Total pages in book: 160
Estimated words: 155798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 779(@200wpm)___ 623(@250wpm)___ 519(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 779(@200wpm)___ 623(@250wpm)___ 519(@300wpm)
He was still in the room, that meant he wasn’t ready to cut and run. Not yet.
I moved faster, grabbing my Kings sweatshirt at the last minute. This one was my favorite. It was Brett’s with his last name, and for a moment, I hesitated before picking it up. A heavy silence came over the room as Brett watched me, and then I grabbed it. No matter what happened next, it’d always be my favorite.
I’d always want to keep it close.
I pulled it on and it fell just past my thighs, over my pants. Reaching for a Kings ballcap, I pulled my hair through it, letting it fall down my back as I pulled the cap low on my forehead. It was too early for sunglasses, but I still kept them in my hand. If needed, I could slip them on. With my bag on my back, my purse inside, and my phone in my hand, I lifted up my chin and gazed coolly at him.
“I don’t care what you say, I’m coming with you.” I motioned for him, for the door. “Let’s go. I’m right behind you.”
His jaw was still so clenched. He went back to glaring at me.
I met his gaze head-on. “I don’t care how much you’re pissed at me. I’m coming with you, so let’s fucking go.”
He pivoted sharply, going first through the door, but once out in the hallway, he fell back to walk next to me, his hand going to the small of my back. I was tempted somewhat to shrug him off, but who was I kidding? It hurt that he tried to ice me out and if he kept up this way, it’d erode what groundwork he’d already laid with me.
I wouldn’t be kept contained. That wasn’t going to work with me.
He either trusted me enough, let me all the way in, or this wasn’t going to work in the long run. And because of that, as a dull ache took root in me, I knew this touch from him might be the beginning of the last touches from him.
I’d take all the touches from him I could get.
56
BILLIE
It was early in the morning, but there were still a few other guests leaving for the airport, their suitcases in hand. A couple of the guys did a double take when they spotted Brett. One looked ready to come over and talk, but Brett flashed him a death look and the guy rethought his idea. Smart guy.
“Good morning, Mr. Broudou.” The woman behind the front desk lit up as we approached. Her demeanor froze over when she saw me, but her smile warmed back up as she only focused on Brett. “Your rental vehicle is outside and ready for you, sir. Was there anything else I could do for you?”
Emphasis on the anything.
I fixed her with a glare.
She ignored me, only focused on Brett.
“No. This is all, thank you. I won’t be needing that other service either.” His eyes flicked my way.
Two guesses what he was referring to.
Her smile faded a little. “Oh. Oh, yes. Of course.” She studied the screen, seeing what that other service was and as soon as she did, her eyes widened, flashing to me. “Miss Harm, I hope you enjoyed your stay here as well.”
I struggled from rolling my eyes. “I’m good. Thank you.”
I didn’t answer her question, and I didn’t care. How fast her attitude changed.
Brett picked up the fob she set on the desk between us, signing a piece of paper next to it.
She said, “Raul is bringing your vehicle around as we speak, and he’ll have another fob set in there for you. Congratulations on your win yesterday. Miss Harm, have a good rest of the day.”
Brett was all business, stepping back, his hand going to the small of my back, and he herded me out the door. The same businessmen were outside, waiting for their rides, and the same one who’d considered approaching Brett was eyeing us all over again. Another guy was eyeing me until Brett pressed closer to me, moving with me almost so his front was molded to my back.
A younger man, dressed in a Rothchelton uniform, got out of an SUV and came around with a professional smile as the back was lifting open. “Mr. Broudou. His guest. Let me help with your bags, please.” He took Brett’s, putting it in the back.
I eased away. “I want mine with me.”
He dipped his head down. “Of course.” He said to Brett, “The other fob key is in the vehicle already. All the necessary paperwork is in the front. Will you be needing anything else?”
“No. Thank you.” Brett handed over some cash.
The man took it, giving another nod before going toward one of the other business men.
Brett went to the driver’s side. I got in the front passenger seat, and we were off after that.