Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81009 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81009 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“We are putting that on shirts,” Banner said, then pointed at me. “Write that down. That’s going on shirts. We are going to be famous.”
“It is rather catchy,” Kendrix agreed.
I began to type it out as a giggle bubbled out of me. God, I had needed her quirkiness this morning.
“I’m glad we are all in agreement,” Marlana replied, then closed her MacBook with a flourish. “Now, who wants to talk about what we are going to eat for lunch?”
Banner glanced at his watch. “I have an eighth-grade class coming in twenty minutes for a tour. I need to get to my office and prepare.”
“By prepare, you mean pop an Adderall?” Marlana quipped.
He cocked his eyebrow. “Don’t judge.”
“Oh, I’m not. But if you care to share, you know where to find me.”
Those two were an excellent distraction.
“How was last night? Even if it is girl’s night I wish I’d been there instead. The kids have been giving my ex hell lately. She sent them to me for the week to deal with them,” Kendrix said with a sigh. “And I thought twins were hard as babies. Having a seventeen-year-old boy and girl makes me miss the days I was up all night, feeding or changing one of them.”
I’d seen photos of his twins. They were gorgeous kids. Hearing anyone talk about their kids in general always sent a wave of sorrow through me because I’d never have that. No late-night feedings, no diapers, no toddler tantrums, nothing. Only Eamon had known how badly I wanted a baby. But after losing my third one, I stopped trying. It had done a number on me emotionally, and I didn’t want to keep going through it.
Collecting my laptop and purse, I stood up. “No worries. Kids come first. Besides, we left early. I had work to do.”
Lie. We had left early because my first love had walked in and was an asshole.
Kendrix fell into step beside me as I made my way to the door. When I had interviewed with Marlana, she’d said he wouldn’t be around regularly, yet there hadn’t been a day that I was here and he didn’t show up. When he had strode into the meeting this morning, I could tell by the look on Marlana’s and Banner’s faces that they were surprised. I had taken that as it being abnormal. I didn’t want to assume this was because of me, but I was slightly worried about his interest in me. I hoped it was professional only.
“No need to be alarmed, but there is a biker dude outside the entrance,” Banner whispered as he stepped in front of us. “Tattoos, leather vest, smoking a cigarette. The whole nine yards. There are even rings on his fingers,” he added. Then he looked back over his shoulder. “And I’ll be completely honest—he is hot.”
Kendrix took a drink from his cup, then started to step around Banner. “I’ll handle it.”
“No, wait,” I said before he could go any further.
My heart was already picking up its pace. I knew who it was. The only person it could be. But why was he here?
Kendrix looked back at me, frowning.
“I…it’s, uh…he’s here to see me,” I replied reluctantly.
I didn’t want to share my past with my coworkers. Marlana had learned enough last night. She’d been full of questions when we left the bar, but I had been as vague as I could be.
“He’s here?” she asked, excitement in her tone, as she came up behind me.
I nodded. “Apparently.”
“Who?” Kendrix asked as Banner said, “You know the sexy, dangerous biker man?” I blew out a breath, then nodded, turning to Marlana. “Could you take my things to my office?” I asked her.
She reached for my laptop and purse. “Sure, but you have to tell me what he says.” Her interest had her wide-eyed.
I didn’t want to tell anyone what he had come here to say. Probably for me to stay the hell out of his favorite bar.
Both men were looking at me, and I knew I had to say something.
I glanced at Banner, then Kendrix. “He is my past. We knew each other a long time ago,” I replied. “I’ll see what he wants.”
I didn’t wait for either to respond before heading to the door.
He turned then, and our eyes met as he took a pull from the cigarette in his mouth.
What are you doing here, Rome? Was last night not enough for you?
His gaze traveled over my body as I approached the door. Why was it that Rome could make me question my clothing choices when I had felt confident in my outfit only moments ago? I stared at him silently before reaching up to unlock the dead bolt.
Get this over with, Salem, I told myself, then opened the door and stepped into the humid, warm late-winter day.