Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
He winks when I look at him. “The boss man already called. He said the pretty lady gets it free.”
Surprised, I thank him and put some money into his tip jar.
I walk back toward the parking lot and once I get to the truck, Cane is standing there, holding the passenger side door open. I hand him his drink and he thanks me.
“No thanks necessary. You didn’t even let me pay for it,” I admonish him.
He takes both the drinks and reaches inside his truck to set them in the cup holder. He then takes the wreath out from under my arm and puts it into the back seat. Then he holds his hand out and I grab it to heft myself up into the tall cab. When I have trouble getting in, he releases my hand, grips my hips and puts me up into the truck, fastening my seatbelt around me.
I’m stunned. He doesn’t even seem winded from lifting me. “Uhm, thanks.”
He stops with his face close to mine. His hand brushes my cheek. “Anytime, sweetness.”
Cane
She sure is tempting. Too bad I’ve sworn off relationships. When my ex-wife cheated on me, it sort of ruined me for other women. Candy is the first woman that has piqued my interest in a long time.
As soon as I get in my seat, her scent hits my nose. She’s not only beautiful, but she also smells good.
I already had the truck running, and I welcome the warmth as I rub my hands together. “Where are we going?”
She turns sideways in the seat to face me. “Well, the tree is for my office, but I don’t want to have you go to two places tonight. We can just take it to my house. I live downtown.”
I almost laugh because she thinks it’s a burden for me to spend more time with her. “No. Let me help you get the tree set up in your office. Maybe later I can take you to dinner before taking you home?”
Indecision crosses her face and I worry that she is about to turn me down, but she surprises me with a lift of her shoulders. “Why not? My office is on Bruce Street.”
I turn to the road, put the truck into gear and take off toward downtown. “Okay, so I have to ask. What is the list?”
She feigns ignorance. “What list?”
I look over at her and she’s looking in the opposite direction out the window. “The list you mentioned earlier. When you said your date checked off everything on the list.”
She groans and puts her hand to her temple. “Okay, fine, I’m a list person. I like to make lists. I have a list of what I’m looking for in Mr. Right.”
I laugh and when she looks my way with her eyebrows raised, sort of like I’ve offended her, I explain, “I think you need to work on that list – especially if your boyfriend aced it.”
“He’s not my boyfriend. It was our first date and I’ve known him for weeks and finally agreed to go out with him. I have never seen the side of him that I did tonight.” She sighs.
“I hope you’re not going to go out with him again?” Surely she’s smarter than that. She’s too damn good for him.
She looks at me disgustedly. “Of course not. It was definitely a mistake. I usually don’t date men that call me a fat bitch. Of course, work might be a little awkward.” When I look at her questioningly, she shrugs her shoulders. “He works next door to my office.”
My chest tightens. I don’t have any right to, but a possessive feeling consumes me. I don’t want him talking to her—hell, I don’t want him to breathe the same air as her. “Maybe I should pay him a visit. I’m not going to let him harass you.”
She looks at me with surprise. “Cane, I can take care of myself. I’ve done it for a long time now.”
I decide to leave her alone about it. It’s not in my nature to stand by and let a woman take care of a problem on her own. But obviously Candy is independent. Hopefully, she’ll tell me if she needs my help. “Fine, but promise you’ll tell me if he bothers you.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Cane, we just met. I’m not going to get you involved.” She looks out the window again.
I reach over and touch her hand, giving it a quick squeeze. “I’ll be around… Promise me.”
She looks shocked, but finally nods her head agreeably.
“I’m at the corner of the next block.” She interrupts my thought, pointing ahead of us.
I park in front of her office and immediately jog around the truck to open the door. She hesitates before she climbs down and I can’t stop myself from picking her up from the seat and lowering her slowly to the ground. I wanted to slide her body down mine, but I figured she’s already had a rough night. I don’t want to pressure her or try to take advantage of her.