Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 86158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“Well, yeah, I’ve noticed that much,” he said teasingly. “I could not fuckin’ believe you insisted on walkin’ to home plate.”
“I wasn’t about to let Tommy win,” I replied honestly. “I would’ve crawled to that fucking base.”
“I’m glad it wasn’t worse than it was,” he said, tightening his arm around me.
“Me too,” I confessed. “I’ve slid a million times wearing shorts. We all wore shorts when I was playing and it wasn’t a huge deal. I didn’t even think about it when I saw that you were going to tag me out.”
“Not exactly the same as a manicured softball diamond,” he said dryly.
“It was grass,” I defended. “How was I supposed to know there was a stick hiding in there?”
“Common sense?”
“Ha,” I replied flatly.
“You’re gonna have a big ass bruise when you wake up,” he said, kissing my shoulder. “And it’s gonna be sore.”
“Yeah, I’ll deal,” I replied, shifting a little. All the talk about my leg had made me super aware of it and the soreness that was already setting in. I wasn’t about to admit it though.
“It’s gonna be hell standin’ on it all day.”
“I’ll be okay,” I said, lifting our hands so I could kiss the back of his. “I have a stool inside the shop that I can rest on. It’s sweet of you to worry, though.”
“You get a lot of time to rest when you’re workin’?”
Well, wasn’t that just a minefield of a question?
“No, not a lot,” I hedged. “We have a lot of regulars that come through in the morning, but there’s usually a lull later in the day.”
“That’s good.”
“Speaking of regulars,” I said, anxious to change the subject. “So, do you remember how that cop was practically stalking Kara around the time Draco got out?”
“I think I remember hearin’ a little about it,” he replied. “Wasn’t he fired or somethin’?”
“Yeah, he was,” I replied. “He works as a security guard now. Anyway, he comes by the cart at least once a day. Isn’t that weird?”
“Say what?” Bishop replied, his voice losing the relaxed tone.
“Yeah, he comes at least once, sometimes twice a day.”
“What the fuck?”
“He’s an asshole, but he’s a paying customer,” I replied, shrugging my shoulder. “And I don’t think he stops if Kara is working—she would’ve said something.”
“But he stops once or twice when you are?”
“Yep.”
“Charlie,” he said. It was practically a growl.
“What?” I turned my head to look at him.
“Have you told anyone?”
“There’s nothing to tell,” I replied defensively. “He stops for coffee and then goes on his way, usually with a couple of asshole comments thrown in. No big deal. I’ve been tempted to accidentally spill his hot coffee when I’m handing it over, but I’m not turning down the sale.”
“He needs to stay the fuck away from you,” Bishop said firmly.
“I own a coffee shop that’s centrally located. The chances of running into him are pretty high. Why are you getting all riled up about it?”
“If he’s not stoppin’ when Kara works there then he must know when she’s not workin’ and when you are.”
“Well, yeah,” I replied. “He probably knows what cars we drive.”
“And you’re not seein’ why this is a problem?”
“No.” I shrugged. “I mean he’s annoying and an asshole, but it’s not like he’s done anything to me. I hate the guy for the shit he put Kara through, but he stays in his car and orders his coffee and pays for it. There’s no reason not to serve him.”
“You see any other customers twice a day?”
“Well,” I said, drawing out the word. “No. But like I said, it’s a sale.”
“That’s because it’s fuckin’ weird that he’s comin’ through more than once. People grab a cup on their way to work, or on their way into town for whatever reason. They don’t keep comin’ back all day.”
“It’s not unheard of,” I hedged.
“Just keep an eye out,” Bishop said, his tone dark. “Men like that, the bullies, they always escalate. You don’t give him the attention he wants, he’s gonna take it anyway he can.”
“He can fucking try me,” I replied, unconcerned. “I’ll put that little douche in his place.”
Bishop burst out laughing.
“What?” I snapped.
“Honey, you’re adorable—”
“I don’t think I like where this is going,” I cut in.
“—but you’re tiny,” he continued. “You goin’ up against a full-grown man ain’t gonna go well for you.”
“I grew up in an outlaw motorcycle club,” I replied slowly. “I know how to even the odds.”
“I bet you do,” he said, reaching out to cup my cheek. “But you need to keep your eyes open anyway, Charlie. All it takes is one time catchin’ you off guard and you’re in a world of trouble.”
“I know.”
“Alright, then.”
“Okay.”
“You gonna keep sayin’ somethin’ so you get the last word?”
“Yep.”
“Alright.”
“Cool.”
I flipped back around and lay my head down on the pillow, letting him pull me in close against his chest.