Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
We stare at each other. This is one staring contest I won’t lose.
Fighting for us is the only thing I can do.
CHAPTER
THREE
MARCH
Is that what he thinks? I mean it is obvious she is about the age where she would have been conceived in high school. Is he saying he thinks I was cheating on him? Not to mention, she looks just like his mom. I imagine, though, that it must be so easy for him to think that of me when he has been doing it since college. “Look, we have nothing to talk about, and my daughter and I are going out of town. So, if you would kindly leave, I would appreciate it.”
“Well I just found you after years of looking for you, so there is no way I am letting you out of my sight.” I know I am looking at him like he is crazy because he is.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I suppose it means I am coming with you.” Alright, yeah, it is official: he has gone crazy since I saw him last.
“That will absolutely not be happening. I am not letting you come anywhere with me and my daughter. I don’t know who you think you are, but out here in Arizona, your family name means nothing. So why don’t get back in that fancy car and go the way you came.” I cannot believe I said all of that.
“It’s cute that you think I am going anywhere without you.” Then, my phone rings. I don’t look and see who is before answering.
“Hello.”
“Hi, March.” Oh crap, it’s Todd.
“Hi, Todd, what's up?” Joshua’s face turns dark at the mention of another man’s name. His fists begin to ball up and I can see him getting that possessive look in his eye, like he used to when we were in school. It shouldn’t make me ache for him, but it does. Hell, I should be immune to him by now.
“Juniper is not in class, and I was worried. Is everything alright or are you running late?” I turn my back to Josh. My life is none of his business.
“No. I forgot we are going out of town. I’m sorry.”
“Oh. How long are you going to be gone?” I can hear the disappointment in his voice, and I tell myself as soon as we come home, I am going to finally say yes to his date.
“About six weeks.”
“Wow. That is a long time.”
“Yeah. Tell me about it.”
“Well we are certainly going to miss both of you around here.”
“Junie is going to miss you too.” She loves that class, and Todd is her favorite.
“Alright, well, call me if you need anything.” Suddenly, I hear growling behind me. Before I can turn around I hear Joshua.
“She is not going to need anything from you.” Holy shit, that was hot. My panties are literally on fire right now, but I am also pissed he was listening to my conversation.
“Who was that?”
“No one. Listen, we have to go. Talk to you later.” I hang up fast and spin around with my hand on my hip. “Are you serious? What were you doing listening to my phone call? That had nothing to do with you.” He gets right in my face, so close I could pucker my lips and kiss him.
“Everything about you is my business. Now, if we are going to get going, we should put everything in your truck.” Just then, Junie chooses to come back outside right now. Could this get any worse?
CHAPTER
FOUR
JOSHUA
“I have everything, Mommy,” the little girl says, causing March to turn away first and me to smirk. I never lose a staring contest.
“Run on out to the and buckle yourself into your booster seat. I’ll be right there.”
I step out of the way, but not entirely off of the porch. I just found her; there’s no way in hell I’m going to let her out of my sight ever again.
I grab my singular bag from my rental car and put it in the truck along with her things. I didn’t plan on being gone long, but plans change. I open the driver-side door for her, and if looks could kill, I’d be dead. What the hell did I do?
“No, really. What the hell are you doing?” March asks me.
“Oooh, you said a cuss word, Mommy.” Silence fills the air for long minutes. Then laughter. Both March and I burst out laughing. Damn, this kid is hilarious. Her delivery was amazing.
“I did, baby. I’m sorry. When we get home, I’ll put a dollar in the swear jar. Seatbelt, now.” She closes the back seat door, leaving us outside the car. “Now, as for you, what are you doing?” she asks, crossing her arms over her ample chest.
“I said I was coming with you, and you, of all people, know that I do exactly what I say that I’m going to do. I’m not leaving until I get some answers. You owe me an explanation.”