Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
I would talk to them without her there to hear their dumbass comments.
“I’ll handle it.”
“Would you rather me go to the hotel?”
Stopping, I looked down at her. “No. I’ve shared you. I might as well get the benefits from that.”
Her brow puckered. “What does that mean?”
I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “You were a secret that was just mine. I didn’t have to share you with the world. I share everything with these guys but you. Now, they know about you, and so I can have you in my life, other than just on the phone. That’s a benefit.”
She thought about that for a moment, saying nothing. “Our friendship being … beyond the texting is okay with you though, right?”
I knew I hadn’t explained myself clearly, but I didn’t know how to. It was complicated, and I was struggling with it.
“Yes,” I replied with a grin. This way, I get to look at her even if I can’t touch.
Opening the door to the guest bedroom, I knew I should probably put her in the other guest bedroom because it was farther away from me. But I didn’t want to do that. I wanted her closer. She might need something.
“Here you go. See, much better than a hotel room.”
Seventeen
Noa
It was definitely more luxurious than a hotel room. But the experience I’d just had with his friends made this entire situation awkward. A hotel room wouldn’t have anyone else waiting there. We were adults. Why wouldn’t he just let us laugh it off and move on? Sure, it made me feel like that girl once again, but only for a moment. I had learned to shove that away—for the most part.
“You’ve got a private bathroom right through there, and I’ll go get your car and bring you your suitcase. You can unpack in the closet right there.”
When he turned back to look at me, I had to take a moment to remind myself that all this man wanted was friendship from me. I couldn’t let myself continue to feel things for him. I knew my body was going to react to him, no matter what I told it. He was gorgeous, sexy, and apparently dangerous. That still had me reeling a bit, but then it made so much sense that I was accepting it. I wasn’t freaking out about it. Maybe I would later, and it was too much to process right now, but I doubted it.
“You good?” he asked, concern creasing his brow when I stood there, remaining silent.
I nodded. “Yeah, this is great. Thank you. I’m just tired.”
“I’ll go get your rental. That way, you can bathe, nap, whatever you need. Do you want me to bring you some food, drink?”
“Some water would be good,” I replied.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“Thank you,” I told him as he headed back out the door.
“You’re welcome,” he replied. “Just doing what any friend would do.”
Then he was gone.
My friend.
Sinking down on the edge of the bed, I inwardly groaned. I was going to be forever friend-zoned by the one guy I’d fantasized about for longer than I could remember. I wanted him to see me differently so bad that I clung to any morsel in hopes he meant more by it. Like the having to share me thing he’d said in the hallway. It was almost sweet, romantic, but that was my imagination turning into more. He hadn’t meant it that way.
Glancing back at the fluffy pillows, I moved over and laid my head down. Exhaustion hit me heavy, and the thought of keeping my eyes open one more second seemed impossible.
When I opened my eyes again, I was staring at a bottle of fancy water and a glass that had some water in it that I was guessing was melted ice. I’d been asleep awhile. The light had been turned off in the room, and no sun was filtering through the curtains, but moonlight was.
Yawning, I stretched and sat up. A cover fell to my waist. I’d been covered up.
Ransom.
Sighing, I stared down at the blanket as if that small gesture meant something. He was my friend. It didn’t mean he wanted to get me naked. Although if he did, would I be able to? The thought of Ransom Carver seeing my body was intimidating.
Reaching over, I picked up the bottle he’d left me and opened it before taking several long swigs. My mouth was dry, and my stomach growled. I was hungry. When had I eaten last? I didn’t know. Had I eaten today? While continuing to drink, I stared at the door. Did I just go look for the kitchen myself? Or Ransom? Maybe I should text him. Yeah, that seemed like the best idea.
Me: I’m awake.
I didn’t know what else to say to that. I thought about sending, I’m hungry. But the damage from my youth always made me hesitant about mentioning food or hunger. Maybe I could ask if he wanted me to stay in the room, but then that seemed odd.