Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
He was two years older than me in school. I was the quiet bookworm, and he and his twin brother, Maverick, were both at the top of the high school popularity food chain. How could they not be? They’re both gorgeous, and they were sweethearts. They weren’t the cocky guys who treated people differently. They were nice to everyone and friendly, and after working for Jordyn and meeting some of their older brothers, including Jordyn’s husband, Ryder, I know that their entire family is the same way. I’m mortified to think they’re going to know that I made up lies about Merrick and me just to appease my mother.
What the hell was I thinking?
Oh, right, I wasn’t.
“I understand that you lied to her, but I also understand why you lied to her.” She shrugs as if it’s not a big deal.
It’s a big damn deal. How can she not see that?
“She’s going to tell the entire town,” I groan, making Jordyn laugh.
“It’s not the end of the world.”
“It really is. Merrick doesn’t need me telling lies about him. What if he’s seeing someone? She could hear about this and it could cause problems for him. My mom has probably already alerted the local media to put out a bulletin.”
“Come on now, she’s not that bad. Merrick is as laid-back as can be. He’s probably going to laugh his ass off about this if it gets back to him. We don’t know that it will. You’re speculating that your mother is going to tell the entire town.”
“Oh, she’s going to. Trust me. I know my mom. She’s going to be singing like a damn canary.”
Jordyn chuckles. “Fine. Even if she does, it’s all going to be fine.”
“Fine? How is it going to be fine? Merrick is going to find out. Not only will I look like a fool in front of him, but your entire family, and all of Willow River. I can’t believe I just blurted that out. Who does that?”
“What am I going to find out?” a deep voice says from behind me.
I freeze, my eyes wide as I stare at Jordyn. We both turn to see Merrick standing behind us. “Dad finished fixing the legs on the small entry table for you. I was there and told him I’d drop it off on my way home,” Merrick explains to his sister-in-law before his eyes find mine. “Courtney.”
He flashes me a grin, and I want to burst into tears because I’m sure that grin will turn to a leer once he hears what I did.
“What am I going to find out about?” He leans his hip against the other side of the counter as his intense gaze holds mine.
“Uh—” He’s so damn sexy and having his full attention on me makes my head fuzzy. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. I have to confess my sins. “I did something,” I say, my eyes still closed.
“Open your eyes, Court.”
The sound of him shortening my name does something to me. The only other person who calls me Court is my sister. My mom claims if she wanted to call me Court, she would have named me Court, not Courtney, and well, you already know my dad is even-keeled and just goes along with it. Instead, he calls me and my sister both sweetheart. That’s his workaround, and Mom lets him get away with it.
Slowly, I open my eyes as he requested. “I’m sorry.”
Merrick tilts his head to the side. “What are you sorry for?”
I quickly rush through my explanation of my call with my mother, making sure to hit on the backstory of her hounding me for a date. I’m not even sure I take a breath the entire time. I’m talking so fast. I’m making an even bigger fool of myself in front of him, but I can’t seem to stop this train from racing off the tracks.
“So, you told your mom that we’re dating?” he asks. His tone of voice hasn’t changed, so I can’t get a read on him.
“Yes.” I nod because maybe he needs a visual to my answer as well.
“She’s worried her mom is going to tell the entire town,” Jordyn explains helpfully.
“I know she will. I’m so sorry, Merrick.”
He shrugs. “So, I’ll be your date.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket. “When is the wedding?”
My mouth falls open in shock. He glances up at me and winks. My stomach twists. Is this really happening? “It’s more than just a date to the wedding. I told her we were dating.” I hang my head in shame. “I’m sorry. I was looking at the picture, and your name is the first one I thought of. I’m going to tell her the truth tonight, but it might be too late. I’d be happy to talk to your family or your girlfriend and tell them it was all me.” I’m talking to the counter because I can’t make myself look at him.