Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Jake’s brows disappear under his shaggy hair. “One might argue that’s not possible.”
“What?” I laugh, but the sound wouldn’t fool anyone. I don’t find this conversation amusing. “Now that you’re married, you’re going to lecture single guys about sex without emotional commitment?”
“Since when is this what you want?” he asks. “I’ve seen women throw themselves at you for years, but you’ve never been promiscuous before. You wanted more than that, but now . . .”
“Now I’m what?”
Jake groans and braces his hands on his knees. “You’ve been different since Max died. You try to hide it, but that shit? Your phone blowing up with offers for blowjobs or booty calls or whatever the fuck she was offering, and you drinking too much, then disappearing with random women—”
I fly out of my chair and spin on him. “Like you didn’t have a little fun before you and Ava settled down. Hell, you almost slept with your sister-in-law. I really don’t think you’re in a position to lecture me right now.”
Jake’s nostrils flare. He doesn’t like talking about that night with Molly. It was fucking years ago, and long before he and Ava, or Brayden and Molly got together. I’m a jackass for throwing it in his face like this, but I’m not about to be lectured just because he’s finally settled down.
Jake stares me down. “I don’t give a shit if you want to sleep with every single woman in this town, but Teagan is practically part of this family. If you’re planning to make her one of your new fuck buddies, do us all a favor and make sure she understands it isn’t actually about her, but some half-assed coping mechanism.”
I feel my hands curl into fists at my sides. I haven’t punched one of my brothers in more than a decade, but I’m itching to knock this one out right now.
Jake’s gaze flicks to my fists before meeting mine again. Slowly, he stands. “I see what the rest of them don’t, and I haven’t said shit because I know you’re grieving. I know this is hard for you.”
“You don’t know shit about how this is for me.” I shove him, and he stumbles into the chair but doesn’t fall. I wait for him to shove me back or take a swing—I fucking want him to—but he doesn’t. He looks . . . devastated.
He shakes his head one last time, then turns around and heads inside, stopping only when he has one foot in the door. “You’re my brother. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. For a while, that meant giving you space to deal with what happened, but right now, it includes calling you on your bullshit.”
Teagan
I scored big when I found a house in my budget within walking distance to downtown Jackson Harbor. I love that I can get almost everywhere I want to go on foot, and when the weather is nice, I usually do. But after talking to my mom this morning, I hesitate outside my front door, fidgeting with my keys. It’s a beautiful October evening. The sun sinks low on the horizon, painting the sky in red and orange and casting a magical glow around the rainbow of autumn colors in the trees. The light breeze is cool and bites at my cheeks, but I know it’ll feel amazing when I start walking. If I can convince myself to walk.
Rich Nasser isn’t in Jackson Harbor. He won’t be here for another few days. But knowing he’s coming has made me skittish in my own town.
“Screw you, Rich.” I shove my keys into my purse and head to the sidewalk. I won’t let the anticipation of his presence scare me into hiding.
It’s a ten-minute walk to the bar, but I get there in eight, my steps quicker than usual. Usually, I enjoy the solitude of the short walk, but tonight, I’m anxious for company. I get my wish the moment I step into Jackson Brews.
The bar is bustling with activity. The Chicago Bears are playing on the big screens, and the booths are filled with familiar faces enjoying a meal as they watch the game. I’m struck by a tug of tenderness. For this place. For this town.
Saanvi planned to do a destination wedding from the start—her genius way of avoiding the massive guest list of virtual strangers Mom and Dad wanted to put together for a wedding at home. When she picked Jackson Harbor, I was thrilled and not even a little surprised. She fell in love with this town at first sight, just like I did. She would’ve moved here after college if her fiancé, Liam, didn’t already have a job back in Alexandria. She might not be able to move here with me, but if she can have her special day in the town that stole both of our hearts, I’m happy.