Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
She’s frozen in place, staring back at me. I need to move before I do something that I shouldn’t. I clear my throat, release my hold on her, and start backing out of the door. “I’ll see you tonight.”
I may have acted like I was doing a favor for Elliott, but the truth is, I’m doing it for Maddie. There’s no way I’d be able to stay at home, knowing she’s out and the dumbass Wes could be pestering her. No, I’ll go… just to make sure Maddie’s okay. Then I’ll make sure she’s home safe, and I’ll stay away for a while. Because no matter if I’m attracted to her or not, nothing can come of it.
CHAPTER 3
MADDIE
I have my hands clenched together in my lap, and I try to focus on what Cammy and the girls are saying, but I can't stop looking over at the corner of the bar. It’s obvious that Rhett has tried to be inconspicuous. When we walked in, he left me with my friends and made his way over to the bar and sat down. He’s bare-headed since he’s put his hat in the chair next to him, and I keep looking his way. He positioned himself so he’s facing me, and it’s caused me to be on edge all night.
There’s a jab in my side, and I turn to my friend Emily while I dramatically rub at my side. “Dang, what was that for?”
She gestures by pointing straight at Rhett. “Better question, what’s up with Mr. Grumpy?”
I successfully avoid looking over at the hot cowboy that brought me here. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Emily laughs, and the fact she’s been drinking causes her laugh to be even louder and more obnoxious. “You don’t know what I’m talking about? Your brother’s best friend—the man who brought you here tonight — and has been sitting at the bar with his eyes glued to you the whole time. What’s up?” She gasps and asks loudly, “Oh my God, did you hook up with him?” She’s nodding her head. “You did it! You did the deed! It’s about time.”
I reach over and cover her mouth with my hand. Luckily, all the girls are laughing and being loud so no one is paying attention to Emily and me. Well, except for Rhett. One glance tells me he’s watching.
I lean into my friend. “Look, it’s not like that. You know Elliott went out of town, and he was worried about Wes stirring up trouble. He didn’t take it well when I ended the engagement, so Rhett said he’d come tonight to make sure I was okay.”
Her forehead creases, and she tilts her head. “So hold up. You’re telling me Rhett is here to what? Look out for you?”
I purse my lips together. I wish I could give her another reason. Something like he couldn’t stand the idea of being away from me or he’d confessed his love for me, but none of those are true. He’s here because he’s my brother’s best friend.
I blow out a breath. “Look, can we forget about it? Let’s go dance.”
I know I have to get Emily off topic or else she will get everyone else involved to get their opinions. But I know her, and she loves to dance.
She lets out a squeal, grabs my hand, and pulls me toward the dance floor.
Luckily, it’s a line dance and I find myself getting lost in the movement. Another squeal from Emily has me looking up at the entrance of the bar. It looks like the groom-to-be and his friends have shown up. Emily practically runs off the dance floor to her husband, leaving me to my own devices. I watch as the men hover around my friend’s table and try not to be bothered by it.
I know I’m better off alone than I was with Wes. I chance a glance where Rhett was sitting earlier, but the spot is empty now. After looking around, I see him at the edge of the dance floor. His arms are crossed over his chest. His hat is back on his head, and even though I can’t see his eyes, I know he has a grim expression on his face. He’s not happy to be here, that much is obvious.
Well, that’s tough. It was his idea to come, and I refuse to let him ruin my night.
The music switches up, and when a slow song comes on, I start off the dance floor only to stop when I come toe to toe with a cowboy. He has his hand held out. “Care to dance?”
Honestly, I don’t want to dance with him. He must see it in my eyes because he just shrugs his shoulders. “Come on, just one dance. My friends all said you’d tell me no.”