Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
It took me a few minutes and a lot of muscles I haven’t used in entirely too long, but when I got the damn thing running, well, I felt like I could conquer the world. Of course, my new neighbor would take that moment to step outside and watch me do a little shimmy and shake in my excitement. He also didn’t have a shirt on, and when he went about his merry way, starting at a slow jog, well, I’m lucky to not have drooled down my shirt. Still, I watched him the entire time until I had to make a turn with the mower or when he rounded the street corner.
“You’ll get there. Now, like I was saying, there were a couple of thrift stores we drove by on the way here. I noticed when we brought your bedroom set in that you were missing a couple of things. For instance, a headboard and footboard as well as nightstands. I just so happened to see in the store front we passed by had a few, and if all goes well and you like anything, we’ll get it for you. And this is where I hope you’ll graciously accept because this old lady simply cannot and will not leave, especially to go on vacation, knowing you’re going to be working your tail off at a new job, coming home and still needing to work around here.”
I’m saved from responding with the opening of the front door. Poppa Russell steps out and says, “Well, that’s done. You ladies want to grab a bite to eat before we go check out the paint?”
“Sure,” I reply.
“Yep, and we’re going to stop at the thrift stores, too. Lennon didn’t say no, and she didn’t say yes. There’s no harm in taking a gander.” Russell smirks at his wife. Meanwhile, I have to stifle a laugh.
“Works for me. I’m going to introduce myself to your neighbor, and then we can get the show on the road.” He does his usual, pulling out his suspenders with his thumbs. A trait Case, Trey’s son and their grandson, has taken a liking to. I’ve yet to meet everyone in person, but the pictures, the calls, and many FaceTime conversations make me feel like I know them as well as I know Minnie.
“Oh,” I say, perking up in my chair. The couple of glances I’ve had of the mysterious man haven’t been enough.
“Now, that’s what you call a tall glass of water on a hot summer day.” Catherine fans herself. This time, he’s in a shirt, navy in color with white lettering emblazoned on the back, WOFD with a Maltese cross. An eight-point design symbolizing protection, courage, and selflessness. Thank you, drama television, for keeping me up to date on firefighters and medics. A pair of denim jeans encases his bottom half along with a pair of boots. His backwards hat has me letting out a small sigh, one I can’t cover up.
“Mhhhmm, leave it to my Russ. He’ll have his name, age, and marital status. You all think I’m a busybody, but I’ve got nothing on that man,” she says with a soft chuckle.
“He’s good to look at, that’s it. I’m not looking for a relationship. Being single these past however many months has taught me I like the single life. Plus, I’m pretty sure my therapist would have something to say about jumping into any type of relationship while still fixing myself.” I sit back in my seat, crossing one arm along my stomach and propping my other arm up while finishing my drink.
“Well, it sure doesn’t hurt to look, honey.”
“It doesn’t,” I agree. Even when my body is telling me a hell of a lot differently.
5
ASHER
“What’s up, man?” is how my buddy Trent answers the phone after it rings a few times. I’ve got more shit on my mind than I thought possible about my new neighbor named Lennon, or Lennie, as some like to call her. I guess her dad is who I spoke to when he meandered his way to my driveway to introduce himself. Russell let me know Lennon is Estelle’s estranged niece, they never met one another, and when her aunt found out about her, she couldn’t track down Lennie until it was too late. He saw my shirt, asked if I worked at the station. I let him know I’m a Captain at Whispering Oaks Fire Department, and he must have felt okay with giving me more information. The intel I received had me rocking back on my heels. She’s single, living alone, and could use someone to keep an eye out.
Those doubts I’ve had for years are slowly starting to dissipate, making me think Lennon could be the one. Once I get my shit in order and Kennedy picks up Briar, I’m going to walk over to Lennon’s to introduce myself, get a full view of the beauty who has me wrapping my fingers around my cock more than ever, and hear her voice. Jesus, that needs to happen, and fuckin’ fast.