Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“The way you’re acting is a red flag, Walker!” I cry, sliding off my stool, and I begin to pace between the living room and kitchen.
“How did you feel this morning when you woke up to find me gone?”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“You know it fucking does, Hanna, because I fucking hated leaving you,” he growls, and darn if those stupid tears I fought off this morning don’t sting my nose again. “I get you’re scared, but I’m not. So while you figure out you can trust me, I’m going to keep shoving us forward.”
“You’re insane,” I whisper.
“Maybe,” he agrees, not sounding even a little offended. “I’ve got some time off in a little over two weeks. I’ll come to you, or you’ll come to me, and between then and now, we can talk on the phone, or email when I don’t have service.”
“You can’t just decide these things.”
“I miss you already.”
The quiet statement hits me like it was shouted in my face, and I swallow hard but don’t reply.
“What are you doing now?”
“I was going to eat dinner, but now I’m going to have to do damage control with my parents.”
“Mm-hm.”
The sound of his agreement makes me grit my teeth.
“How did you get my phone unlocked anyway?” I mean, I can see how he could answer a call, but there is no way he should be able to look at my texts and things.
“When I spoke to your dad, he gave me the code. He said you sent it to him and your mom in your ‘if I go missing’ file. You’re going to have to explain that one to me.”
“So, my parents hate me,” I surmise, ignoring the last part. “Good to know.” The sound of his laughter makes me both want to toss the phone and admit how much I miss him.
“Do you need me to send you your parents’ numbers?”
“No, I have them,” I grit out.
“All right, baby. Call me back. I’m going to be up for a while. I’m taking over making sure Otto doesn’t end up in jail tonight, so Ham can get a break.”
“Are you guys going out with Gigi and her friends?”
“That jealousy in your voice is giving a lot away, babe. You might want to do a better job of hiding it, if you want to convince me that you don’t like me.”
“I’m not jealous,” I huff.
“Okay,” he agrees, not at all sounding convinced.
“I’m not.”
“Good. But just so we’re on the same page, I’m not hanging out with any other woman.”
“You can do whatever you want.”
“Right.” He chuckles. “Go call your parents, then call me back later, baby.”
“Maybe.” I hang up to the sound of him laughing, then with a groan of frustration I go to my suitcase and get my computer so I can FaceTime my mom.
“Hey, honey.” Mom smiles as her face fills the screen. “I was just about to call you.”
“I don’t have my phone.”
“I know. Walker explained there was a mix-up and gave us his number.” Of course he did. “So did you have a good time?” she asks, failing to hide her knowing smile.
“It was okay.”
“Just okay?” She raises a brow.
“Mom.” I sigh. “Just ask what you really want to ask.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“So, you’re not wondering why some guy has my phone and why he’s telling you we’re seeing each other?”
“I don’t know, do you want to talk about that?”
I open my mouth, then close it, because I don’t even know how to begin that conversation.
“He seems like a nice guy,” she urges.
“You said the same thing about Ben.”
“I did,” she says quietly, then adds, “And I was wrong, but no one could have known he was lying about who he was, honey. And I know he hurt you, but—”
“He didn’t hurt me,” I cut her off.
“Hanna.” She sighs.
“Okay, yes, he hurt me, but it was more than that. Finding out he wasn’t at all who I thought he was made me question my ability to trust my own judgment.”
“That’s understandable.” She goes quiet for a moment before prompting, “Tell me about Walker?”
“I just met him.”
“I know, but he seems pretty positive there’s something between you two.”
“Did he say that?”
“Yes,” I hear my dad's voice say in the background, and I bite my lip as his face fills the screen behind my mom.
“Hi, Dad.”
“He told us you’d be reluctant to admit you’re seeing him, because Ben is a douchebag.”
“Dad.” Gah, I’m going to kill Walker.
“If you don’t like this guy, let me know, and I’ll fly to London and deal with getting your phone back myself.”
“That’s not necessary.” My muscles bunch. I know my dad, and that’s not an empty offer. If I said I wanted him here, he’d be on the next flight with no questions asked.
“That’s what I thought.” He grins, and I grit my teeth. “Love you, kid.”