Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 46081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
“Are you sure about this?” she asked for what had to be the tenth time. “I did not come here looking for you to put me up. I’m fine staying in the motel while I visit.” Even though it put a strain on her finances.
He grunted then smiled. “I assume you’re still paying rent back in Minnesota?”
“Well, yeah, I wasn’t planning to move here.”
That had him laughing. “Well then, I’ll warn you that the ladies are already plotting for that exact thing. But there’s no point in you paying for an apartment in one state and a long-term hotel in another. You already committed to staying through the holidays.” He winked.
Right. She had, which did mean weeks of hotel payments.
She’d focus on the warmth spreading through her at his statement about the ladies wanting her to move there later. Otherwise, she’d likely break down in tears at their kindness and welcoming attitudes.
“I mean, it’s perfect. More than I need, really, but can I give you some money for it? I’ll be consuming resources I should pay you for.”
“Fuck that. You’re family, like everyone else here. We take care of family. It’s not charity or weakness. It’s family.” He stood in the doorway, arms folded and a scowl on his face that seemed incongruous with his accommodating words. She appreciated that he kept some physical distance. Though she felt safe around him—more than most men for sure—she wasn’t quite ready for casual touching, hugs, or closeness.
Of course, that made no sense since she seemed to crave it from Frost.
God, she was a mess.
“Well then, thank you. I’d love to stay here while I’m in town.” She had a good life. No, she wasn’t rich, but she was comfortable enough to see to her own needs. But everything she had, she’d earned alone. No one helped to achieve her goals. No one paved the way. No one stood at her back, encouraging progress or offering a helping hand. While foreign, it felt incredible having people in her corner now.
“Excellent. I’ll go with you to get your stuff and check out of the motel.”
She tilted her head. “I can do it. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.”
“Fuck that.”
She chuckled. It seemed to be his favorite phrase.
“No one in this family needs to take care of themselves alone. Got it?”
“I hear you. Might take a little bit for me to get used to it.”
“Don’t worry. We’re really good at getting all up in each other’s business.” He rolled his eyes. “Especially the ol’ ladies. Trust me, you’ll be begging for privacy and peace in no time.”
No. She wouldn’t. She’d revel in their concern and interest.
“Okay, um… when do you want to go?”
“No time like the present. We can take Brooke’s car. All I have here is my bike.”
She’d never ridden a motorcycle and if it wasn’t for her suitcase, she might have asked for a ride.
He laughed. “Promise you’ll get a chance to ride.”
“What? I didn’t say anything.”
“You think I don’t know that curious, excited, nervous look? It’s the same look everyone gets if they’ve never ridden a motorcycle. How much you wanna bet Frost asks you on his bike in the next day or two?”
Her heart stilled. “Frost? What? Why would he ask me?”
Way to play it cool, Rach.
Curly just raised an eyebrow.
Her face heated. “What?” she asked in the most unconvincingly innocent tone ever, unable to meet his gaze.
He laughed. “Come on, kid, I can tease you later. Let’s get your shit.”
As she walked toward the door, the meaning of the moment struck her. He was acting exactly like a big brother, teasing her about a guy and helping take care of her. Her throat thickened, and she walked straight to him. With watery eyes and a heavy thudding in her chest, she threw her arms around his waist and squeezed hard. “Thank you,” she whispered.
There was so much more to be said than those simple words, but anything further died in her tight throat.
Thank you for believing me.
Thank you for welcoming me.
Thank you for offering me a safe and comfortable place to stay.
Thank you for offering your incredible family to me.
But he seemed to understand the depth of her gratitude and how important the past few days had been to her.
“You never have to thank me for a damn thing, Rachel. I’m just sorry I missed so many years of knowing you.” His arms closed gently around her, and that’s when she lost it. He didn’t squeeze, didn’t overwhelm her, and didn’t trap her in his embrace. Like the rest of his club, he accepted her trauma and all.
And the whole group worked to pull her into the fold.
The sappy feelings evaporated, and she almost smacked herself in the head.
Of course.
That’s why Frost was acting so kind and protective. He wanted to impress his president. And she’d basically thrown herself at him.