Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“Why don’t you get back to your patrol and we can pretend this never happened.” She dismisses me so easily it cuts down the center of my chest. When I turn around to leave, I hear her say softly, “Just like the last time.”
I close my eyes tight, and I want to go back to her, but there’s too much between us. She doesn’t want me, and what I did to her in that kitchen broke whatever shine I had for her. My chance is gone, and it’s my fault, but I don’t have to stay here and let her pour salt in the wound.
“Lock up when I leave,” I say without turning around.
Chapter Four
Juno
“Looks hot, Juno,” Wes says from behind me while I stare in the mirror at my new nose ring. I’ve always wanted one but never pulled the trigger on it. “Anything else you want me to pierce for you?” I see him smirk in the reflection of the mirror, and I roll my eyes as I turn to face him.
I’d be a liar if I said I’ve never thought about having a few piercings elsewhere, but I don’t want the first time a man is all up on my tits to be when I’m getting them pierced.
“What do I owe you?” I say instead of answering him. I grab my bag off the counter and take my wallet out.
“How about a date?” This guy is relentless.
Wes is exactly the kind of guy I think most people would picture me with. He’s got tattoos all up his arms and chest, and I’m sure he’s got a few piercings hidden here and there. With his black hair and dark eyes, he really has the bad boy thing going on, but it’s not for me.
Since he moved here a few years ago to open his shop, the girls in town have been falling all over him. I’m not going to join the club of women that have been in his bed. Besides, I really like Wes as a friend. He moved back here to take care of his own grandmother, and we like a lot of the same movies and music.
“I’m not dating right now. My plate is so full I don’t have the time.” I give my normal excuse, and he smiles and shakes his head.
“Shot down again.”
“I think you’ll live. You have every woman in town falling all over you.” When he cringes, I wonder why. Most guys would be proud of the trail that follows him.
“They have this weird idea of who and what I am. It’s getting old.” That might be true, but it can’t be getting too old. I heard he went out with Kimmy a few weeks ago. You really can’t hide shit around this town.
“I feel you on that one.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and think it might be time for a change of color.
I’m looking for a fresh start, and I think getting my nose pierced is an act of rebellion. Why do I try and push Cooper’s buttons? I can’t help myself, and it’s almost pathetic at this point. I know I do these things to try and get his attention, but I need to let him go. It’s clear he’s made up his mind about us, and that’s never going to change. I know my age is part of the reason he tries to stay away from me, but I think it also has a lot to do with how I look and act. I’ll never be that beautiful blonde I saw him talking to yesterday.
“Didn’t you want to talk to me about something?” he reminds me.
“Oh yeah, I wanted to mention I’ve finally closed on the studio. I’m still coming up with ideas for classes, but if you ever have something in mind or want to do a show, I’m open for that.” Wes is an incredible artist, and a lot of people actually drive all the way out here to get their tattoos from him.
“I might. I’ll come up with some ideas and we’ll talk.”
“Awesome.” I reach into my wallet and try to pull out some money.
“Don’t even think about it, Juno. All I did was pierce your nose. You even brought in the stud.”
“Thanks, Wes.” I slide him some cash for a tip and he nods his thanks. “I better get going. It’s my last day at the diner.” It’s going to be strange not working there anymore, but I have so much to do to get myself off the ground and running.
Wes gives me a hug before I leave. I wave over my shoulder and head to work. The drive is short, but when I pull up, I see the place is packed. What the hell is going on? No way there was a chicken special again. I park in the back and grab my apron, then tie it on as I walk toward the backdoor.