Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 75(@200wpm)___ 60(@250wpm)___ 50(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 75(@200wpm)___ 60(@250wpm)___ 50(@300wpm)
The other man musters enough bravado to snark back, “Oh yeah? Or what?”
I can hear the challenging grin in Rhett’s voice when he answers, “Or else you’ll see just how much this old man can do.” He rolls up his sleeve, making the muscles in his arm flex. My mouth waters and I can’t wait to get out of here to show him my gratitude.
The other man sputters, backing away while muttering under his breath, trying to save face with empty threats but too much of a coward to say them to Rhett’s face. When he’s gone, Rhett turns to me, immediately pulling me into his arms.
“Are you okay, baby?” he asks, concern filling his voice.
I sigh against his chest, savoring the feeling of his strong arms wrapped around me. “I’m fine,” I promise him. “He was just an asshole, but he didn’t hurt me or anything.”
Despite my assurances, Rhett looks ready to chase after the man and give him another talking to with his fists, so I try to de-escalate the situation.
“Who called you?” I ask as we sit back down to finish our food. My pancakes have gone a little cold, but they’re still delicious.
Rhett grimaces, running his hand through his hair. “Your dad.”
I wince, understanding Rhett’s reaction to seeing the caller ID now.
“Dare I ask why?” I press, mildly terrified my dad has somehow figured out what happened between his best friend and me yesterday.
“He wanted to check that I was all right after I left our Friday night drinks in a rush,” Rhett explains.
“Oh God,” I groan, resting my head in my hands and sighing. “What did you say? I’m assuming you didn’t tell him it’s because I got drunk and sent you nudes?”
Rhett chokes on his sip of water, laughing. “No, weirdly enough, I did not tell him that,” he chuckles. “I made up some excuse about feeling ill, and he bought it, I think. But I’ve known that man for years, baby, and I don’t think we can keep up the lies without him knowing something’s going on.”
“You’re right,” I agree, knowing what my father’s like. He cares about his people and has always been annoyingly astute when it comes to sniffing out lies, which meant my attempts at sneaking out to go to parties with Serena when we were teenagers were never successful. “But how the hell are we supposed to tell him? ‘Hey Dad, you know your best friend, Rhett? Yeah, we’re together now. Surprise!’”
Rhett reaches across the table, taking my hand and squeezing. “Not exactly like that,” he says, humor in his warm voice. “But I’m all in with this, baby, and I’m not ashamed of what we share.”
I nod, utterly in agreement. “Me, too. It’ll all be fine, right?”
Rhett nods, and I know that whatever happens and however my dad reacts, I’ll still have Rhett by my side.
With both of our breakfasts finished, Rhett pays, and we head out. Neither of us wants to leave each other yet, so instead of driving me home, Rhett takes me back to his.
“This place makes my apartment look like a cupboard!” I laugh as we pull up to his house. It’s on the outskirts of the city, in a nice neighborhood filled with other houses just as beautiful as his. It’s a two-story red brick house that could fit my apartment inside of it probably about ten times. It reminds me of where I grew up, though, and for a second, I picture us both here, kids running around our feet and maybe even a crazy dog joining in the chaos. The perfect vision of our future stops me in my tracks, and I jolt when Rhett’s hand strokes my back.
“You okay, baby?” he asks, wrapping his arm around my waist as we walk up the path to his door.
“Yeah, better than ever,” I say, smiling wildly as excitement and love bubbles in my chest. Love. That’s what this is, isn’t it? I can’t deny it. I’ve been in love with Rhett for years, and now that we’re actually together, the feeling is overwhelming.
I don’t even take a second to look around his house when we enter, needing to be closer to Rhett like I need air. I practically pounce on him as soon as the door closes, kissing him deeply.
His arms wrap around me immediately, pulling me closer as his tongue sweeps against mine. I melt against him, an ache quickly building between my legs that only he can help.
We don’t make it to the bedroom. Instead, he walks me backward into what must be his lounge, and when the backs of my legs hit the sofa, he eases me down onto the soft cushions. I expect him to follow me and cover my body with his, but instead, he kneels on the floor, pushing my knees apart to make space for himself between my thighs.