Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Rodents are not my thing.
A dim light flickers on overhead and I see Two standing hunched over, his tall frame unable to be fully upright without hitting his head on the rafters. The space is littered with boxes, old furniture, and other treasures I’m eager to explore.
“Paula says we can take whatever we want for our project as long as it’s nothing of value. I think we should run everything by her before we actually take it just in case.”
He nods as he scans the boxes. “Where should we start, Golden?”
I dust off a velvet footstool and plop my ass on it. “Maybe catching our breath?”
His gray eyes lock on mine as he studies me. “Climbing a ladder winded you?”
“No, but frantically running since the moment I opened my eyes has.”
He cocks his head to the side. “You’re not wearing makeup. Where are your fake lashes?”
Wincing, I look away. I’d hoped he wouldn’t notice. I rarely go anywhere without makeup. Now I feel exposed and vulnerable.
I don’t say anything, wondering if I’m going to actually break down and cry today. It feels imminent and Two is supercharged today with his antagonization. It’s only a matter of time.
He crouches down in front of me, grabbing my chin with his long, bony fingers. “I like it better. You can see your freckles.”
My belly twists delightfully at his words. Did Two just compliment me? No way. “You should feel proud. Not everyone gets to see the real me. I’m apparently showing you all the goods.”
His thumb strokes along my jaw, sending a shiver down my spine. “Why are you showing me?”
Good question. Why am I letting Two see these parts of me? He’s been a maddening thorn in my side since the day I met him. Of all people, he doesn’t deserve to see past my carefully applied layers both inside and out.
“I don’t know. You just feel safe, I guess.”
He frowns at my words, drops his gaze to my non-glossed lips, and then scrambles away like he just saw a rat. I squeak, darting my head all over, looking for the beast.
“What did you see?” I demand, hugging my middle. “If it was a mouse, tell me. I don’t like them.”
With his back turned to me, he grunts and waves me off. “No mouse. We just need to get to work.”
I stay annoyed for about three seconds until he opens a box with old pictures. Then I grin back at him, eager to see what awaits us.
Paula let us borrow a few pictures, but we have to bring them back. However, she did let us take some of the torn-off wallpaper in the office, some dusty floorboards we found, an entire box full of old clothing, and a bunch of other random stuff. Now, we’re on our way to Two’s to work on our model.
“We should stop by this cool place on Main Street for lunch,” I say, pointing in the general direction. “We need fuel to keep working.”
“Let me guess,” he grumbles almost playfully, “I’m buying.”
“Naturally unless you think they’ll accept the change at the bottom of my purse.”
“You’ve got problems.”
I crack up laughing. “And you’re one of them.”
The vibe between us is no longer tense like it was this morning. We both fell into mutual states of bliss when we started discovering all the cool stuff in the attic. Despite it being winter, the attic got hot quickly and we both got filthy and sweaty. I suppose it was a good thing I didn’t waste my time on hair and makeup.
Two cruises down Main Street and then parks in front of Soup and More once I point at it. He doesn’t make a face or comment on the front of the building. After we climb out, I lead the way into the dark building. It’s busier than when me and Dempsey came, but there’re a few open tables.
With Two standing beside me at the counter, ready to pay for my food, I suddenly wonder if this is how it would feel to be on a date. Sure, I’ve liked guys over the years, but I haven’t ever been allowed to date any of them. Dad drilled into me that lots of guys are after two things—money and sex—and that I should deny them both until I know they’re the one.
We order our food and then settle at the same table me and Dempsey sat at. Two’s eyes bore into me from across the table. Then, to my surprise, he reaches across the table to wipe at my cheek.
“Dust is smudged on you,” he says, voice a low, guttural growl. “All better.”
I smile at him. “Thanks. What do you think of this place so far? Pretty cool, huh?”
“It’s definitely a hidden gem.” His eyes dart to mine and lock into place. “Pretty cool.”