Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37953 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37953 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 190(@200wpm)___ 152(@250wpm)___ 127(@300wpm)
I run my hand over the pristine counter and sigh. “What am I going to do?” I mutter. Suddenly, I felt completely out of my realm. I have class tomorrow, so I wonder if I’ll see Julian. This was going to be interesting.
My brother said their paths crossed more in the hospital than they did at the apartment so I’ll be happy to have privacy, but that I should heed Julian’s warning about the boys, or I’ll find myself homeless. I didn’t doubt it because I was already annoying him.
I hate lasagna, so I don’t touch it. There’s something about thick noodles that makes my stomach turn. Still, beggars can’t be choosers. I needed a job to feed myself. The fridge was damn near empty, so I needed to find something, or I’d be hard swallowing a plate of pasta. Digging into the cabinets, I pull out a box of granola bars and snag one before heading to the bedroom and working on my many, many boxes.
I don’t know when I passed out, but I woke up in the middle of my bed with half of the boxes opened and put away. It was well after midnight when I last looked at my phone, but Julian hadn’t come home. It’s already ten in the morning and I needed to head to class.
Thankfully, my mom and brother hooked me up with a bus card. I stepped outside the house with my card in hand, and my book bag on when Julian pulled up. “Hey, where are you going?”
“To school,” I say. “Are you just getting back from work?”
“Yes. Get in and I’ll give you a ride.”
“Aren’t you tired?”
“Yes, so get in so I can come back and get some sleep.” I don’t want to argue with him because frankly, I miss him. When I open the truck door, I smell nothing but Julian and the fresh car scent. I breathe it in and sigh.
“Thanks. I wasn’t looking forward to the new route to school.”
“No problem. I have another car for you to use for school.”
“Thanks, but I’m good. I have a bus card.”
“What did I say?”
“Look, I don’t have a job, yet which means gas money isn’t just flowing out of my pockets. My mom only gave me so much.” When I was living at home, she didn’t want me to work because she wanted me to focus on school and since my tuition was paid off by a scholarship. I didn’t have to work. Now, it was a must.
I remember the restaurant job. Ugh. I hated that place. The boss was so handsy that my bestie and I made up an excuse for me to call off, but then my mom came to me and said my boss fired me for not coming in. I promised to find another job, but she just wanted me to focus on school.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll fill it up. It’s safer for you and I want to keep my promise to Drake.” Despite being a douche, my brother has always been protective of me. I later found out that Drake had gone down to the restaurant and punched that guy in the face for touching me. I don’t know how they found out, but he took care of it.
“You don’t have to take it that seriously. The apartment was more than enough.”
“No, it isn’t. Look, Everly, I’m tired and today was a rough one. Can you not argue with me about this?”
“Of course.” I press my hand to his and say, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be ungrateful. You have been nothing but generous to me.”
“You’re not, but I expect you to do what I say the first time.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I mutter under my breath.
“Would you care to repeat that?” his voice grows stern, and my panties are soaked.
“Nope.”
“That’s what I thought.” He pulls the car over and that’s when he adds, “We’re here.”
“Wow, that was fast.” How did he know where my school was? Did Drake tell him? Probably gave him all my damn information. My brother said that Julian was a straight arrow and completely by the book, so he studied everything. He probably has my social security too.
“Thank you,” I say.
“I work again in eight hours. What time do you get out?”
“I don’t get out until four.”
“Oh, well, someone will be here to pick you up.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course, I am. Have a good day in class.” I get out and go to class, hoping that he doesn’t have someone else go out of their way.
Chapter Three
Julian
It’s been a week. One week and I’ve only seen her three times. Each time has been a blessing and pure torture as well. She looks perfect in my place, but she’d look better in my bed with my last name as hers.
My phone rang as I pulled into my parking space at the apartment. “Hello,” I answered.