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)
“I’m okay. Chill out.”
“I know you are, but I had no other choice. I had no contact. Figured this would get your attention.”
What the heck? “If you knew I was fine, why did you need my attention so badly?”
“Duffy is at your house.” I groan. My dad is going to love that.
“All right.” I head back into the house, almost running into Owen. “Can I leave you for a few hours and trust you will not be flirting with random hardware store girls?”
“Why do you need to leave?”
“Don’t answer my question with a question.”
“Ace, I think you forget who the real stalker is here.” He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. “Anything you could fathom is the same for me. I feel tenfold crazier about you and another man.” That sexy dark glint in his eyes returns, sending a delicious thrill down my spine.
“Duffy is at my house.”
“I know.” He leans down and presses his mouth against mine with a sweet, gentle kiss.
“She's going to ask about you.”
“I know,” he repeats before placing another kiss on my lips.
“Owen.” I place my hand on his chest. “How did you do this?” He set a plan into motion to bring me right to him.
“I knew I had to get your attention. My brilliant, beautiful girl. Once I got it, I knew it was my chance.”
“Chance to what?”
“Get you to become obsessed with me. I’ve walked past you before. Almost ran right into you at a store, but I could get nothing from you. So I hatched a new plan.”
“That’s all really sweet,” I admit. “I can’t believe I didn’t see you. You’re so handsome.” He gives me a lopsided smile. Goes to show how in my own head I can be at times.
“You’re special, Ace. The way your mind works. I knew if I wanted you, I’d have to work for it.”
“And you did.”
“Always. I’ll always fight for you.” He grips my hips, pulling me flush into him. “And I’ll never let you go. I try to be a good man these days, but when it comes to you, I’ll set the world on fire to have you.” He says the sweetest things.
Actually, I think Owen might have just told me he loves me. Obsession is one thing. Love is another. I’ve been obsessive about many things in life, but I’ve only ever loved a few people.
“I have to go talk to Duffy.”
“Then go talk to her.” He lets go of my hips.
“What am I going to say when she asks about you? I’ve been sloppy.” I hold up my phone. “I have systems in place, but I haven’t been watching and tracking. I’m sure she knows I’m here.” I got lost in Owen. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” He chuckles.
“You distracted me, and then I wasn’t keeping us protected.”
“Ace, that's the sweetest damn thing you’ve ever said to me. That I held your attention long enough to forget about everything else.”
Warmth blooms in my chest. It was freeing being with him. The rest of the world slipped away.
“What are you going to do while I’m gone?”
“I can come with you,” he offers. I consider it for half a second. “No, I’ll make her a deal.” There’s got to be something Duffy will bargain for.
“A deal?” He lifts a brow.
“Lots of secrets the government doesn’t want out.”
“Ace, you’re not going to release anything that could harm someone.” I huff because I know he’s right.
“Fine, I’ll let her know that you’re mine, and I’ll keep you in line.” I fold my arms over my chest and hold my chin up.
“If anyone could, it would be you.” He grabs me and pulls me in for a hard kiss.
“You’re going to let me go?” I tease, stepping back.
“I’ll know where you are. Always.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. That might sound crazy to some, but it’s hot for me. “If you tried to hack my system, I might just let you in.” I wink before darting out the door, knowing if I stay longer, I won’t be able to leave. I need to get back to the house and make sure my father isn’t losing it. He’ll deal with the feds for a time, but he has a limit.
I hop into my car and take off toward my dad. As I drive, I can’t help but wonder how he and Owen will get along. They have a lot in common really.
“We gonna talk about what you just did?” Ocean’s voice pops out of my phone. I should have known she wouldn’t last long without all the juicy details.
“He’s obsessed with me. It’s crazy really. Basement filled with information about me.” I can hear the smugness in my own voice. I can’t wait to go back down there so I can be reminded how crazy in love he is with me.