Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83777 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83777 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
I took a breath and leaned against the counter with a smile. “I’m not gonna lie. It’s been good, Laura. Really good.”
I took a few minutes and tried my best to fill her in on the past couple of months, and she hung on my every word. And it meant the world to me. Laura had always been my closest friend and biggest supporter. I don’t think I would’ve made it through those last few years with Brian if I hadn’t had her to lean on.
She’d heard all the stories about me and Jameson from our earlier years. She knew he’d hurt me, and she had no problem of reminding me of that fact any chance she could. She didn’t seem to care that I’d done some of the hurting myself. She was protective that way.
So, I wasn’t surprised when she said, “It was good before. You were head over heels for him, and it all fell apart. What makes you think this time will be different?”
My chest tightened, and my eyes dropped to my glass. I didn’t want to admit it, but I knew exactly what made it different. But saying it out loud made me feel like I might burst the little bubble we’d created. I knew she wasn’t going to let it go, so I said it. “I’m not a cop anymore.”
“Yeah, but I don’t get it.” Laura tilted her head. “Why does that matter? Why did it ever matter?”
“I don’t know,” I lied, swirling the wine in my glass.
“I think you do.” She leaned in, her tone gentle but firm. “I think you know it has something to do with that club. It’s why he never took you there or let you meet any of them. He was afraid you’d finally see that something was up.”
I opened my mouth to deflect, but nothing came out. Instead, I let out a shaky breath and lowered my eyes. “I thought the same thing until I actually met them and got to know them.”
Laura’s eyes softened, but she didn’t back down. “And?”
“They’re nothing like you’d think they’d be. They’re funny and smart and… they’re good people.” I looked over at her as I said, “And their women are impressive. Tallie is a lawyer. Jenna is such a good mother, and Tabitha has this massive barn where she helps neglected horses. Who does that?”
“They sound pretty cool.”
“They are cool.” I giggled under my breath when I thought back to Jameson referring to himself as a cool dude. He was right. About more than I’d realized. “They’re like one big family.”
“That doesn’t mean there’s not something shady going on.”
“No, it doesn’t.” I took another sip of wine, letting the warmth settle over me. “But for the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe. I’m not constantly waiting for the next call or the next face I couldn’t save. I’m happy. I’m happy loving him and letting him love me back.”
She watched me for a moment, then reached over and put her hand on mine. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. Not like you did before.”
“I know.” I squeezed back. “But I think this is where I’m supposed to be.”
“Then I guess I’m gonna need to get to know these biker boys.”
“Yes, you will,” I answered with a giggle. “And they are gonna love you, but you’ll have to watch out for Goose. He’s a big ole flirt.”
“Is he hot?”
“Yeah, he’s attractive, and totally your type.”
“And what’s my type?”
“Trouble with a sexy smile.”
She took another big sip of wine before saying, “Oh, yeah. I’m gonna need to meet the Goose fella.”
“I’ll bring you the next time they have a gathering at the clubhouse.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” Her brows furrowed as she said, “Wait a minute. It’s Saturday night, and you don’t have the kids. Why aren’t you with Mr. Wonderful tonight?”
“He had to work, but he’s going to try to stop by later tonight.” I glanced over at the clock and was surprised to find that it was almost eleven. I’d expected to hear from him by now, so I grabbed my phone from the counter and checked to see if I’d had any messages. When I didn’t, I mumbled, “Hmph.”
“What? Something wrong?”
“No, I was just…”
Without finishing my thought, I sent Jameson a message:
Me:
Hey.
Everything okay?
Jameson:
Been a busy one.
Not looking like I’m going to make it by there tonight.
Me:
Okay. No worries.
I hope things settle down soon.
Jameson:
Me too. Sorry about tonight.
I’ll make it up to you.
Me:
It’s fine.
Laura stopped by with a bottle of wine.
Jameson:
Ah. Now I know why my ears have been burning.
Me:
I might’ve talked about you a little.
Jameson:
Good things, I hope.
Me:
Mostly.
Jameson:
Mostly?
Devin:
You have nothing to worry about.
Jameson:
Good.
You girls behave now.
Me:
I make no promises
Jameson:
I’ll call you tomorrow
Me:
Okay. Goodnight.
Jameson:
Night, babe.
I put my phone down, and when I looked up, I found Laura staring at me with a big smirk on her face. “What?”