Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“You know, the saying is true,” I say when I walk over to stand next to him. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
“You’re lucky I finished another project this afternoon. We’re booked up a month in advance.”
“I know.” I grin and stand back, watching as Brooks goes about his routine. “How are you doing? What’s new in your world, man?”
“I’m fine, and nothing’s new.” Brooks is a broody bastard. “I work a lot of hours, and that’s about it.”
“Not dating anyone?”
He scowls at me from under my truck. “Just because you’re suddenly all aflutter over some broad doesn’t mean the rest of us will follow. Jesus, you sound like Bridger.”
Okay, so I admit that it wasn’t all that long ago that Bridger fell for Dani, one of our lifelong friends, and told me that I needed to get a life.
But this isn’t the same thing.
“I’m just making conversation, you know. Have you heard from Juliet lately?”
His whole body stiffens, but he doesn’t look at me. He just keeps working.
“That’s none of your fucking business. If you’re going to annoy the fuck out of me, go sit in the waiting room.”
“I’m not trying to annoy you.”
“Yet it’s happening.”
“Why are you so touchy today?”
“Okay, let me ask you this. Have you heard from Tori lately?”
I scowl, and my brother nods. I never want to think about that nightmare or how she screwed me over again.
“Exactly. When was your last oil change? This shit is like sludge.”
“You’d know better than me.”
“Jesus, Beck.”
“I’ve been a little busy, you know?” I lean back against his workbench, cross my ankles, and tell him all about Bessy being sick, the newest mess with the rentals, and all of the other shit that happened this week.
By the time I’ve wrapped up my story, he’s finished with the oil change and is lowering the truck. He wipes his hands on a rag and crosses to me.
“What do I owe you?”
“I don’t want your money, but I’ll tell you what I do want. Never mention Juliet’s name to me again. Ever. Because the answer will always be no, I haven’t talked to her.”
“Brooks.” I sigh, but he shakes his head.
“No. It’s not up for discussion. Keep her name out of your mouth.”
“Jesus.” I scrub my fingers through my hair. “Okay. I won’t bring it up again.”
“Good. Now, get in here for an oil change before it looks like your engine might seize up.”
“Now you’re being dramatic. That wasn’t going to happen.”
“You’re such a pain in the ass,” he replies. “Always have been. Always will be.”
“Hey, at least I’m consistent.” I grin at him, and then I pull him in for a hug, which I can tell surprises him, but he pats me on the back. “Don’t stay pissed at me.”
“Whatever. Go away.”
I grin and hop in the truck, and with a wave, I pull out of the garage.
Skyla opens her front door, and I move in to seal my lips over hers. She lets out a little gasp, then her hands are in my hair, pulling me to her, pressing that long, lean body against me. I walk her backward and nudge the door closed.
Riley barks once and nudges my leg, making Skyla laugh.
“He’s happy to see you,” she says against my lips.
“What about you?” My nose drifts up her jawline, breathing her in. “Fuck, you smell good, baby.”
“As do you.” She pulls back just a little so she can smile at me, and I swear to God, her smile steals the breath from my lungs. “It’s happy I am to see you, Mr. Blackwell.”
Skyla rubs her thumb over my lips.
“I was wearing lipstick.” She grins up at me. “I don’t think I’ll bother reapplying it.”
“Waste of time,” I agree, and then take her in. She’s wearing a black top that falls over one shoulder and blue jeans with wide legs that make her legs look a mile long. “You’re a fucking heartbreaker, Irish.”
She smirks and turns to walk away, but I cup her cheek and pull her back to me.
“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Her eyes soften, and she leans in to hug me, wraps those arms around me, and rests her face on my chest, then takes a nice, long breath.
“I’m so very glad you’re here,” she says. “And I’m starving. Where are we going for dinner?”
“Ciao, if you’re okay with Italian.”
“Oh, I’ve heard such great things about that place. I’d love it. I’m leaving Riley here tonight. He’s been fed and gone outside, so he’ll be fine for a couple of hours.”
I tip up an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”
“I feel safe with you.”
She turns away, and I rub my chest over my heart. She trusts me. After all she went through and the necessity to have Riley, she trusts me. I know that’s a significant thing for her. Not only that but she also cared for me in a practical and thoughtful way this morning. I’m still slightly awestruck that she said yes to dating me. I have never felt this strongly about a woman … ever.