. Until it wasn’t.
What happened?
Willow
Family
Do you want to talk about it?
Willow
Not really. I’m going to bed. Tomorrow is a big day of studying.
Sleep tight beautiful. Lock up.
Willow
Locked, double-locked, and cozied up with Wolf. Good night, Talon.
I read through the text chain from last night again, locking in on the exact minute the mood changed.
It could be the fact her parents are getting a divorce, but she didn’t strike me as hung up on the issue. My gut says it has nothing to do with her parents.
Morning gorgeous, you awake?
After a minute, she replies with one word. Yes
Open your door.
The blinds in the front window shift, and there’s a muffled squeal before Wolf’s excited barking begins.
Willow cracks the door, her expression an adorable mix of confusion and disbelief. “What are you doing here?”
“Did you get to the store?”
“The store?”
“Yes, the store. Overheard you mention it yesterday.”
“Overheard or eavesdropped?”
“I have excellent hearing, but it’s hard to miss Bex’s conversations.”
“She’s a drama queen and has a tendency to exaggerate. She thinks an empty fridge is a travesty.”
“You don’t hate the grocery store?”
“No one hates the grocery store. It’s just one chore that kinda slips my mind… often.”
“Good then, glad I can help.” I lift the bags in my hands.
Her eyes bulge, her mouth popping open. “You bought groceries?”
“I bought us lunch and threw in a few things you may want.”
“Why?”
“Because you have a lot going on. With school, work, and your family situation, thought you deserved a break.”
Her face softens, and like yesterday, her eyes melt in a way I like a hell of a lot.
Wolf decides he’s tired of waiting, skimming around her legs and stuffing his nose through the slit.
“Hey, boy.”
At my voice, he goes crazy, whining and squirming to get free. “Babe, he’ll hurt himself if you don’t open the door.”
She blows out a breath and steps back, opening the door wider. Wolf greets me by nudging my legs for attention, but my focus is drawn to the woman standing before me.
Fuck me.
The tiny black shorts mold to her body, showcasing long lean legs. The bright pink tank hugs her chest, stopping right above her hips, giving me a glimpse of her trim waist. Her hair is pulled up on her head in a messy knot, face free of make-up.
She’s fucking gorgeous all the time, but right now, she’s exquisite.
My cock goes hard thinking about ripping those shorts apart.
“I wasn’t exactly expecting company.” Her arms wrap across her stomach nervously.
“You look beautiful, Willow.”
“I’m a mess.”
“Not to me.”
A trace of shock passes her face before she drops her arms. “How’d you know where I live?”