Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
That’s the problem. I don’t believe that anymore, which makes this whole thing too risky. Because now it involves my heart. “Listen, thanks for everything. I’m sorry about last night.” I don’t even sound like myself.
An awkward pause hangs over us. Normally, this is the time when I ask him when he’s going to be back in Polson Falls, and he kisses me and tells me he’ll message. Except now we stand frozen, staring at each other.
“What’s going on?” he finally asks. “One second, you’re screaming my name, and then you’re shutting down. Did I do something to upset you?”
“No, nothing. It’s just … Things between us are good the way they’ve been, right? Casual.”
His lips twist as he studies me. “You mean straight-up fucking.”
“Exactly. Let’s not complicate things.”
“Wow, this is a first. Normally, I worry about women being after my money.” He smooths a hand over his jaw. “Whatever you want, Justine.” Strolling to the door, he opens it. “Drive safe.”
I swallow and march out the door, my insides in knots.
Chapter Thirty-One
“I can’t believe what you did with this, Dottie.” I angle my body from one side to the other in the mirror. “I mean, I still look like a corpse in this color, but at least I’m a well-dressed corpse.” Sara let us choose our own shoes, and the soft gold stilettos I’ve paired dial the dress’s appeal up by a hundred notches. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, darling. You know you’re my favorite.”
Scarlet coughs from her perch on the couch.
“Well, of course, my favorite after you, daughter. But you know what? You feel like my daughter too.” Dottie pinches my cheek. “Now, I’ve gotta rush out. I promised Griffin my famous chicken Parmesan.”
“What famous chicken Parmesan?” Scarlet frowns. “Have you ever made that before in your life?”
“No, but he doesn’t know that, and it won’t matter. He’s always extra grateful after a home-cooked meal.” She winks at me as she collects her purse. “Good luck at the wedding.” Dottie opens the door and startles. “Oh! Hello, boys. Perfect timing. You almost missed me.”
A chorus of “Hey, Dottie,” fills our hallway as Shane and Dean wait for her to step out before they enter.
“Hey, babe.” Shane sets his toolbox down before crossing the living room to plant a kiss on Scarlet’s forehead.
“How’s the ring of fire today?” I ask, checking my reflection in the mirror again.
Shane groans. “It’s gonna be a long time before I ever touch sushi again.” Of the three of us, he got it the worst, hovering close to the bathroom for almost thirty hours. At one point, Scarlet wanted to drive him to the hospital.
“It’s on the cocktail menu for next weekend.”
“I’d rather starve, thanks. You guys want to hear some good news?” He peers back at Dean. “Tell ’em what you just bought.”
Dean grins. “A farm.”
“What?” Scarlet and I both explode in unison.
“Yeah. Thirty-five acres about five minutes outside of town. A house, a small barn. There’s even a pond and a forest.”
“Farmer Dean!” I hoot with laughter. “Oh my God, this is going to be so much fun. Are you getting any sheep? What about cows? A bull?” I waggle my eyebrows.
Dean shakes his head, chuckling. “No animals. Just thought it’d be a good idea to invest in some land.”
“When do you get it?” Scarlet asks.
“The deal closes in thirty days.”
“Wild, right?” Shane collects the toolbox again. “Okay, we better get started on putting this grill together. It’ll take us a few hours.”
“I left it out on the patio stones in the back.” Dean lingers, appraising my bridesmaid dress. “That looks a lot better. Still not like the red one.”
“Nothing will ever be like the red one, but these shoes …” I stretch my foot out, angling the toe down. “Imagine me in these and nothing else.”
My phone chirps. I dive for it, holding my breath against all hope that it’s Garrett, who I haven’t heard from in three days.
It’s just my mother, asking what time my flight to Boston is ahead of the wedding.
“Call him!” Scarlet prods.
I toss it back on the table, deflated. “No.” Garrett texted to make sure I made it home, and then responded with “Great,” and I haven’t heard from him since. He hasn’t responded to any of my playful messages. “It’s over.”
Her lips pinch with frustration. Climbing off the couch, she smooths a hand over Shane’s shoulder. “I’ll keep you company.”
“Be there in a minute.” Dean refocuses on me. “What’s going on with the guy? Last I heard, you were shaking this entire house with him. What happened?”
“Nothing. I don’t know. I just … I had to leave his place. I had this overwhelming need to get away from him and his penis voodoo powers.”
Dean folds his arms over his broad chest, smirking. “You realized you like this guy, and you got cold feet.”