Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
“You missed out boy,” the old man turned on Everest, but took a step back when I took a step closer to him. “We would have raised you on the path to righteousness. Now you’ll be doomed to a life of sin and an eternity in hell.”
Everest snorted. “Since the first time you’ve decided to see me you tried to kidnap me, I’ll consider that a win.” He walked across the street and slid into the passenger seat of my truck. The kid looked tough as he sat in the vehicle staring straight ahead, but the quiver in his lower lip told me a different story, and that just pissed me off.
“You just made a big mistake, and a powerful enemy. Better hope you get out of town before the cops find you.” I shook my head and took a few steps back to make sure I snapped a photo of their license plates just in case detective Keri missed it.
While the old man shuffled back to his car, I called Carson Creek PD and gave them a quick rundown of what had just happened. “Yeah, I have video too, but arresting those two for attempted kidnapping would be really helpful. Yeah, thanks.” I turned to Keri. “Think you can send that video to Bella?”
“Already did,” she shot back and then slid a worried look in Everest’s direction.
“Thanks.”
“I did it for him.”
“I know, and that’s why I’m thanking you for your quick thinking.” I smiled at her and she shrugged. “You might have some skills Lacey could use at her new paper if journalism interests you.”
“I’ll think about it,” she said absently and waved at Everest. “Make sure he’s good,” she said and ducked back inside the coffee shop.
Right. That was my job right now, to look after Everest until I got him back to his aunt. I jumped behind the steering wheel with a sigh and turned to Everest. He stared out the window not seeing anything in front of him, and I felt terrible for the kid. “So,” I sighed and waited until he turned to me with an expression of dread.
“Yeah?”
“I think you have a secret admirer.” I smirked. “Not much of a secret anymore, though.”
“Shut up,” he muttered and turned back to the window, but not before I caught his small smile and the blush staining his cheeks.
“What? I mean she might have just singlehandedly made sure you get to stay with your aunt.” He turned to me with a shocked expression. “She recorded that entire shitshow and sent it to Bella, so stop being embarrassed and figure out how you’re going to thank her.”
He was quiet for a long time, until I turned the truck down the long drive that split between our properties. “Thanks Derek. You’re a good dude.” And without another word or a look back, he jumped from the car and ran into the house.
Chapter 23
Bella
Sex. I couldn’t stop thinking about sex but that wasn’t the worst part of it. If it was, then I could totally understand a woman of my age in her sexual prime thinking of sex nonstop, but it was worse than that because it was a very specific type of sex—with Derek—that I couldn’t stop thinking about. The man was a force of nature, like a tornado or a hurricane, possibly a human wrecking ball. He was both annoying and irresistible all at once.
And I wanted him. Over and over and over again.
It was an impossible situation I’d gotten myself into, and the truth was I wasn’t eager too get out of this particular conundrum. Which only made me ten kinds of a fool. Maybe it’s just the sex. Maybe my brain was orgasm-addled and I just couldn’t focus on anything else, or separate my physical pleasure from actual pleasure.
“I must have hit my head,” I growled to myself as I drove away from the orchard and spotted Valona in the meadow on my way back to the house. “Val?”
She turned with a smile and a wave. “Bella, this is a nice surprise. I never get to see you when I come to shoot here.”
I smiled. “This is usually Everest’s job, but he went shopping in town with Derek.”
“Shopping with Derek, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Sounds like things are getting serious with you two.”
Serious. That was a laughable word where Derek Gregory was concerned. The man had literally made a name for himself by breaking hearts. “Things are convenient, I guess.” That much was true, at least. “I didn’t see anyone on the schedule for today.”
Val laughed. “Nice, if somewhat clumsy, change of subject. I’m booked for tomorrow, but I just wanted to set up some shots for back to back engagement photos tomorrow.”
I smiled. “Sounds like you’re officially a professional photographer now?”
She flashed a proud smile and nodded. “I guess even middle aged dreams do come true.”