Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“Talk about somethin’ else before I hurl…”
I started to speak but he caught me instantly off guard with his next words.
“You’re doin’ better every day. You already seem like your old self. That’s a fast improvement.” He shot me a pointed look.
I just shrugged, not in the mood to chat about what was happening to me. I recognized the change inside me. I liked it. That was enough for now.
“Yeah, I’m sure you’re still processin’ it all in that noggin of yours. I’m glad to have you back, though. It’d suck to be doin’ this without you.” He abruptly jerked his head to the closed curtain window. I didn’t know why. “It bugged me when you moved, then even more when you came back. Remember how you’d sprint across the roof to get outside?” His penetrating gaze came back to mine. “I have a secret I’ve never told you.” He pointed at me. “And you’re never going to throw it up in my face again.”
I nodded, but there might be, to be honest, the jury was out on that promise. It might slip out again depending on what he had to say.
“I seriously have a fear of heights. I’d follow you because I couldn’t let you win, but it bothered me every time.”
“I win.” The words were said automatically, but I didn’t mean them. He acted like this was a shocking revelation. We’d known each other too well. Scott didn’t have secrets from me, and I didn’t have them from him—the very reason for Dash’s current presence in Alabama.
As I prepared to tell him how closely I’d studied him and fought my own fears in order to keep competing, I switched tactics and fanned the flames of that spirit inside him instead. We’d both be better for it in the end. “Just so you know, when I leave here and head to Dallas, I’m gonna kick your ass financially. I was readin’ that UPS drivers make serious bank…”
“Wanna bet?” Scott muttered.
My distraction worked and I held back my grin. He came at me as if we were wagering on different boxers to win the championship belt.
“The commission I earn is endless. I’ll make more money than you as long as you don’t use your boyfriend’s coattails.”
Oh man, he’d hit below the belt. “Bet.”
His hand shot out to shake mine.
Something deeper ignited within me, bubbling up beyond the emotional damage I’d endured. “I’ll get healthcare, holidays off, and most weekends, and still make more money than you.”
A knock at the door drew both our attention. Mrs. Lee, Scott’s mom, gave a time update through the closed door without waiting for us to open the door. “Five minutes. She’s here.” Even though I couldn’t see her, I could hear the excitement in her voice.
He locked an unwavering stare on me. “Dollar for dollar. W-2’s compared. We’ll settle the rest once this wedding’s done. Every year is a separate win.” Since our hand grip continued, he shook mine aggressively and with certainty.
“Starts the beginnin’ of next month,” I shot out cockily. “You just made my wins so much sweeter.”
The ultimate challenge. I saw the same fire building within him that flared inside me.
“Better learn to tuck your tail between your ass cheeks.” Unafraid of anything now, Scott went closer to the shut bedroom door, waiting to go out.
I laughed at his unwavering confidence. And patted myself on the back for manipulating him in his quest to always be able to provide for his family. The door pushed open, bouncing off Scott’s face in the swing open. I laughed at that too.
“It’s showtime, babe. We’re beginnin’.” Mrs. Lee was oblivious to the tension Scott, and I had created inside the bedroom. And the pain he might be under from being hit in the face. She smiled sweetly at her son. “I’m proud of you, Scott. Get your hat then wait behind Beau to take your place close to the preacher.” She kissed his cheek and hurried from the doorway.
The nerves were back in my friend, but they ended soon. Since the hallway had been set up to be the aisle, I went first, liking the energy building inside me.
Thoughts of Dash pulled at me like a magnet in every moment we were apart. While quiet in the hall, visions of him in his stylish suit danced around my head as the piano began to play. He’d be the best-looking guy here.
I took my place then searched for Dash. I wasn’t wrong. When he grinned, I did too. What a beautiful guy, both inside and out.
As I lugged the rental chairs from the house back into the van, a couple of yawns escaped. When Mr. Lee found out I was leaving first thing in the morning, he instructed me on the different post-wedding jobs, all heavy, that needed to be done before I left. He’d effectively transformed me into one tired pack mule. I felt sure he’d find some way to justify me digging out the muck in rain gutters pretty soon.