Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
I came to Cottonwood to find my sister because I knew she was in trouble. Sure, I could fix a problem. That was easy. Beyond that, I have no clue. I’m really not good at relationships. I’ve never needed to be.
When I hear the click of boots coming, my eyes go to the stairs. This time, June has on jean shorts, showing off her toned legs. She has on a simple black shirt that might as well be a second skin. The curves on this woman are endless. What I wouldn’t do to grab on to that hem. So many dirty thoughts flash through my mind, but I somehow maintain my composure.
“You two are still not getting along?” Paisley asks, a small pout forming on her lips.
"It's she who doesn't get along with me." June doesn’t spare me a glance. She passes by, heading toward the kitchen, where everyone always disappears.
“June! That pie is still cooling. We’re about to eat,” I hear her mom yell at her.
“June could eat the whole pie and still have room for a whole meal,” Paisley informs me. “I don’t know where she puts it all.”
June is a tiny thing, but she has an ass on her.
“She doesn’t like me.” I change the subject back, not wanting to touch that one. I’m sure my sister doesn’t want to know what I think of June’s body. I’m still reeling from it. I’ve heard some men are ass or tit men. I guess I’m an ass man because June’s is the first I’ve ever noticed.
“I’m sure she’s over that now.” Paisley waves her hand dismissively. “She thought you were taking me away from Cottonwood, but now she knows you were trying to help.” She beams up at me with a giant smile. “June loves everyone, unless you’re rude. Then she’ll give you a taste of your own medicine.”
There is something I want to give her a taste of, but I don’t think June would have any part of that.
“I’ll talk to her.”
“Don’t,” I quickly say. The last thing I need is for my baby sister to come to my defense.
“Maybe if we all hang out or something,” Paisley suggests.
“Dinner!” June shouts through the house.
“Got you another one.” Wyatt hands me the scotch. I shoot it back again before I follow them into the dining room, where the whole table is covered in food. You’d think it was Thanksgiving and not a Sunday afternoon.
I take the chair across from June. This all might be strange and foreign to me, but at least I’ll enjoy the view.
3
JUNE
All through dinner, my mom and Paisley go on about wedding stuff. I hate that a part of me feels jealous. My mom is so excited and animated. I've never been the girly-girl that I'm sure she longed for. It's not that I believe she doesn't love me.
I’m thrilled for Paisley. If anyone deserves a family, it's her. When she talks about how she grew up, it breaks my heart. I couldn’t imagine a life with parents that didn’t love and support me. Not wanting to invade their bonding time, I eat instead, knowing that Luka is staring at me. Why? I have no freaking clue. He’s probably judging me for one thing or another.
When everyone is done, I help clear the table. It gives me an escape and keeps me busy. When I come back into the dining room to grab more dishes, Luka snags me by the wrist. This isn’t the first time he’s done this. He also did it the first day I met him when I told him if he was taking Paisley, I was coming with them. He hadn’t shot down the idea. He dragged me right along.
“What are you doing?”
“Come with me.” He gives me a tug, forcing me to follow him. I should protest, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Luka heads for the front door, taking us out onto the porch.
“Why are you dragging me around again?” I try to tease him.
“I can’t help myself.” He comes to a stop. His thumb brushes back and forth against my skin. He's still holding on to me. “I thought maybe I remembered it wrong,” Luka mutters. I think it’s more to himself.
“Remembered what wrong?” I ask, confused by what the heck he is talking about.
“How soft you are.”
Whoa, I really didn’t see that coming.
“You don’t like me.” Before things get out of control here, I remind him.
“I like you.” His brows pull together with a perplexed expression. I can’t help but laugh. He could have fooled me. I mean, if this is what him liking me looks like, then I’d hate to see what disliking me would.
“I’m guessing you’re not too thrilled about that?”
“I didn’t say that.” His words were unnecessary. His actions speak volumes.
“You didn’t have to.” I pull my arm back, but he doesn’t let me.