Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
The number of times I wanted to pin my father against a wall for speaking to my mother like that is countless. Hearing Tripp speak to Anya like that brought my past into my present and I couldn’t help myself. I’ll be damned if I’m going to allow someone who’s like a brother to me, act like that man.
“I’m sorry, Anya,” he whispers.
“You need to sober up and get your shit together,” she says, crossing her arms.
Even though Tripp has questioned this situation, it doesn’t stop me from reaching over and resting my hand on her knee. I can feel her eyes on me as I drive toward the ranch and I grin. “I’ve got this.”
I keep my hand on her until we pull up next to her car. This isn’t how I saw this night ending, but life is constantly throwing curve balls that you need to handle.
Anya turns in her seat and looks back at Tripp. “I don’t know what is going on with you, Tripp, but I really hope you get it straightened out because I know this isn’t the man you are.”
With that she opens the door and climbs out of the truck. I rush out to meet her, grabbing her hand before she can open her car door.
“Anya, I’m going to talk to him. Please don’t let it consume you.”
She smiles and pushes up on her toes, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. “See, you’re the fixer.”
I want to push her against the car and slam my lips to hers. I want to pick up where we left off in the water. I want to feel her body against mine again and hear the sounds of pleasure that escape her.
But I don’t. I simply nod and step back.
I know she feels what I feel, but she’s fighting it.
The question is, do I pursue the forbidden or do I let her go before I even have her?
“Thank you, Griffin.”
She climbs into her car and I watch her drive off. I glance back at my truck and narrow my eyes. Time to deal with the little jailbird.
The drive to my place is quiet, but when I pull into the driveway, he leans forward. “Why are we at your place?”
“Oh I’m sorry, did you want me to drop you off drunk to your parents and have them question where I picked you up from?” He drops back into the seat and I open my door. “That’s what I thought. Let’s go.”
He follows me inside and falls onto the couch. “I can’t believe you brought Anya.”
I sit next to him, handing him a bottle of water. “I can’t believe you were arrested. I think instead of being pissed your sister knows, you should tell me what the hell is going on with you.”
He shakes his head, staring at the dark TV in front of us. “I was out with friends. Why do you assume it means something is going on? I was looking for some fun. Looking for some pussy.”
“Watch your damn mouth,” I hiss.
“Stop acting like you’re better than me, Griff. I hear the way you and my brothers talk and tease each other. Pussy is not the worst thing I could say.”
He’s not wrong.
“That group you were with, do you hang out with them a lot?”
“Why?”
There’s my answer.
“They’re trouble, Tripp. Why the hell do you want to get mixed up with that crowd?”
“They are fun and people judge them for having fun.”
“They all ran and let you take the fall tonight. None of them came looking for you at the police station. I bet none of them have even texted to check if you’re good. These aren’t the people you used to hang out with. What happened to those guys?”
He sighs and rests his head against the back of the couch. “I fucked up tonight, I get it. But there’s no deep meaning here, Griff. Just let it go.”
“There are other ways to escape things, Tripp. Alcohol and the wrong crowd aren’t the way. I had to escape shit and I can help you, but you need to fucking be honest with me.”
He turns his head and looks at me. For a minute I can see I’ve gotten through to him, but it disappears quickly. “Not escaping anything, Griff. Please let me get some sleep. I feel like shit.”
I laugh and stand up. “You sleep tonight, little man, because tomorrow you’re going to wish you had the alcohol blocking out what I’m saying. This little jail pick up is not a favor. You’ll be working it off. Long nights with me by your side. You’ll be so tired of looking at my face that you’ll wish you called someone else.” I go to the bathroom closet and grab some extra blankets and a pillow, tossing them on him. “Sleep well.”