Total pages in book: 148
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Yeah, fear isn’t at all what I’m feeling. The opposite, really. I shouldn’t be here, but I am. There is only one reason for that, and it’s not because of Parks or Duffy.
Owen has quickly become my latest obsession. It’s never happened with a person before. I guess there’s a first time for everything. I almost wonder if it’s him that should be feeling fear.
Not me.
8
OWEN
She looks around, her eyes scanning every little bit of available information. It’s almost as if she’s casing the place, but that’s silly. She’s probably just checking that it’s safe. I suppose it makes sense for her to be wary. I’m a stranger, after all.
“You don’t have to worry. I really only wanted to refill your wiper fluid. Nothing nefarious.”
“That’s what someone who is definitely nefarious would say.” She arches a brow.
I can’t stop my half smile. “Well, you certainly have a point there. But all the same, you’re safe with me.”
“I have friends. They know where I am.” She narrows her gaze on me. “If I don’t check in with them, they’ll definitely show up here. Probably guns blazing. Maybe some grenades. One of them has made napalm in their basement plenty of times.”
“Okay.” I shrug.
She bows up a little, as if irritated by my agreement. “This isn’t going to turn into an episode of 48 Hours. I just want to make that clear.”
“Crystal clear.” I turn as a scratching sound meets my ear. Alfie is at the front window beside the door, clawing it for all he’s worth. I jog up the stairs to the door and unlock it. He sidles out, his tail straight up as he passes me and heads over to Roxanne.
“Really?” I smirk as he ignores me, trots to her, and rubs against her leg.
“Hi.” She smiles.
I thought she was beautiful before. But now I know she’s got to be the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. Bright eyes and pouty lips–she’s a lovely dream. Her face lights up as Alfie sits down for pets.
“That’s Alfie.”
“Hi, Alfie,” she coos. “I don’t have a cat, but I’ve always loved them. You seem like such a good boy.” She scratches under his chin as he purrs. “Are you a good boy, Alfie?”
“He’s the best. Excels at eating, sleeping, and tracking his litter across half the house.” I walk to them, the sun playing in Roxanne’s hair and setting it off like glowing gold.
I don’t know how, but she’s taken me off guard. It’s not like I have a habit of inviting people to my house, especially not people I just met. In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I had a visitor. But something about Roxanne has made me feel at ease. That’s a feat, especially given the kind of work I do out here. Secrecy is key. But all that went out the window when I saw her.
“How long have you had him?” she asks as Alfie flops onto the ground at her feet, showing his belly.
“I found him when he was just a kitten. Scrounging around by a dumpster in town. He was all by himself. Hungry and scared. I scooped him up and brought him out here. We’ve been roomies ever since.”
“Roomies?” She smiles up at me.
My heart seems to stall, then beat again, but harder. “Yeah, we’re just two bachelors roaming the place.”
“I see.” She stands up and puts her hands on her hips. “Why do you need such a big house and all this land if it’s just you and your cat?”
“I have horses, too. A few cows. Nothing serious. Was thinking about getting some goats, but they might chew the whole place to shreds if I don’t keep a close eye on them.” I sidestep her question. “Would you like a tour?”
She purses her lips, and I get the distinct sensation she’s on the edge of saying no, but then her gaze turns shrewd. “I’d love one.”
“I’m glad. This will give me a chance to figure out where I stored the windshield wiper fluid.” I grin.
“You said there are horses?” She looks out toward the stables. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one up close.”
“Really?” I gesture toward the stables and walk with her, Alfie trailing behind us. “I have three right now. All of them rescues. The two mares are stubborn and ornery. But the gelding is gentle as can be. A real sweetheart. He even lets Alfie jump on him and ride him around the pasture sometimes.”
“Wow.” She glances back at Alfie. “That’s brave.”
“It would be brave if he tried it on Peanut or Butter. Jelly is just as silly as Alfie, so they’re a fun pair.”
“I like their names.”
“Thanks. I guess I was hungry when I picked them up.” I walk her to Jelly’s stall.
He comes over, his nose working overtime as he sniffs her. “Jelly, this is Roxanne.”