Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22339 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22339 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
I stomp my heel, but he’s quick to move his foot. “I’m not and he wasn’t. He was being sweet.”
“Sweetheart, you were giggling and smiling in his arms. You were one minute from leaving here and dropping your panties for him. Don’t fucking lie to me.” There’s a feral way to his voice that almost makes me think he’s jealous, but I know better.
Besides, he’s wrong about my feelings for Mack. Although I don’t want Colter to know it because he’s probably going to screw that girl he’s here with tonight.
“What is it of your business who I fuck, Colter North? We’re not lovers, we’re not exes, we’re barely friends. In fact, I hate you,” I hiss.
“Well, I don’t hate you, Bethany, and I never will.” He scrapes his fingers through his hair, then clenches his fists like he’s about to wring my neck. “Damn it, you tempt me to commit murder when I’ve sworn to protect and save lives, little girl.”
I tip my face up at him, puffing out my chest, moving closer so he steps closer to the wall behind him. “You want to kill me and I never want to see you again, so how about you go back to your girlfriend and get out of my life, North?”
“Never. You’re mine to care for, always. I don’t want to be here, Bethany, and I shouldn’t be, but…” He shakes his head as if there’s more to say, but he just can’t or won’t.
He stares down at my lips, and I swear he’s going to kiss me, so I do the unthinkable: stand on my tiptoes and throw my arms around him, kissing Colter dead on the lips. He freezes—stunned — before giving in and kissing me back. Our mouths opened and our tongues slid past one another, tasting each other. It’s like heaven.
Blissful passion drives my hands in his thick dark brown hair, moaning against his lips. I’ve waited forever to kiss him, and it must be a dream, but he quickly yanks me away. He stares into my eyes, which immediately fill with tears.
“Stop it. Damn it. Stop this, Beth. Stop. This was a mistake.” He grabs my wrists, spins us around, and pins me to the wall, leaning over me. His entire body was pressed against mine, and I could feel the reaction our kiss had on him. “You need to calm down. You’re drunk.” I’m not that drunk. I stared at him with wide eyes. He called me Beth.
“Colter, is everything okay?” Grant asks from the edge of the hallway where the party is in full swing.
“No, Bethany has had too much to drink.”
“I haven’t. You’re just a heartbreaking jerk who I don’t want to see ever again,” I huff, trying to break out of his hold, but he’s too damn strong.
“Do you want me to drive her home?” Grant asks, always being the responsible one. The good brother and the one who wouldn’t hurt a soul. He found his wife and married her as soon as possible. They’re so cute together it’s precious to witness, but Colter’s another story.
“Would you?” Since when have they worked so well together? They bump heads every time I’m around.
“I don’t need a ride. I can walk home from here.” It’s true. My apartment is within walking distance from the party. Most places in town are walking distance if you feel up to a hike.
I start to move away, but Colter has my wrist, pulling me into his arms with my back to his chest. God, why does it feel so good? “The fuck you can. Don’t test me,” he growls against my ear, biting down on it. I hate the way my body reacts to the sound of his voice and the feeling of his touch.
“Sure, I’ll take her home. Anna wants to go home already and check on the kids.”
“Okay. Thanks.” He tightens his hold and then whispers, “Let another man touch you and it’s the last thing he does.” Then he finally lets me go, giving me a pat on the ass, pushing me forward.
I turn and scowl at him, but he just dares me to say something. Grant takes my arm and leads me away. “Come on, I don’t want Anna to get hit on by any of the drunk assholes.”
“But they know you’re married to her,” I reminded him. No one wants to fuck with Grant North. The man is a mountain of a man and the town detective. He’s got brass balls and a really bad case of obsession when it comes to his wife.
“Yes, well, they still try because she’s gorgeous and I work long hours.”
“Fair point.” I sigh, following him to where he last left his wife. “Grant, why is your brother such an asshole?”
He shrugs in his usual way. “Born that way. Major malfunction, sorry kiddo, but come on. We’ll get you home nice and safely.”