Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“I need an address if I’m going to get you home anytime soon,” Theo says after pulling out of his parking spot in a vehicle I’m all too knowledgeable about how many zeros are in its price. Much like his penthouse, the black-on-black luxury sports car goes with his personality.
“Amelia and West 304th Street.” I don’t give him the exact location of my apartment. I do have some sense of self-preservation.
“Alright,” Theo responds while he’s looking both ways before pulling out of the parking garage. I’m doing everything in my power not to look at him, but it’s kind of hard when nothing else seems to be holding your attention. His hand is on the gear shifter in the center console, and his firm thighs move seamlessly as he goes from first gear and drops into second. That’s when my gaze zeroes in on his muscular forearm, watching each flex and pull. It’s porn for women of all kinds, there’s no two ways about it.
“So, tell me about yourself, Danica.” Our eyes collide. The tilt of his lips tells me I’ve been caught staring. I pull myself away from his warm eyes. The back of my head meets the headrest, and I close my eyes, gathering my thoughts and composure. There’s something about Theo. He makes me want to do the unthinkable—trust a man who’s worth billions.
“Hmm, well, I work at Clean and Gleam full-time, have for years now.” A shiver runs down my spine thinking about how I thought my eighteen-year-old self could bounce right back with the wad of cash my mother gave me. It was a hope and a prayer. It wasn’t until after staying at the women’s shelter for nearly a week that Mallory hired me on. I worked a few hours a day while completing my high school career in the form of a GED at the women’s shelter. As much shit as she gives me, I give it right back, and even when I joke that she’d fire me, I know she wouldn’t. It’s also why I usually have the choice of where I work. “I also work at a bar a few Saturdays a month when there’s a concert and they need a second set of hands. After working for Mallory, I head to night classes at the local college.” The money from the bar is pocketed away, a fallback in case there’s ever a time dear old stepdad decides to come looking and I need to get the fuck out of town. It’s been seven years. There’s no reason for him to try and find me. Unless something happens to my mom.
“Do you ever sleep? It’s kind of hard to do it all with the schedule you’re handling.” I want to roll my eyes. Oh, I’m handling life alright. That being said, men should never underestimate the power of a woman who is determined.
“Every night for at least six to seven hours. Sundays are my one day off a week.” I shrug my shoulders. Not that Theo can see the gesture; he’s maneuvering the car with careful precision, weaving in and out of traffic. I have no doubt he could drive the streets of New York in his sleep, unlike myself. I have a license. I use Clean and Gleam as my address for the majority of my bills and packages I order as well. Did I mention Mallory is a freaking saint?
“You can stop here,” I tell Theo when he’s at a stop light a block from the front of my building.
“Not fucking likely. I’ll park and walk you up.” This time, I really can’t contain myself. My eyes roll in a fluttering of lashes, and I cross my arms over my chest, causing me to look down my body. Theo is in his several-thousand-dollar suit, while I’m in a white tank I found in the clearance bin, jean shorts from jeans that had more holes than I could repair, and shoes that are beyond scuffed up. We’re complete opposites in every way imaginable, yet Theo seems not to care.
“Theo, I, um… Yeah, well, this isn’t the best area, and while I appreciate you walking me up to my apartment, it’s probably not a good idea.” My words fall on deaf ears. “Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.” He does the impossible and finds a parking spot along the curb at this time of day. Never have I seen one around at this hour. Luck must run through his veins.
“It’ll be fine. Now you want to tell me which building is yours?”
“That one, a few stoops up the street.” I nod toward the brick building. He grumbles something, but I don’t catch it. He’s busy opening his door, unfolding from his seat, then closing the door, and then it’s me scrambling from my seat. I grab my small bag by my feet, hand going to the door to open it, when Theo appears.