Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61905 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61905 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Now, get me something in red.”
Her eyes go wide, but she remains silent.
Good woman.
He hasn’t annoyed me for two days, and the wedding day is creeping up on me.
But Becca, I’ve seen her every day. We haven’t gone further than kisses to the lips, and I’m okay with that. I have so much going on that I’m not really sure it was smart to start something with her to begin with.
The problem is, I just can’t seem to tell her that, though.
Her energy, who she is as a person, is sweet, and that energy draws you in. I’m not used to being around someone like her. I’m so broken and fucked-up that it’s refreshing.
Joey is the same as me, we are two peas in a pod, really.
“I heard you’re having a bachelorette party tonight.” I turn my head to see Lucas on the other side of the counter. The store isn’t even open yet, but he has keys.
“No, who said that?”
“Joey’s bachelor party is tonight, so I assumed you were having yours with only two days until the wedding.” I cringe at the reminder. “There is a way out of this, just so you know.”
This piques my interest. I turn my body, giving him my full attention. “And what is that?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not sure you want the answer.”
“I do,” I argue back.
He steps up closer, just a few inches from me. To all others, Lucas is one of the most feared men. It’s all part of his beauty, and you can see it if you look closely enough. It’s incredibly dark under those hypnotic eyes.
“I can kill you. It’s been a while since I’ve had my hands around another woman’s neck. Not sure Chanel would approve, but I’m happy to assist.”
I shake my head at his words and give him an eye roll.
“Go to hell, Lucas.” I turn back to stacking the bookshelf.
“I’ve already been, and the Devil himself kicked me out,” he jokes. “Okay, since that’s not an option, I’ve been instructed to tell you that the girls expect you at nine tonight.” I raise a brow and glance over my shoulder at him. “I mean, my offer still stands.” He smirks.
“Why?”
“Fucked if I know.” He shrugs.
“Why are you here?” It’s not like him to pop in all the time. He hardly used to, it was always his right-hand man. But since he was shot dead in this store, Lucas hasn’t replaced him.
“I own this place as much as you,” he replies simply.
“Chanel is working, and you’re bored, right?” I put two and two together. His face betrays nothing, but I know I’m right. “You could go and hang with your boss and his brother,” I joke.
“No, I’d rather slit my wrists than hang with your soon-to-be husband.”
His words make me laugh rather loudly.
“Whose throat are you slitting?”
We both turn to the sound of Joey’s voice.
Fuck me.
“I’m out.”
“Should I be worried that you spend so much time with my fiancée?” Joey asks Lucas as he passes him, and Lucas glances over his shoulder at me. “More than likely.”
I know he’s joking, he said that to piss off Joey. Lucas nods to me before he walks out.
“We’re closed. Did you not read the sign?” I turn back and face the bookshelves, giving him my back—exactly what he deserves.
“Is that the way you greet all your customers? It’s a touchy time for bookstores these days. You would think you should be welcoming me.”
“We do just fine, thank you very much.”
“So, you have money?”
“I do.” I turn my head and smile at him.
“So why don’t you buy Lucas out, then?” he questions.
“Because he’s a great business partner,” I argue. I haven’t really thought of changing things because I’m happy with the way they are. I’m even planning on hiring someone else to give me more time off.
“We should kiss.”
My hand pauses on a book that is full of stories about single dads finding love. I focus on the cover as I think over what he’s just proposed. How do I answer that?
“Adora.”
Upon taking a deep breath, I slide the book in its place and turn to face him. “You should read a book,” I tell him.
What was that? I’m not sure why I even said it. But it was better than telling him to get fucked. I’m not going to lie, I want to know what he kisses like, but am I ready for that?
“We have to kiss on our wedding day. Would you rather not get our first one out of the way beforehand?”
He has a valid point, but…
“No, thank you,” I manage to say but don’t fully mean it. “I don’t plan to kiss you on that day either.”
“You have to,” he replies. “We’re marrying in a church, and you will kiss me.”
He’s right, I know he is, but I still want to argue the point with him.