Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 108362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
“Well, I have been considering trying a dating app, but after the stories you’ve told me, I’m a little apprehensive,” Shannon said, and I instantly felt like lashing out. My girl was way too good for the fuckboys on those shitty apps. My bandmate, Kami, had gone on a few internet dates last year and had only bad things to say.
“You don’t need to worry so much. I can give you some tips,” Margie replied, and that was the moment I decided to quit being a sneaky eavesdropper and finally rapped my knuckles on the kitchen door.
3.
Shannon
“Hello,” came a voice, and my eyes flared wide as I stared at Margie. Jace was here, and he was early. How on earth had he gotten into the house? A moment later, he appeared, looking casually handsome and relaxed in a hoodie and jeans. I was still wearing my housecoat and pyjamas, my hair up in a messy knot, though I wasn’t sure why I felt self-conscious. This man had seen me in every possible state. He’d seen me giving birth.
“You’re early,” I said, flustered.
He slid out his phone to glance at the screen, one eyebrow arching. “By three minutes. Sorry to intrude. Zara let me in.” His attention went to Margie, who was sitting at my kitchen table sipping on her coffee and staring at Jace like a supermodel had just walked into the room. I flared my eyes at her to act normal.
“You must be Margie. A pleasure to meet you,” he said and approached her, holding out his hand. She shook with him, looking pleased that he already knew her name.
“I see my reputation precedes me,” she replied happily, and Jace shot her a wink. Ugh. I hated how he had the magical skill to charm everyone he met. I was the opposite. You could call me the anti-charmer. Most people who met me barely remembered my name, or they thought I was a bitch because I wasn’t over the top friendly. It wasn’t something I could change about myself. My upbringing had made being reserved second nature. I didn’t have a very expressive face either, so I could come across a little cold and aloof when I met new people. Luckily, Margie was warm and friendly enough to counteract my reserved nature, and although she was twelve years older than me, we’d become fast friends.
“Shannon said you were a blue-eyed beauty, and I have to agree with her.” Ha! I said nothing of the sort, but he wasn’t wrong about Margie. She did have lovely eyes.
“And Shannon was right when she said you were trouble,” Margie replied with a delighted titter. What a traitor. She was supposed to be my friend, but after a compliment paired with a charismatic smile from Jace, she was a simpering groupie. Typical.
I shook my head just as Margie stood, draining the last of her coffee. “Well, the office calls. I better get going. See you on Friday for W&L night, Shannon. You’re hosting this month, right?” Oh, hell, now she was leaving me alone with him. I knew she had to go because otherwise she’d be late for her job. She managed an internet security company with its head office in the city centre.
“Yes, see you Friday,” I replied tightly.
“It was nice to finally meet Zara’s dad,” she said to Jace, and he shot her a parting smile as she went.
I turned back around to face the counter. The room was far too quiet with Margie gone, and I was far too alone with my ex. I was also worried he’d overheard some of my conversation with Margie. There was something probing about the way he’d looked at me. I bristled at the thought of him hearing how I hadn’t been with anyone since him. He’d probably been with dozens. I certainly knew there was no shortage of women prepared to share his bed. When we were together, Jace was incredibly loving and loyal. He never gave me cause to think he’d cheat, though I did struggle with jealousy since he was the lead singer of a rock band with lots of female fans. But he was single now, free to be with whomever he wanted. I still didn’t like to think about it.
“Do you want a cup of coffee?” I asked.
“I’d love one,” Jace replied, coming to stand next to me. He leaned his hip against the counter and folded his arms. I focused on the coffee machine and tried not to fixate on how my pores tightened in awareness with him so close. I could feel his eyes on my profile, practically boring into me. Finally, he spoke. “So, what’s W&L night?”
“It’s just a little thing I do with Margie, Ozzie, and Lotte,” I said. Despite having only met Margie for the first time today, Jace already knew my college pals Ozzie and Lotte. “It stands for Wine and Letters.”