Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 154595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 773(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 773(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
She had to hold back a giggle, making herself pout and give him puppy dog eyes. “That’s just mean. Don’t you like my pompom?”
He just shook his head then hustled her to her apartment. Shoot, she was holding him up. Guilt filled her and she worked quickly to unlock her door once they reached it.
“I’m good now.”
He lightly placed his hand on her shoulder, turning her so she was leaning back against the door. Grabbing hold of her chin, he tilted her head back.
“I know I’m rushing off, but it’s not because I didn’t want to keep things going earlier. Believe me, I’m plenty fucked off that I’ve been called away. My dick is still complaining.” He grimaced and she couldn’t help but smile.
He raised his eyebrows. “You find that funny, girl?”
“No, it’s more a smile of commiseration.”
He leaned in so their faces were level with each other. “You still turned on, baby? I didn’t satisfy you?”
“You know you did . . . but I just wanted, well . . . you have to go, right? And I might see you later. I mean, another day. If you text. It’s okay if you don’t, you might have better things to do with your—”
The rest of her words were smothered as he put a hand over her mouth.
“Don’t start with that bullshit,” he grumbled, removing his hand.
“Um, right, I better go now . . .” She tried to turn, but he shook his head.
“Kiss me first.”
“K-kiss you?” Seriously?
But he didn’t say anything more. He wasn’t exactly the most patient man. Cupping the side of her face, he kissed her quickly. Then he drew back.
“Go in. Lock the door behind you. I’ll wait until I hear it.”
She nodded and slunk into her room. This time, she made certain to lock the door straight away.
And the ‘good girl’ he rewarded her with through the door made her legs turn to mush.
Lord. That man.
He just might be the death of her.
9
“Right, Squish, what do you think? Are you feeling brave today?”
Squish looked back at her doubtfully.
Yeah, she wasn’t feeling brave today, either. She just wanted to hide under her blankets and let the rest of the world move around her.
With a sigh, she looked at her phone. For the tenth time.
Nothing.
Was he ever going to text her? She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. Maybe just a check-in? A ‘how are you?’
“I’m not going out with the guy. I’m a booty call.” She put her hands on her cheeks. What was she doing?
“Going slowly insane, that’s what I’m doing, Squish.”
Squish didn’t look impressed. Squish was a stuffed French Bulldog toy. He was black with a squished-in face. Hence his name. He was soft and cuddly and she loved him. When she was feeling down or tired, Squish was always there to listen to her. To let her cuddle him.
He was the one constant in her life. Well, she had her friends. But they weren’t here. And she didn’t tell them everything anyway. She was well aware that Cat would want to know that she’d seen Gray again.
But that would lead to a whole lot of questions, and she wasn’t yet ready to share everything. Or have Alejandro interfere. Or Sampson, who could be almost as bad.
With a sigh, she set Squish to the side and stood. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to go ask Jenny for my money back.”
Jenn told her that she’d give her that money back a few days ago. It was rude, really, to make her go asking for it. And she truly hated doing it.
But Maeve wasn’t going to be a pushover, either.
She glanced at the black jacket over one of the chairs in her tiny dining area. She should probably return that to The Edge. But she didn’t really want to see Sarah again.
One thing at a time. She could only be so brave in one day.
Besides, it was a Monday and she thought The Edge was closed Sundays and Mondays anyway.
She wondered what Gray was doing . . . no, nope.
Stop it, Maeve.
If he wants to, he’ll text.
Just a booty call.
With a sigh, she grabbed her handbag and walked out, locking the door behind her. She headed to the floor below where Jenny’s room was. She knocked on the door.
No answer.
Oh, well, if she was out, then she could come back another time.
Try again, Maeve. She might not have heard and you know it’s going to take you a while to gather up your courage again.
That was true.
She knocked again. She really needed to go buy some new material for outfits and getting back the money Jenny owed her would mean that she wouldn’t have to live on ramen noodles until her clients paid.
No answer. Drat.
The door next to Jenny’s opened and Mr. Danes peered out. He shuffled out with a scowl. “Why you making all that noise, girl?”