Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“I think it would be best if I actually purchase a whole new bathroom.”
She nodded. “You’re right, because, wow, my ass must be strong.”
He chuckled.
“I wouldn’t complain at your ass being in my hands.” He winked at her, and Ashley didn’t know what to do. Was he flirting?
“We’re going to need to … you know … deal with all of this, so we’re going to need help. I can call John. He’ll be able to send reliable hands. He’ll also know how to dispose of it as well,” she said.
“Then call him,” he said.
“I think it would be best if I told him in person.” She wanted a reason to leave and to put some much-needed space between them.
Phoenix smirked and took a step toward her, then another. She refused to move back, and not because she was worried about breaking more of his home.
“Do I make you nervous?” he asked.
“No, you don’t make me nervous, but I want to make sure this is done properly.” The lies fell from her lips easily. “Don’t you want me to do this right for you?”
“You know I do.” He put a hand on her hip. “But know this. While you’re gone, I am going to miss you.” He dropped a kiss to her lips. “A lot.”
She made her escape, stepped out of his home and headed to the DIY store. She didn’t need to leave. John would have understood what she needed with a simple phone call.
Her lips tingled. Her body was on fire. She gripped the back of her neck and groaned. You’ve got to get your shit together, Ashley.
She took a deep breath and made her way back toward town, heading in the direction of the store. She hated everything to do with home décor. Arriving at the store, she saw it wasn’t too busy and John was at the main counter, looking through a catalog.
“You’re back already. With that order I figured his home was close to falling down.”
“Oh, trust me, it is. He’s going to need everything. New bathroom, kitchen, the works, and John, I’ll need you to call in some friends. There’s a lot of work, and we’re going to need people. Lots and lots of people.” Plenty of extra bodies meant they would never be alone, and she could survive this in time to leave. She was being mean. It was wrong of her to do this, but she did it anyway.
****
Phoenix wasn’t an idiot, nor was he a fool. He knew when he was being played and as he counted fifteen men and women arrive, he couldn’t help but look at Ashley. This was his chance to be alone with her, and she’d invited more people. He folded his arms across his chest and tried to think of a way to keep her by his side.
“That didn’t take long,” he said, moving toward Ashley.
“Everyone likes you, Alpha. They only want what is best for you, and this house, they’re all so upset you’re having to deal with this.”
“Does the offer still stand for me to stay at your folks’ place tonight?”
She nodded. “Yes, it does. See, I told you I could get everything I needed face to face.” She winked at him.
And so, the first day went quickly. By five o’clock, they had completely gutted the entire upstairs. Walls were taken down, and even some of the flooring had been pulled up. The electrician had arranged to be there tomorrow as well as the plumber. John had called and put in a good word, so the upstairs would take a few days, perhaps even a couple of weeks to get right, but they would get there. Phoenix saw everyone off, thanking them all, leaving him alone with Ashley. He locked up the house and left the building. Ashley was waiting by one of the trees.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“They’re all good people and I appreciate everything they’re doing for me.”
“We’re a great pack and we are always happy to come together to help people.”
“So why do you want to leave?” he asked.
She sighed. “You know my reasons.”
“I know what they are, but they are completely unfounded, Ashley. You know that. I also know you don’t believe me and there’s nothing I can do to change your mind.”
They walked side by side. He glanced down, looking at her hand. No one was around. He hadn’t told anyone their secret. Taking hold of her hand, he locked their fingers together.
“Phoenix?”
“Please, let me hold your hand. I’ve accepted that you’ve thwarted my attempts to be alone with you by bringing a whole army into my home. Let me have this.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to prove to you that you’re wrong. This had nothing to do with the way you look.”
“I’m still the same age.”
“You’re twenty-three years old now.”
“The age gap is still the damn same,” she said.