Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
I wink at her. “Would’ve done that on day one if it wouldn’t make you think I was crazy.”
She strokes my cheek with her thumb. “But being crazy is half the fun.”
“Then we’re going to have a blast. I’m as nuts as they come.” Don’t know where that came from, but maybe I’m just rolling with the punches at this point.
Suddenly, I notice a shift in Callie. As quickly as the elation washed over her face, it fades. Her gaze shifts to the ground, and that precious, warm smile transforms into a nervous pout. She squeezes my hand tight. Too tight for the tenderness this moment calls for. Like it’s a sign that danger’s close, and she needs a big, bad monster’s help.
Don’t worry, baby. You’ve got the biggest, baddest one of all sitting right here.
“What’s wrong?”
“I…” It takes Callie a few attempts to speak. Stuttering the vowel a few times over before she gets it out. “I saw Travis in town.”
“What the fuck?” I roar so loud it echoes through my workshop.
“He put a tracker on my car. Followed me here when I didn’t answer his calls.” Callie’s speaking so fast I can barely make out the words. She relays some more information about their conversation outside the Mexican restaurant. His creepy vibe, her fear of what he might do if he was willing to track her here, and finally, “I’m sorry, Boone. I don’t want to ruin this moment with bullshit, but I don’t know what to do.”
Angry is an understatement. I’m practically vibrating in my chair, with a jaw clenched so tight my teeth are starting to ache.
“You never have to apologize to me, Callie. I’ll take care of this. Of you.” Whatever it takes, I’ll make it happen.
That’s a damn promise.
11
CALLIE
We eat together in Boone’s workshop, but I can see the Travis dilemma weighing on his mind the entire time we’re sitting there. Through the smiles and any attempt at keeping things light, Boone’s face always goes back to stern and contemplative.
After dinner, I perch myself on Boone’s knee, listen to the rhythmic hum of his heart beating, and stare out into the night, somehow hoping the dark will give me an answer. None comes my way. Only a distant bark of someone’s dog in the distance, and Cinnamon responding with one of her own.
But, as if their howls were the solution to this puzzle, Boone chuckles. “I’ve got it.”
“You do?” I snap my head in his direction.
He nods. “Now, go get dressed. We’re going to a bar.”
I want to ask so many questions, but instead, I do as Boone says. I hop off his lap and rush upstairs, changing into a black evening dress. Nothing fancy since I didn’t have any plans on spending my nights at the beach anywhere but my hotel room, but it will do.
Twenty minutes and an explanation of his plan later, Boone stops his truck in a dilapidated parking lot outside a building that looks like it could fall in on itself at any second. But I’ve gotta admit, the place is pumping. Hordes of people roam around outside, laughing and singing along to the music from inside. We pass by them, and the place opens up to a large hall with a dance floor in the middle and tables all around it.
A live band plays old rock songs on a small stage in front of the dance floor. Five of them in total, all giving it their best.
We pass by them to get to the bar, and grabbing two beers, Boone leads me far away from the commotion.
“How do you know he’ll even show up?” I ask, sliding into the chair Boone pulled out for me.
“If he’s crazy enough to stalk you all the way here, I’d put my money on him showing up.” He takes a seat next to me. “And if he doesn’t, we’ll still have a great night. Dancing, drinking…” He pauses to lean in close for the last part. “Fucking. What more can you need?”
My face lights up like a Christmas tree, and I try to bury it in my hands. Boone stops me, enjoying the sight too much.
“I can’t argue with that. It sounds like the perfect start to our…” Our what, exactly? When I confessed my want to stay, I didn’t think anything else through. I’ve got no idea what tomorrow may bring, but as long as Boone’s at my side, it can only be good.
“Our future.” Boone takes over my thoughts. “Together.”
The first round goes down quickly, followed by a second enjoyed on the dance floor. We hold each other, sway through the crowd, and laugh like I’ve never laughed before. And as time goes on, it’s almost easy to forget that my crazy-ass boss really did stalk me. Followed me across the country to the middle of nowhere to do God knows what.