Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 58108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
“How do you know anything about me and the man anyway?”
She pushed my drink toward me. “Seriously? This place has better gossip than Mrs. L.”
Holly’s family had owned and run the Seed ‘n Feed for generations, but the coffee shop had been her brainchild.
“My love life is town gossip?” I screeched.
She shook her head, then when the bell above the door jangled, she tipped her head that way. “Got it from that one.”
I looked to the door and in came Indi and Quincy, the new addition to the Alpha Mountain Security team I met at the barbeque. The one where Hayes and I chose to have sex behind the barn instead of socializing.
“You called them to join us?”
Indi came up and gave me a quick hug. “We want facts, and the only way to do that is to catch you on your lunch break.”
She knew me too well.
Quincy gave me a little wave–I didn’t take her for a hugger–and added, “I’m along for the ride.”
“Speaking of rides, I’m Holly, and you have the coolest ride in town.”
“Quincy. And thanks. Come out, and I’ll take you up sometime.”
Holly’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning, and she found her stocking full.
“Free drinks for you.”
Quincy laughed as Holly grabbed the pre-made wraps from the refrigerated display case. As she did that, Indi led me and Quincy to a table in the corner. I carried my drink and took a sip.
“Don’t waste any time.” Holly set plates in front of us. She sat as well, facing the door in case anyone came in. “I want all the dirty details. The dirtier the better.”
Indi’s and Quincy’s gazes swiveled to mine.
“It’s just a fling.”
Indi narrowed her eyes and held up a hand as Quincy took a bite of her turkey wrap. “Wait. You said it’s, not it was. Present tense. Meaning more than the barbeque.”
I look behind me then lean in. They lean in, too. “Hayes has… stopped by.”
“That’s…” Quincy stops to think. “Hot.”
I nod.
Holly fanned her face with a hand. “She’s right. That is so hot. All of them are hot, dang it. Every one of those guys is tastier than my chocolate cake. Taft’s too young for me, but Kennedy?”
She made a sound like she was having a mini-orgasm just thinking about him.
I couldn’t miss the way Quincy’s spine stiffened, but she remained silent and took a huge bite of her sandwich.
I was pretty sure Indi noticed too but didn’t say a word. She only dug into her lunch as well.
“Fine,” Holly replied. “It’s been five days. Five days of sex. With Hayes. Does he speak Spanish to you? Does his dick speak Spanish?”
I practically choked on my sandwich at her absurd question.
“I don’t know if he speaks Spanish or not–”
“He does,” Quincy offered.
“–because we’ve–”
“You’ve kept his mouth busy doing other things,” Indi finished.
I chuckled because she was so right.
Holly cocked her head to the side. “You act like this is a bad thing. A sexy SEAL rocking my world? I wouldn’t look so… grumpy.” She gasped. “Don’t tell me he’s bad in bed, and that’s why you look like you do. Please tell me that face isn’t because you’re orgasmless.”
They all looked at me.
“No. He’s good. God, really good.” Was it hot in here? “He’s very thorough. Totally ladies first.”
Indi nodded. “Ford’s like that, too. It’s as if he’s on a mission when we get in bed, and the end result is me fucked into unconsciousness.”
“I hate you,” Holly muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.
Indi gave a small smile and shrugged, completely content with being hated.
“Hayes is a great guy. What’s wrong?” Quincy asked.
I barely knew her, and she knew nothing of my past.
“I’m not looking for a relationship.”
“What’s wrong with him stopping by every night? Is he pushing you for more?”
I shrugged. “No, I told him outright it was just sex. He agreed.”
“But?” she prodded.
“But it’s hard to stick with that when he’s so good.”
“Good in bed or just good in general?” she asked.
“Both. Hayes is a good guy, and I don’t want that.”
They frown in unison. “You don’t want a good guy?” Holly asked. “Color me totally confused.”
“A good guy is great. I mean, who wants to be with an asshole? But he’s too good. Honorable.”
“That he is,” Quincy explained. “No one goes into the SEALs without a core of… justice. Of a clear distinction between right and wrong. Their job is to take out the bad guys. To protect the good.”
“You’re a deputy,” Holly pointed out. “What’s the difference? You’re helping people, too. Sure, you’re not doing HALO jumps or blowing up buildings, but it’s the same thing.”
Was it? I didn’t think so, and the three of them wouldn’t understand. I went into law enforcement because I’d had plenty of time in juvie–alone–to realize my dad never had my back. My mother was long gone and never cared about me. The only talents I had were felonies in most states. I’d had to turn my life around and make something of myself.