Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Handsome? Jesus. What the fuck? Have we entered a new dimension? Mad Jack’s ugly mug is handsome?”
Rowan’s face falls. “Is handsome an insult to Marines?” she whispers.
“No, babe, he’s fucking with me.”
Her pep returns. “In that case, I’d love to dance.”
“Don’t push it.”
“Tone it back, Romeo, and let your lady dance with your oldest buds,” Hugo goads. “We need to get to know this one.”
“You can get to know her without touching.”
“I could use a drink.” Rowan links her hand with mine. “Anyone else?”
“Hell yeah. Thank God Powers didn’t skimp on the alcohol.” Rand jiggles his empty glass. “Finest Kentucky bourbon.”
“That would be why my dad is on cloud nine. Uh oh…” she trails off.
I catch Shayla, Ginger, Harley, and my sisters stalking toward us.
“We need Rowan,” Addie announces.
“Why?” Rowan tightens her grip.
“We’re all taking pictures with Doobie before she goes back to the farm.” Shayla motions to the field.
“Doobie?” Hugo raises his eyebrows.
“The white mare,” Rowan explains.
“They named her Doobie?”
“Jewls’ brothers have a unique sense of humor.”
“Holy shit. I thought that horse belonged here. They brought their own horse?”
“She’s very special to Jewls, and it was important for her to be here.”
“Go take your picture and meet us at the bar.” I sweep my lips over hers.
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
She glances at each man in the group, flashing a smile. “Don’t drink all the bourbon without me.”
“We’ll have a glass waiting.” Hugo snitches her hand from me, kissing her knuckles.
A low rumble comes from my throat in warning.
The women whisk her away, and when they’re out of sight, I make my way to the bar and order a round of drinks. Talon, Major, and Ace join us.
“Sweet gig, Powers.” Blade tips his glass to Major.
“I had little to do with it. My one responsibility was the bar.”
“Nice job on that, too. But you guys gotta slow down. Not sure if we’ll get approval for leave again in three months.”
All eyes come to me.
“No promises.”
“Can we address the fucking shit happening here?”
“What shit?”
“Ace and Harley were a given, seeing as his pathetic ass pined over her since she was jailbait. Powers knew he was out of his league, so he trapped that poor woman with his ass for life. But you? How the hell did you land the beauty queen?”
There’s a beat of silence before Talon busts out laughing. “You guys have no idea how close this idiot came to blowing it. Now he’s sporting the twinkle.”
I slice my eyes to him, not wanting to give these guys any ammunition.
“Let’s just say Whitman doesn’t take being caught off guard well.” Major joins in the ribbing.
“Not sure you’re one to talk.”
This earns me a scowl as he remembers Jewls’ public kiss on television.
“Damn, man, I’m moving to Nashville when my time is up. Apparently, it’s the place to land me a lady.”
In all the years we’ve known him, I’ve never heard Blade mention leaving the Marines. He’s a few years older than us, and a complete fucking badass. I always figured he’d be the last man standing until they forced him to retire. But studying him now, there’s a seriousness about his statement.
“You thinking of getting out?”
“Keeping my options open.”
“You come to Nashville, you always have a place in my home.”
“Or mine,” Ace offers.
“Ditto,” Major adds.
“The offer goes to all of you.” I scan the group.
“Appreciate it, man.” Rand jerks his chin.
“Who’s going to brief us on the other shit going down?”
We don’t have to ask to know he’s talking about our move to Hayes Security. I let Talon, Major, and Ace field the questions and fill them in on our purpose.
My mind wanders to Rowan and I decide. The mental countdown starts.
I’m not waiting until we get back to the hotel.
She has five more minutes.
Then I’m finding her and fucking her in that dress.
20
ROWAN
“Both of you?” Jewls’ screech rings in my ears. I adjust the volume on the phone and glance at Harley. We both cackle like fools.
“I can’t believe while I was socializing you were getting laid in the stables.”
“Actually, Ford and I got into the Jockey’s clubhouse,” I correct her. “And it wasn’t like we planned it.”
“Still, I’m jealous.”
“Umm, hello. Aren’t you on your honeymoon? We should be jealous.”
“But you get to brag you had sex at Churchill Downs.”
I roll my eyes, blowing out a breath. “You’re being a brat. Go enjoy wedded bliss before you have to return to reality.”
“I still enjoy wedded bliss and I’m in reality. Every day with Achilles—” Harley defends.
“Blech, she’s getting gooey. That’s my cue to hang up before I vomit. See y’all tomorrow night.” Jewls disconnects after blowing a kiss.
I sink back in the lounger, soaking in the sun. “I love Sundays.”
“Me too.” Harley sighs. “I loved last week, but it’s been hell playing catch up. How about you?”
“Same, but I’m sure you had it worse.”