Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 40128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
“Why?” my mother asked, looking so heartbroken. She has no idea what it’s already doing to me. Does she know that I’d lose my will to leave if I saw that similar look on Melanie’s face? The same look I saw on my Raven’s face when I watched her from across the street from the bakery last week. My mind goes right back there and all I can think of is the last time I saw my love for her.
I had to stop in town to pick up some tools when I drove past the bakery and I’d been a glutton, needing a glimpse of my Melanie. There was a chance she was working, so I looked for her car and there was the dark blue vehicle. Sneaking a peek, I saw her long dark hair up in a bun, strands falling out the sides, adding to her beauty. Growling and groaning like a fool on the side of the road.
Chrissy from the salon spotted my perusal and I knew it was time to move on before she got any closer. “Don’t come any closer because I’m not sure I won’t snap your neck,” I growl.
Hopping back in my truck, I drove off to do my job and regret that I still have a long time before we can truly be together.
“Earth to Will,” my dad says, snapping his fingers in front of my face. I shake my head and blink my eyes several times.
“Sorry about that.”
“You were lost in thought?”
“A memory of Melanie as always. It’s why it took so long to finish some of the projects. Honestly, I have to keep myself focused on work and school because I can’t be near her without wanting to touch her.”
“Is this all about sex?” my mother asks, frowning with disappointment on her sweet face. My father’s mouth drops and I’m stunned for a moment and a bit ashamed.
“Mother,” I sigh. I run my hands through my hair.
“Tigress, that’s not cool.”
“No, it’s not all about that, but I’ve waited for her, so it’s not like I don’t have urges and the only woman I want is her.”
“So you want to be with her and every time you see or touch her, it’s instant arousal,” my father fills in the rest.
“I love her. I want her happiness above all. Distance is the best I can do. She can decide her fate, but I let every asshole in town know she’s mine. When I come back we can move on together. I don’t need to add to the neediness. If she keeps busy with other things she won’t think about me as much. It’s the reason I work myself to the bone.”
“It’s cute, son. It won’t work, but she does need to focus on her school work and friends for the rest of the year, so I’ll make sure she’s doing that.”
“Thank you.” I give her a kiss and a hug and then give my father a hug before hopping into my SUV and heading off to school.
I send a message to my woman with a promise. One that both turns me on and sets my teeth on edge. I hate that there’s a chance anyone could hit on my woman while I’m gone. Doubling her security is an option, but then there will be more men around her.
She’s safe in Steeleville, so I don’t ask for more protection, but I will have people looking in on her, just not that piece of shit Damon. I want that asshole as far away from her as possible. I won’t admit it because everyone will just say I’m acting like a jealous weak man, but I hate him.
Chapter Four
Melanie
I step into the only hair salon in town, hating this place more than usual. The salon isn’t my thing because my hair is long, sleek, and dark black. There’s no reason for me to change the color. Also, I’ve despised this place since they added Chrissy Benson to their list of stylists. She’s a bitch who thinks that every available man in town should be hers, including William Steele—my Will.
“Hey, Mel, come on over here.” Maria pats the salon chair with a big smile. Maria’s a different person completely and a doll. “What can I do for you today?”
“You know she’s not going to get anything done but a cut.” I hate her and her smartass comments.
“Well, that’s because she has a naturally beautiful color and doesn’t have to change it,” Mrs. Steele says, tipping her head to the side with a smile as she sits in a chair beside me while getting highlights.
I blush because William’s mother has always been sweet to me. And after what happened at the barbeque two months ago, I’ve felt uncomfortable around his family just in case he’d said something or didn’t. Frankly, I don’t know where we stand. Since our phone call was cut short, we haven’t spoken to each other. He sent me a text explaining that we were a couple, but he was going to be working nonstop until he left for school again.