Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 94716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
“Allen Shepherd.” He said.
I pumped his hand two times before letting go. “Jack Stoker.”
Allen’s smile turned brighter as he heard my name. “You’re Winter Stoker’s…”
I smiled at the gently veiled question. It was also most assuredly a demand. “Husband.”
His eyebrows raised in question. “Kinda young to be married, aren’t you?”
My mouth quirked up at the side. “I’m twenty eight. Winter’s twenty-six. Although, we have been married for seven years now.”
“Young love. That’s how I met my Linnie. You know who I am, I’m guessing?” He asked while surveying the garage.
“Yeah. She told me about you. You feeling better?” I asked in concern.
He looked to be in better shape than most twenty year olds. Consequently, it was a surprise to me that a heart attack could bring someone of his caliber down so low.
He grinned. “They have me on some heart medicine now that I can’t even spell. I’ve been told that I need to be on a better diet. My wife threw away all my potato chips and bought me this baked shit. She even shows up at the firehouse and steals all the contraband. Not that I need to tell you how women can be. Seven years is more than enough time to see their controlling side.”
I smiled, but something pinched in my chest. I’d missed a lot with her; I’d give my left arm to be able to have those years back. “You need a mechanic?” I asked, eyeing his old Ford.
“No. The thing runs like a top. I’m looking for your wife.”
The snort escaped me before I could hold it back. “She’s probably still in bed sulking like a spoiled rotten brat.”
The high pitch squeal from behind me had me hunching my shoulders and planting my feet. Seconds later, one hundred and forty pounds of crazy red-headed woman hit my back and tried her best to tickle me. Although it was useless, I let her think she was winning, and then took her over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“Take it back, butthead!” She babbled, while trying to shove her hands down the front of my pants.
Restraining her hands, I turned her so she could see the visitor she’d obviously missed, otherwise she wouldn’t be jacking around right now. “You have a guest, Winter!” I said brightly.
All squirming stopped, and she hung limply for a few moments before springing up off my shoulder and smoothing her uniform shirt down. “Mr. Allen! How are you?”
His smile was already in place, but at her greeting, it got brighter. “I’m doing great. In fact, I just wanted to come see you. Although, I see you’re heading for work and I came at a bad time.”
Her smile was nearly a sneer when she replied. “Actually, I’m pretty sure today will be the day I get fired.”
Rolling my eyes, I turned and made my way back into the garage. Walking over to the 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback I was doing a tune up on, I ignored Winter’s whining and got to work, testing the spark plug wire resistance.
Reaching down, I fit my fat fingers into the small hole that allowed me to reach the first spark plug. Saying some power words, which consisted of ‘fuck,’ ‘damn,’ and ‘piss,’ I finally got the first one out. The next ones followed shortly after, also with some power words.
“I think you forgot ‘goddamn.’” James said as he leaned against the side of the car.
“No, I got that one. You just didn’t hear it.” I muttered.
My eyes flicked up to take him in, then flicked back down to the spark plugs.
James’ jaw was tense and I knew immediately that something was bothering him. The man didn’t have a single bone in his body that stayed pissed off for long. That is unless his ‘baby momma’ was in the picture.
“You need any help? My job’s finished.” James said, sounding slightly lost.
Now knowing something was really wrong to put that sound in his voice, I put the socket down and regarded him closely. His face was lined with fatigue, and dark purple rimmed the underside of his eyes. His clothes were dirty, and for that to happen this early in the morning meant he’d been up and working for quite some time.
“What’s going on?” I asked finally.
His eyes caught mine, and I finally saw the haunted look that was buried deep in them. “Anna decided to ramp up the heat. Now she’s claiming that I’ve raped Janie.”
The breath left my body with a whoosh. “You’re fucking joking!” I boomed.
The yell reverberated along the tin walls of the garage. Tools clanged as they were set down, and all eyes turned their attention to us. Sam was the first one over, followed shortly by Elliott, and then Max. When Winter started to head over, I gave her a warning look to stay back. No offense to Allen, but I didn’t know him, and I sure didn’t want him hearing any of this shit and spouting it off.
Max reacted like he’d been shot when James told them the newest development. “That fucking cunt!”
“Maximillian Tremaine!” Ember scolded from the open doorway of the garage.
“Fuck off. I’m allowed to say cunt when I’m mad.” Max growled.
Ember turned her nose up at him. “And what exactly is bad enough to make you think that it is ever okay to call a woman a fucking cunt?”
“Apparently, Anna filed a suit against James to get temporary custody because she claims that he’s raped Janie.” Max said gruffly.
“That…that…that…” Ember kept saying over and over again.
“Cunt?” Elliott supplied helpfully, smiling wide.
“Cunt!” Ember seethed.
“That’s a nasty word. The woman may be one, but that doesn’t mean you should use the word. You all have kids, it’s time to clean up y’all’s mouths.” Winter called from the other side of the Mustang.
She’d crept up on all of us. Which was hard to do with four Army Rangers who were trained to know better. “Allen leave?”
“Yes. I’ll talk to you all later. I have to get to work.” She grumbled.
Kissing me softly on the lips, we all watched her go to her car before turning back and resuming the conversation. “So, what are you going to do?” Sam asked.