Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Understanding washes over her features. “You’re being bull-headed.”
At the term bull-headed, the irritation dies. I glance over her neck and chest, a sense of satisfaction racing through me at the little marks on her skin.
“What’s so amusing?” she huffs.
I thrust deep, her breath hitching.
“On second thought, I’ll do all the work.”
The waiter places the wine in front of Rowan, leering a little too closely at her.
He’s either seeking a death wish or the stupidest motherfucker on the planet. After a few seconds, I clear my throat. “You can go.” He snaps out of his trance and hurries away.
“That was rude,” she whisper-hisses.
“He was staring at your tits.”
“He was not. If anything, he was noticing the terrible attempt at concealing the marks you left behind.”
My eyes are drawn to the path from her collarbone to the skin that disappears under the neckline of her dress. I sip my whiskey, trying not to smile.
“You’re crowing.”
“Just admiring my work.”
She tries to keep a straight face but gives in, smiling brightly. She takes a sip of her wine, choking mid-swallow with wide eyes.
“Hello, Rowan, Ford.”
Tera steps close, bending to kiss my cheek. Ice hardens in my veins when I catch the man at her side. Instinctively, I stand, shielding Rowan from view.
“Tera,” I grate out, mentally working through the exits while reading him.
The shift in his stance, squaring his shoulders and taking me in. A flicker of recognition passes before his gaze goes blank.
“Ford, this is my friend, Kent.”
He offers his hand, grinning in the way you make an acquaintance. “Nice to meet you, Ford.”
“Kent,” I drop his hand.
“And this is Rowan.”
Rowan stands, offering her hand and I intervene, curling her to my side.
“How about a drink?” Tera asks with unusual cheeriness.
“We’re actually leaving.” I get my credit card out of my wallet and slip it to a passing waiter.
“That’s too bad.” She pouts. Unlike Rowan, her sulk resembles a spoiled brat. “How’s the salon, Rowan?”
“Doing great.”
“And your new line of products? Did you ever make anything out of that?”
Rowan tenses picking up on the sarcasm. “Actually, yes. The first order will be on my shelves next week.”
Tera’s grin falters. “Well, that came together fast.”
“Not fast enough. My dad and I have been working on this for years. The business side didn’t take as long as we expected.”
“Guess it helps to have money in your corner.”
My blood boils at the insult and insinuation. Rowan’s fingers dig into my side and she laughs. Actually, it’s more of a humorless cackle.
“My support system is an immense driving force and is irreplaceable. I’m glad I had the sense to save up all these years to provide the financial springboard.”
“I’m sure that will help with buying a new house, too. The market has really skyrocketed,” Tera says through gritted teeth.
“Actually, the house hunt is on hold.” Rowan peers up at me, the glimmer in her eyes full of intent. “I realized Ford’s not a townhome type of man. He needs space. We’ll enjoy the club until we build.”
“You’re moving into the Whitman home?” Tera squeaks. “Does Celia know?”
“Yes, she’s excited and planning a trip soon. She’s thrilled to add a woman’s touch back to the place.”
Pride spikes in my system. Without missing a beat, Rowan delivered the blow that knocks Tera off course.
“Mr. Whitman?”
I turn to the waiter and take the leather binder, adding a tip and signing without breaking eye contact with Kent. He has the audacity to appear bored.
“How do you know Tera?” I ask.
“We met through work.” Tera links her arm through his elbow. “Speaking of work, how is your new project?”
“No project, still the same position,” I counter coolly.
“What about the drug bust?”
“One-time thing. Back at the station.”
She stiffens, the color draining from her face. Her shock and Kent’s reaction don’t escape me.
“You caught a ring of robbers last night, right, honey?”
I break my stare down and peek at Rowan. She’s so damn adorable my cock stirs against my jeans.
“Something like that.” I kiss her forehead. “You ready to go?”
“Absolutely.” She turns back to them. “You should try the lobster ravioli. It’s divine.”
“I can’t imagine eating such calories and fat.” Tera presses her hand to her stomach.
At this, I’m done, steering Rowan to the side. “Have a nice dinner,” I call over my shoulder, leading her out of the restaurant and to my truck.
The second I’m in my seat, Rowan launches in. “What a bitch!”
“Yep.”
“I wish Charlie or Jewls were here. They’d slay her.”
“You did a good job knocking her off her high horse.”
“Her prima donna pedestal was insulting.”
I kiss her hand and place it on my knee.
“She was pissed hearing I’m moving in. Why?”
“Probably because the last time she saw me, I laid into her.”
“You did?”
“Remember that morning when I told you there was something I had to handle before leaving town?”
She nods.
“Tera took it upon herself to cancel her lease and chose to wait for the apartment with a view. When I found out, I went crazy. That Monday morning, I stopped by the rental office and made sure she got in that apartment that weekend. Then I called her parents and explained she needed help to move. She played the wrong man.”