Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“I don’t see the two of you lasting long,” he says.
I’ve never struck my dad, and he’s never hit me, but I feel about two seconds away from some real violence. “How much money do you need?” I ask. I’m furious at him for putting me in this position, and furious at myself for not being able to predict that it would happen and prevent it in some way.
A sly grin comes across his face. “For now? Fifty grand. I’ve got some debts to pay off.”
“Fifty—are you fucking kidding me?”
“I know you have it. Your granddad has a nice trust fund set up for you, some of which you got access to when you turned twenty-one. You’ll get another seven figures when you graduate, and then the bulk of it comes when you’re thirty. I’ll pay you back when I get my next acting gig. Otherwise, I guess you’ll be seeing more of me. What would you like?” He nods his head toward restaurant row. “Because I can see me and Autumn getting real close. Real, real close.”
CHAPTER 14
AUTUMN
I worry my bottom lip between my lips as I wait for Noble at the sandwich shop. I skipped getting the sandwich his father requested. I’m almost positive he won't be joining us. It was clear that Noble was set on getting him far away from me. I’m not sure what to make of the whole thing, to be honest.
I still remember that first day when I met his father. Well, I didn’t exactly meet him. I was fleeing Noble’s room as his father was entering. I recall him saying something to Noble about slumming it with me. Now today he’s trying to be nice?
Actually, nice is the wrong word for what he was being with that comment about me calling him if I get tired of Noble. The whole thing was strange, especially Noble’s behavior. I’ve never seen him that irritable and snippy.
“So, Noble? That’s your type?” I glance up to see Nathan standing next to the table I grabbed for myself and Noble. Our sandwiches remain untouched.
I ordered us food even though my appetite was gone. The exchange with his father caused a knot to form in my stomach. There’s just something about that man that doesn’t sit well with me. That goes for the boy standing in front of me as well. I mean, could this day get any worse?
“Is there something you want, Nathan?” I hate how he’s looming over the table. I try not to fidget, not wanting him to know I’m uncomfortable. I think he’d enjoy that. That’s the type of person he is.
“Is it the money? I should have known you’d spread those pretty legs for some cash.” Nathan shakes his head. “I’ve got money too, so when he’s done with you, come find me.” I stare up at him in shock. His words are like a physical slap to my face. “Why the shocked look? Do you actually think he is going to keep you?” He barks a laugh. “Take you to the country club?”
“Why don’t you—”
“There a problem here?” Noble’s hand comes down on Nathan’s shoulder.
Nathan winces. “Just saying hi,” he lies.
“Time to say bye.” Noble doesn’t actually give Nathan a chance to say anything. He shoves him when he releases his hold on his shoulder. Nathan stumbles, tripping over his own two feet. He almost falls to the floor but catches himself at the last second.
Noble leans down, placing a soft kiss to my lips before sitting down at the table. “How was class?” he asks, bypassing any conversation about his father or what just happened with Nathan.
“How was class?” I’m stunned that's what he’s asking me right now.
“Yeah, your exam. How’d you do?”
I soften. He helped me study for hours to prepare for it. “I think I aced it.”
“Knew you would, Kitten.” He pushes my sandwich toward me. “You need to eat. A chocolate chip muffin for breakfast isn’t going to hold you over long.”
“You’re bossy today.” I pick up my sandwich and take a bite.
“Only when it comes to taking care of you or when we’re alone at my place.” Heat rushes to my face. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around our bedroom play. Is that what it is? Play? Nathan’s words linger in my mind. He’s not wrong. I’m not the type of girl you take to the country club. Noble and I don’t make any sense.
I take a few more bites of my sandwich. The silence grows between us. “Noble?”
“He’s an asshole, and I don’t want him near you,” he finally says.
“That the only reason?”
Noble puts his sandwich down. “What other reason do you think there would be?”
I shrug. Something flashes in his eyes. I lick my lips, knowing what that something is. It’s the same look he gets when things switch over to sexual side. When we’re alone, and that’s often. We still haven’t gone all the way, but we get each other off often.