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)
****
After my visit to Steeleville last week, I wanted to test my family’s theory, but I didn’t get a chance. I had to work non-stop and on my one day off, she had a full day of classes. Today we’re both off, so I have something in mind. Besides, today’s a special day so as Everly entered the kitchen, I asked, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. Why? Do I look crappy or something?” She huffs, slapping her hands on her hips.
“I’m asking about your finger,” I answered with a smirk.
“Oh,” she giggles. She pauses and then raises her injured finger to show me the new bandage. “Yeah, it still stings a little bit, but it’s okay. I changed the bandage again yesterday, and it’s almost completely healed.”
“That’s good. I’m riding out Steeleville today. Do you feel like going for a ride?”
“Sure.” She runs to her room and comes out a few minutes later dressed in a tiny pair of shorts and a tank top.
“Little girl, that’s not going to work.”
“It’s hot out and we’re going to Steeleville. What’s the big deal? Am I going to embarrass you or something?” I close the distance so that we’re nearly touching.
“We’re jumping on my Harley, baby.”
Her mouth drops open. “I’ve never been on a bike before.”
“Now is the time to learn.”
Her pulse rises as I pin her to the edge of the sofa. I’m not sure it’s the idea of riding or my closeness that has her heart rate spiked, so I step back. “I think it’s a little far to learn.”
“Don’t worry I’m not going to drop you.”
“What if I let go?”
“Well, that would be dumb as hell. How about I give you a ride around here and see how you feel?”
“Okay.” She bites on her bottom lip. The more this drags on the more I think twice about doing this; having her little hands wrapped around my waist seems like a very dumb idea. Still, it’s a family get together for my birthday and it feels wrong not to have her there.
“So come on little brat let’s go.” I turn her around and tap her bottom to send her on her way. Fuck, that was dumb as hell, but it felt so damn good.
“Okay, okay. You just literally told me two seconds ago.” Everly waves me off and runs back to her bedroom to change hopefully into something a little more practical.
She hurries up and puts on a pair of jeans that hugs every inch of her ass and thighs making those hips look absolutely delicious. I want to hold on to them and ride the fuck out of her until she is screaming my name. And I know it’s wrong. I’m just about to head out when my phone rings and it’s Doc calling me.
“What’s up, Uncle?”
“We need you at the hospital.”
“Yeah, I’m on my way now.”
“Nah, it’s a serious situation at Dallas General. A building went down, and we need your help.”
“I’m coming.”
I ended the call and tucked my phone in my pocket.
“Is something wrong?” Everly’s soft voice questioned with a hint of regret.
I turned back to Everly and apologized. “I’m sorry; we’re going to have to cancel this outing. It seems I need to go to the hospital. There’s an emergency. Maybe we’ll try riding that bike another day.”
“It’s okay. I wasn’t really thrilled about riding, anyway.” I can read from her expression that she’s being honest. “I hope everyone is going to be okay. Please be safe, Jules.”
“I will.” I give her a nod and then I head out, knowing that it’s for the best. I’m playing a dangerous game with her. The more I’m around her the more I’m going to give in. I keep wanting something I can’t have and it’s silly and naive. When I got to the hospital, I found out that there was a construction accident leaving two dead and twenty injured.
One of the guys who died had been a friend of mine that I went to school with. He left behind a family and my heart aches for them. It’s a fucking shame how life works out like that.
“Dr. Martinez, you did a tremendous job today,” Nurse Suarez says.
“Thank you, Ms. Suarez.”
“Call me, Linda. If you need anyone to talk to or anything, I’m here for you.” She presses her long nails on my arm, giving it a squeeze. “Wow, do you work out?”
“Yes, and I have plenty of people to talk to. Have a good night.” I walked away, feeling more than irritated by her touch. That woman has had her eyes on me for months as soon as she realized that I was graduating at the top of my class.
“Do you want me to have her written up?”
“No, Mom. I’m an adult and I don’t need you to fight my battles like I’m still a little boy.”