Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
“I’m not making any long-term commitments, but I’ll admit I see the appeal.”
“The appeal?”
I feel her gaze on me, but I focus on the floor. “Making sodas and interacting with customers is fun. You have a fun job. I don’t think everyone working in retail would say that, but this store has a good vibe, just like the people who shop here.”
“Told you so.”
“Everyone knows you. I’m not sure anyone walked through the door without asking about you.”
She messes with the soda machine. “Well, some people think I’m unforgettable.”
“Ouch. Was that a jab at me?”
“Not at all. After all, you’re here.”
“Happenstance.”
“I’m not so sure.” She tosses a white rag over her shoulder and fidgets with her gemstones and jewelry display.
“You think I’m stalking you?”
“Are you?”
“Maybe. Should I expect a restraining order?” I return the mop to the back room.
Scottie waits by the back door for me with her keys in her hand. “Thank you for helping me out. I’ll write down your hours.”
I pull on my windbreaker. “I don’t want the money.”
“Because you have more money than God?”
“Does God have money?”
She rolls her eyes.
“Why do you think I have more money than God?”
“Because I know you. I know you conquered the world.”
“I conquered the world only to quit in my mid-thirties and work at a general store for no pay?” I laugh it off.
Scottie doesn’t laugh. “Yes. The question is, why?” Her head tilts to the side.
“Scottie Rucker, you’re the smartest person I know. If you really think that’s my life, then I have no doubt you’ll figure it out.”
“Or you could just tell me.”
I narrow my eyes. I could, but I don’t know the answer yet.
“Where did this worry line come from?” I ghost the pad of my finger along her forehead. “You’re not a worrier.”
“It’s a confusion line. Not a worry line.”
“You’re not worried about me?” I step closer, assuming she’ll open the door so we can leave the store, but she doesn’t.
So now, I’m standing too close to her, but I can’t seem to make myself take a step back. I love her aura. I’d be content with her letting me stand this close to her all night.
“Do you have regrets, Price?” she whispers while her soft gaze sweeps across my face.
“I don’t know yet.”
There’s that line again—her confusion line.
“Want to grab dinner with me?” I ask.
“Can’t.” She shuts off the lights and opens the door. “I have a date waiting for me in my trailer.”
There’s a white pickup parked next to her red one.
“You have a date waiting for you, but you spent all that time talking to Evelyn and now me?”
“He’s working on a puzzle. I bet he hasn’t missed me.” She saunters toward the Airstream.
“I bet he has.”
Scottie stops at the door, turning her head and resting her chin on her shoulder. “Who do you miss?”
I drop my gaze and shake my head. “Goodnight, Scottie.”
CHAPTER TEN
IF IN DOUBT, KISS IT OUT.
Scottie
“Whoa! Save some puzzle for me.”
Koen smirks while he slides the last two pieces into the puzzle. He lights up with satisfaction. “I’ll buy you a new puzzle.”
“Says the guy who said puzzles are not good gifts.”
He stands, his hands parked on his hips, admiring his work.
“You might as well go home now since we have nothing to do.”
“Do you want me to go home?” He turns toward me, tucking his hands into his pockets.
“No.” I deposit my shoes by the door and step in front of him. I think about Price, and it takes a little joy from this moment. I hate that. But I wouldn’t change the situation. My life feels more pivotal now than it’s felt since … well, since I left Price Milloy twelve years ago.
“We could kiss.” Koen smirks.
“We could.” I take another step, resting my hands on his chest and curling my fingers around his shirt.
Koen ducks his head and kisses me, keeping his hands in his pockets until I take another step toward him, forcing him to step backward and use his hands to frame my face so the kiss doesn’t end in us falling.
He teases my tongue with the tip of his. It’s a moan-worthy kiss, but I control my urge to sound desperate despite my fingers unbuttoning his shirt.
“We …” he breaks the kiss. “We shouldn’t do this.”
My hands stop with half of his shirt unbuttoned. “You’re saving yourself for marriage.”
Koen eyes me without blinking, without a single tell in his expression. I’m joking, but I now think I hit it on the nose.
“No,” he says slowly. “I was just being considerate. I didn’t want you to think I stayed and finished the puzzle just to have sex with you.”
“Then why did you stay?”
His neutral expression morphs into an incredulous one. “I …” he twists his lips. “I was staying to …”
“You just wanted to finish the puzzle.”