Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Jed pushes back from the table, blustering as he stands abruptly and digs a finger into the tabletop. “Young lady, I’ve done more for Chrissy and Cold Springs than anyone else ever has. I don’t need you telling me how to handle my business—family or otherwise.”
He glares coldly at me, likely thinking I’m going to back down like the little girl he sees me as.
I’m no such thing.
I stand, too, but maintain an even voice. “Your relationship with Chrissy is none of my business, except when it affects the town I’m duty-bound and heart-driven to protect. This is just the latest way you’ve tried to destroy it, and we all know it. I went to bat with Francine as we made the difficult decision on whether to allow Township to happen with you in the first place, but we gambled on you for our citizens’ sake. I won’t make that mistake ever again.”
I gather my papers, quickly tapping them on the table and shoving them into their file folder before pinning Oliver with a sharp gaze. “Six o’clock. This conference room. I’ll be starting the contract, with or without your input.”
With that, I leave the three men staring after me as I strut down to my office and close the door behind me. Only then do I take a breath.
To quote Hazel’s filthy mouth, “Fucking fuckity fuck.”
Huh, she’s right. That does feel a little better. I sink into my chair, slumping down so my head rests on the back and I can stare at the ceiling. I trace over the dark spots in the drop-down tiles, trying to find some sense of normalcy. But like so many things, I think it’s all gone.
I pick up my phone and dial the one person I’ve been wanting to see all weekend, but really don’t want to talk to now.
“Hey, Birdie,” Jesse answers. He sounds tired, even though he tries to insert some energy into his rough voice.
“Hi,” I reply, a faint smile breaking through the weight of my worry.
It’s all he needs to know what happened. “They didn’t agree to delay the divorce, did they? And you’re going to rewrite the contract with Chrissy as boss.”
“Yeah. I’m starting now so I can get it done as quickly as possible for you, though. Well, for you and Cold Springs.” He knows what I mean. If the contract’s under negotiation, all work stops, and his guys are going to be impacted most of all. “Were you able to get a lot of hours over the weekend for them?”
“As many as I could.”
It feels like there’s this big thing floating between us now. I’m the one stopping his work, but I have to. It’s my job to. Somehow, our responsibilities to the town are at odds with each other, putting us on opposing sides, even though we both want what’s best for everyone—building Township.
“That’s good,” I say, knowing it’s not good enough. “How’s Alan’s wife?”
“Due any day now. Need to make sure they keep their insurance updated while we’re on a work stoppage, I guess.”
I can hear the scratchiness as he rubs his hand over his unshaven face. I hate that I’m causing him more stress. Well, not me exactly. Technically, I guess it’s Jed’s fault. But right now, in this moment, it sure feels like it’s mine.
“Glad she’s doing well. Let me know if I can help.”
Is that what we’ve become in one phone conversation? Polite, meaningless pleasantries. If this can set us this far off course, maybe . . .
No. I stop the thought before it fully forms. Jesse and I are getting our chance now. And I won’t let Jed’s wandering dick fuck that up. Not for me, and not for Jesse.
I quickly add on, “I really missed you this weekend. I was working, but what I really wanted was to be with you. Wrapped in your arms, pinned underneath you, or just cuddled up next to you.”
Sounding much more like himself, he growls, “Missed you too. Was too tired to even jack off to thoughts of you, but I sure as shit had ’em as I fell asleep.” He chuckles, deep and sexy, and things start to feel right again. “Had some real good dreams about you, though. Wet ones.”
“Such a charmer,” I tease. But he knows I’m charmed by his raunchy flirting. Always have been, always will be.
Too soon, we say goodbye as I promise to get the contract done as quickly as I can. “I know you will, Birdie. In the meantime, think I’ll see if Mom needs any help at the bakery or go give Etta a run for her money on a table or two.”
After we hang up, I sit in silence, staring at my phone. Jesse is a good man. Things are falling apart for him, at least temporarily, but he’s worried about his crews and Alan’s wife, and he’s going to spend the spare time taking care of his family. How could he ever have thought I would think he was anything less than awesome?