Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 79039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“If you know, then why are you asking me out?”
“Because you’re just dating him. You’re not married. He also fucked you over once. I’m hoping to show you that you have another option—a better one,” he murmurs, leaning into me.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Well, I mean. I don’t really date …”
“We could sleep together, Beau, if you prefer that. I’m not shy. I could handle you comparing what I give you to what BB did. I think I’d come out the winner, but even if I didn’t, how I treated you the next morning would definitely give me the edge.”
“I don’t—”
“Give me a chance, Beau. You know you can trust me. You’d be safe with me. Hell, if nothing else, it will give you a chance to see if how you feel about BB is special, or just warming you up for something better.”
That makes me breathe out a mix of a snort and a laugh. It’s so cocky that I can’t help it.
“Anyone ever tell you that your ego is kind of large, Drew?”
“It’s not the only thing large about me,” he responds at once and this time, making me laugh harder.
“God, you’re horrible.”
“Nah. I’m good. I can be good for you. All you have to do is give me a chance.”
“BB won’t like it. You’re a member of the Blaze,” I remind him of something he already knows.
“That should tell you that the attraction I feel for you is real. BB can handle it like an adult. If he can’t, then you’ll know you aren’t safe with him.”
“One dinner.”
“Fuck, yeah.”
“Only as friends, Drew,” I caution.
“Is that what you tell BB?”
“Drew,” I huff.
He holds his hands up, not wanting me to finish. “Okay, okay. Don’t tell me. We’ll play it by ear.”
“We’re going as friends.”
He nods. “I’ll pick you up here after work and take you to my place,” he says.
“I’m going out with Callum and the boys. We’re going to meet at Remi’s around seven. You can meet us. We can eat something there.”
“You drive a hard bargain, woman.”
“Oh, I’ll take it, sweetheart. I’ll take it.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“I’m probably going to tell Hunter about this.”
“I’d expect nothing less, Beau. Your honesty is one of the things I respect about you.”
“One of the things? You don’t know me that well, Ap—Drew.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Surely, you’ve noticed I hang around your garage more than I do ours?”
“I …” God, I’ve been blind.
“I know you. I knew you weren’t ready to date. I also know why, because your family warned me off. Now, that you seem to be exploring your options, I just want to be one of them.”
I shake my head. “You’re crazy.”
“See you tonight, hot stuff,” he says walking toward the door.
“Later, weirdo,” I grumble, making him laugh.
God, I really think I’m in over my head. Shit. Shit. Shit.
Chapter 12
Bb
“Aunt Beau!” I watch as Slider takes off running towards Beau. Her face absolutely lights up and somehow the whole room brightens.
“Hey, bud,” she laughs, hugging him close.
“Hey, Beau,” Ty adds, he walks to her, more than a few steps behind Slider. Beau keeps one arm around Slider, holding him to her side. She turns to look at Ty, her smile intensifying.
“Hi ya, Ty. I’m so glad you got to come,” she says. Ty gets close to her, and she doesn’t hug him, but she does put her hand on his shoulder and looks down at him with open warmth.
“Is he really going to be here?” Ty asks, making me smile. When Beau asked me if I’d bring Ty and Slider to the garage today to meet someone that she thought they’d like to meet, I agreed without finding out who it was. Ty already knew though. Apparently, Beau had invited him at the picnic. It’s supposedly some big baseball player.
I know it’s supposed to be America’s sport, but I don’t follow baseball. My kid is awesome at it. So, I watch him, but that’s it. I’ll support him in whatever path he chooses—even if I wish he was more into basketball or football. Still, considering how much this means to Ty, I’m reminded of how special Beau is and how much I’ve fucked up. I’ve gotten closer to her in the past week, but she’s kept me securely in the friendzone. I haven’t even been able to kiss her again. It’s getting frustrating as hell. I need to find a way to break through this woman’s defenses. Every day I spend with her, the need to claim her increases. I’ve been doing my best not to push her too fast. I wanted to give her time to get to know me. Clearly that’s not working.
“Hey, beautiful,” I finally say as I make it to her. I’m rewarded with a light blush on her cheeks.
“Hey, Hunter. Thanks for bringing the boys. Gordo says to tell you he owes you one.”