Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
He doesn’t do small talk. Doesn’t do crowds.
And certainly doesn’t do women.
When my sleazy ex starts causing trouble,
Colter shows up like a storm—dark, dangerous, and hell bent on protecting me. Even if it means breaking all of his rules.
Now he’s stepping into my world—
one quiet gesture, one lingering glance at a time.
I can’t deny I want more.
More of his guarded kindness.
More of the man he swears he can’t be.
He says he’s not worth the risk.
But what if losing him is the biggest risk of all?
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
CHAPTER 1
POPPY
He’s watching me… again.
It would be one thing if he was doing it with interest or even just an acknowledgement, but it’s not like that. It’s like he has a permanent scowl on his face, and it’s directed at me the whole time.
After the morning I’ve had, I’m over it, and I’m barely able to contain myself.
I am representing Glaze Bakery. I can’t tell off customers. I chant the little reminder to myself, but the little devil on my shoulder reminds me that this guy is not a customer. He’s always here when we set up the food truck, but he’s never bought anything.
He always just sits there, peeking at me over his computer, scowling.
“You okay?” Teresa nudges me in the ribs.
I grunt in response. How else should I respond? I had to deal with my ex at the Co-op location this morning, and now I have to deal with the scowling asshole at the Heroes Rehab Center. I can’t seem to catch a break.
Teresa puts a hand on my shoulder. “Look, forget about Adam. He’s an asshole, and everyone knows it.”
I put a hand on my hip. “I’m not mad at Adam. I’m mad at myself. I broke up with him because he treated me like shit, and I hate that even now, I’m letting him keep doing it. I should have said something. I should have….”
Teresa holds her hand up. “Look, don’t beat yourself up about it. That’s the last thing you should be doing.”
I suck in a deep breath. “I know, but the food truck is new for Glaze, and I don’t want to cause any drama around it. Emery is counting on me and—”
Teresa stomps her foot. “Emery would not want you to let any man disrespect you.”
I suck in a breath and let it out slowly. “You’re right. I know you’re right.” I nod my head toward the back of the picnic tables. “See that guy?”
She looks around the tables, and the sassy Teresa that I’ve come to love is back in full force. “There’s like fifteen men sitting out there, and yeah, I’ve looked at them all. This is my favorite location by far.”
She’s wiggling her eyebrows, and even in the bad mood I’m in, I can’t stop the laugh from coming out. “You’re crazy.”
She nods her head in agreement. “Yeah, I am. Now tell me which guy. You hookin’ up? Because you know that’s what you need to do, right? You need to get laid.”
As soon as she says the words, there’s a giggle at the window. I push Teresa to the side. “I’m so sorry that you had to hear that. What can I get you?”
The curvy brown-haired woman looks up at me with amused brown eyes. “I’ll take a chocolate croissant and an iced coffee, please.”
Almost awkwardly, I start the coffee while Teresa disappears. Of course, she’s going to go hide right now. When I have the order ready, I hand it through the window. “That will be seven-fifty.”
She taps her card to pay and doesn’t immediately walk away. “I’m Brooklyn,” she says, introducing herself.
My face flames. Everyone in Whiskey Run knows Walker. He owns half the damn town, including the Heroes Rehab Center. Brooklyn is his wife. I knew who she was as soon as I saw her, and if there’s anyone that I’d want to make a good impression on, it’s her. “I know. I’m Poppy. It’s nice to meet you.”
She opens her mouth, and I can’t stop myself from rambling. “Anyway, I want to apologize. I promise that we’ll keep things professional here, and I don’t want you or your husband to worry. All professional from here on out.”
She sets her coffee down and pinches off a bite of the croissant. After chewing and swallowing, she nods. “I’m not worried. Everyone loves when Glaze stops by.” She waves her hand behind her at the group of men and women behind her. “And Walker is happy you’re here because then I don’t have to go into town to get my daily dose of caffeine. I told Emery if you can add more stops here to your calendar we would love it, and I’ll make sure the center is aware.”