Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“Just for fun,” she confirmed.
“Always for fun.”
After she got into position and was concentrating on where to hit the cue ball to make sure her shot wasn’t a complete dud, his heat wrapped around her seconds before his big body did.
She wasn’t very petite, but Romeo was much thicker and taller than her. When he placed his hands over hers, the contrast of their size difference and skin tone was startling. Her much smaller hands, her unmarked skin versus his tattooed arms, the rich darkness of his skin over her own pale coloring…
It did make her aware that she needed to get out in the sun a bit so she wasn’t the same shade as a damn corpse. But to do that, she needed to not work so many hours.
Once again, that brought her back to her cheapskate boss and how understaffed they were at work. And the whole reason why she had come to The Iron Horse tonight.
To forget her problems. Or one problem in particular.
“Why so tense?” He seemed a bit offended.
She explained it away with, “Long day.”
Luckily, he accepted that and didn’t push. “Anytime you need pointers on pool, come to Dick’s. I can teach you how to handle balls better than that kid. He’s still wet behind the ears,” he murmured in her ear.
Another shiver slipped down her spine and caused goosebumps to break out all over her.
With his chest pressed to her back and his crotch to her ass, he caged her in by placing his hands on top of hers, all in the guise of helping to guide her shot.
“He’s just a friend.” Damn, why did she sound so out of breath?
Why the hell did he affect her like this? Was it because it brought back the memories of their one and only night together?
Was it she who wanted the repeat?
No. That would be stupid and another mistake since these bikers tended to get possessive if you weren’t a sweet butt or some random. They might not want a relationship, but they didn’t want you wanting anyone else, either. You were only supposed to have eyes for them while their eyes landed on anyone with tits and ass.
Was that fair? Hell no. But this was one reason most MCs considered women as property and not as equals.
As for Romeo, he had a reputation. He didn’t deny it. He owned it.
“He don’t wanna be a friend, Maddie. He ain’t helpin’ you with pool outta the goodness of his fuckin’ heart. He wants somethin’ from you.”
Well, wasn’t that ironic? “You mean, like you do?”
“Just lookin’ out for you.”
“I’m perfectly capable of knowing who’s a true friend and who… isn’t.” They needed to get this game started because she was beginning to like his embrace a little more than she should. “How about this bet? You win, I come over to your place. I win, I don’t.”
Suddenly, he released her hands and stepped back, giving her some breathing room. He grabbed her chin and turned her head, attempting to read her expression. “Know you’re gonna lose, right?”
She shrugged. “If I do, I do.”
“Then, gonna take that fuckin’ bet.”
She figured he would grab the carrot she dangled in front of him.
He locked his dark eyes with hers. “Just wanna be clear… Comin’ over to my crib don’t mean you comin’ over for a cuppa coffee and some conversation.”
“I’m aware of what it means.” She certainly was.
With a cocky grin, he released her chin and tipped his head toward the table. “Then, break.”
He thought it was going to be an easy win. She’d have to do her best and prove otherwise. “Now you won’t help me in hopes I lose?”
“You’re gonna lose and I can’t fuckin’ wait. Don’t wanna hear any fuckin’ complaints when you do.”
Jesus. The arrogance.
That only bolstered her determination to win.
After lining up her shot, she pulled back the stick, then struck the cue ball with as much force as she had.
The crack of the balls striking each other was even louder than the music. She held her breath while they headed off in different directions. Just like she hoped, one solid colored ball dropped into a side pocket, and another fell into the far corner pocket.
With her eyes wide, she whispered, “Wow.”
“Beginner’s luck,” he muttered.
“I’ll take any luck I can get.” She analyzed the table and where all remaining solid balls stopped.
To win, she had to pocket five more solids before sinking the eight-ball. All without missing a shot. Without scratching. Without launching a ball over the rail. Without accidentally knocking in one of his striped balls.
She glanced over at Romeo. “Are we calling pockets?”
His lips twitched. “No need.”
Oh yes, he was so damn arrogant.
She shrugged and studied the table again with her bottom lip gripped tightly between her teeth.
“Just take your time,” he encouraged.
But she heard it in his voice. He didn’t believe she’d make the next shot.