Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
I don’t believe all that about curses. My resentment toward Beth began after the accident. For me, clinging to the last remnants of anger about the whole situation helps keep the other emotions at bay. Beth scoffs as the door swings closed on Walter, and then she waves to Aaron. She keeps her distance, but if he thinks something’s up, he doesn’t mention it. No doubt they’ve already interacted in some way, shape, or form, but I don’t fault Aaron for that. Plenty of tourists end up at her shop. More power to them. Just hope they don’t take to heart anything she tells them. Intuitive healer or not, she’s not God.
“See, that right there is the thing about small towns,” Aaron says, pointing his fork across the bar. “We don’t go out of our way to greet people in bigger ones. Most people don’t even know their neighbors. No way I’ve met everyone in my building.”
I imagine Aaron living in a high-rise. “Do you like that anonymity?”
“Sometimes, yeah.” He pushes his empty plate away. “Especially after doing something really stupid in my younger, partying days.”
“That’s true enough.” No way around it for the McCoys in this town. I glance at some of the probing eyes. “Right now, some of the locals are speculating who you are and why you’re sitting here with me. Others already know and will be sure to pass the word.”
He winces, maybe still feeling the sting of our argument regarding the sale of my business. He tosses his card on top of the bill, and I don’t argue since I paid the last time and he’d be sure to call me on it. “Does that mean you try and steer clear of hooking up in Aqua Vista?”
“Been there, done that. I prefer to go elsewhere.”
“Ah, I see. More opportunity in other towns.”
“Yep, but every now and again…” I wink and stand. “I’m headed home. I have your phone number from the service station, so I’ll text you the address. You might want to wait five minutes before you leave so they don’t start gossiping.”
“Will do,” he replies with a chuckle.
9
AARON
“So, you and my brother, huh?” There’s humor in Johnny’s gaze as he watches Jack head for the exit.
“Am I allowed to talk about it?” I tease, aware that Jack has a different temperament than his sibling. He’s more of a grump, so apparently, DNA doesn’t play into it.
He smirks. “Jack is private about some things, unlike me.”
“Is that so?” Johnny is an interesting guy with his open smile and carefree attitude. He and Jack bear a slight resemblance with their brown hair, but Johnny’s is lighter, shaggier on top, his beard rougher, as if he’s going for a sexy bedhead look.
“Yep, I’m bi,” he admits, then leans closer. “So Jack is jealous that I can hook up in this town more than him.”
“Is this some sort of sibling competition?” I ask, sliding the receipt toward him. “Have you ever gone after the same men?”
“Hell no. Bro code and all. I just enjoy teasing him about it.”
I can picture them wrestling as kids over one thing or another and June yelling at them to break it up. She seems the most levelheaded of the group.
“Well, then you need more gay rep around here.”
“Maybe you should visit more often.” He winks. “Might make Jack more chill.”
I grin. Somehow, the idea of that is appealing for no good reason that I can unpack right then. “Doubtful.”
He sighs. “Truth.”
I glance at my watch, then stand. “Anyway, I’m out of here.”
He thumps the bar top. “Go easy on him.”
I ignore all the curious glances, including from Beth, as I make my way out the door. Maybe I should’ve thanked her again for the crystal and tea, but I have a feeling I’ll be visiting her shop again. Besides, I’m more than anxious to head to Jack’s place before he changes his mind.
I’m relieved to see the text message from Jack when I get to my car. I punch his address into my GPS, which is ridiculous because his place is literally five minutes away, and if I was here for more than a week, I’d probably be able to drive there with my eyes closed.
When I pull in front of his house, I’m immediately taken by the charm of the small cottage. And okay, maybe the color is a little whimsical with the deep-burgundy trim and bright yellow door, but it fits with the rest of the town.
I park on the street and head for the colorful entrance featuring window boxes and potted plants. It feels quaint and cozy and not at all how I pictured Jack’s private residence. The place is a juxtaposition to his curt and sometimes icy demeanor.
Jack pulls the door open before I can knock, and the first thing I notice is how relaxed he seems in his own place. He’s barefoot, in loose jeans and a plain white tee, and fucking sexy as hell. His hair is still damp from a shower, and his five o’clock shadow seems filled in more than just an hour ago.