Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Absolutely. I’ll get right on it.”
Before he darted off, I asked, “Do you mind adding a soda to that order? I was running a little late myself tonight.”
“Sure thing!”
He gave a quick nod, then rushed over to the bar and got busy making our drinks. Ryan let out a little sigh as she grumbled, “Why do all the good ones have to be taken?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I think there’s still some good ones out there.”
“Well, if you find one, feel free to send him my way.”
“I wouldn’t hold your breath.” Ryan leaned over to Keeley as she teased, “I have a feeling she’s already found one and is keeping him all to herself.”
“What in the world makes you say that?”
“I saw that spark in your eye when you talked about that guy who stopped tonight.” Her already raised brow inched even higher. “Something tells me you like this guy.”
I could feel my cheeks warm as they flushed with embarrassment. “Maybe a little.”
“And you’re just now telling us?” Keeley fussed.
“Well, I really haven’t had a chance. Besides, there’s not much to tell.”
“Oh, don’t you go holding back on us now,” Ryan pushed. “Tell us all about him.”
“That’s just it.” I waited as Flynn placed our drinks on the table, and as soon as he was gone, I added, “I don’t know anything about him. Not really.”
I left out a few minor details as I told them about how we’d crossed paths at the movies and how I was instantly enamored but feared I’d never see him again. Both Ryan and Keeley seemed genuinely intrigued when I told them about him stopping to help me with the car. Keeley’s brows furrowed as she asked, “So, he just showed up out of nowhere?”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“Hmmm.”
“What?” I pushed.
“Just seems a little odd that he, of all people, would show up out of the blue.”
“Wow.” Ryan rolled her eyes. “Bitter much?”
“It’s not like I don’t have my reasons to be.” Keeley gave Ryan a slight nudge. “And you should get it, too, especially after the way Tony’s been stringing you along.”
“About that...”
Ryan's eyes danced with excitement as she brought her left hand up to her cheek, revealing a stunning diamond engagement ring. Keeley’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she gasped, “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yep.” Ryan nodded with a smile. “He proposed last night!”
“Seriously?”
“I know. I was just as surprised as you are.” I could hear the excitement in her voice as she explained, “He had a feeling I was expecting it, so he held off until he knew I’d never expect it.”
“He did good!” I reached over and gave her a hug. “A surprise and an absolutely gorgeous ring. Can’t beat that!”
“She’s right. It's absolutely stunning!” Keeley leaned in and hugged her, too. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, guys. I’m really happy. Tony is the best, and I really love him. I can’t wait to spend my life with him.”
And just like that, my heart was filled with hope in a way I didn’t know I needed. Maybe, just maybe, my luck was changing, and I’d get my own chance at happiness. There was no way to be sure, but for the first time in a very long time, I was looking forward to finding out.
Rooster
“Well, hello there, fellas.” Grant took a step back, opening his front door wide as he gave us all a welcoming smile. “I’ve been wondering when you were going to stop by.”
Wrath glanced over at Prez, but neither of them said a word. None of us did. We just stood there a bit stunned as he motioned us all inside. “Come on in and make yourselves comfortable.”
Wrath went in first, then Torch, Cotton and I followed Prez and Savage through the front door. Prez kept his cool as he asked, “So, you know why we’re here?”
“Of course, I do.” He continued into the living room as he said, “I just need the code, and I’ll fill you in on everything.”
None of us replied.
We were too busy trying to make sense of what this guy was saying.
Clearly bothered by our silence, his smile vanished, and he turned to Prez with a grimace. “I assumed that Bruton had given it to you. If that’s not the case, then...”
“2... 4... 7.”
“Yes! Yes! Wonderful.” Grant inhaled a quick breath of relief, then ushered us forward. “Come. Come... We have much to discuss.”
As we continued further into the house, I couldn’t help but notice that everything in the house was either white or black—the walls, the sofa, the chairs were all crisp, bright white with a black coffee table and end tables. Hell, even the paintings on the walls had variations of white with black or grey background, and the theme continued throughout the entire house with the white kitchen cabinets and black countertops and the black kitchen table with white chairs. It was all nice stuff, but the color scheme was a little over the top.