Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Not happening.”
“Ford, I’m new to town. Help me out.”
“Google gyms.”
Talon coughs to cover his chuckle.
Her face falls and eyes fill with hurt.
A ping of guilt strikes and I drop my chin, trying to find words that won’t make me sound like a dick.
Or more of a dick.
“Tera, you grew up with my sisters, so I’m going to play the big brother card here. You strut around here, wearing little more than a swimsuit, and you’re sending a message. Not the right message. Ace is happily married and Major is on his way. They are solid, but they’re not standing around long enough for anyone to get the wrong idea. Right now, half the men in here are wondering exactly what you are to Talon and me before they make a move. You are on the prowl, that’s your business, but I’d appreciate if you left my gym off your list of locations.”
She glances around the room, observing all the eyes aimed our way. “You’re right. I’m sorry for screwing up your workout with your friends.”
The ping of guilt grows. “Talk to Harley, Ace’s wife. She belongs to a Pilates gym. She can help you find a place more your scene.”
“Is she the brunette or the blonde?”
“You’ve been staying at the house for almost a week and don’t know which is which?”
“I haven’t seen them much.”
It’s impossible to miss the low rumble from Talon. I tamper down my own. Jewls and Harley both met Tera Saturday night. They may work two jobs, but they don’t work Sundays or Monday nights. They are always around.
Tera not running into them is intentional.
“Harley is the brunette. I’ll give her a heads up you’re searching for a gym.”
“Thanks,” she replies flatly.
“We gotta roll.”
“Yeah, I think I’m done, too. Thanks for letting me tag along. Sorry about all this.” She motions to her body. “Think I’ll stick to a more commercial gym.”
“Good idea.”
“See ya back at the house.” She grabs her bag and struts through the gym, no doubt adding extra sway on her way out the door.
“What the hell are you going to do about that?” Talon asks pointedly.
“About what?”
“The woman is making her play.”
“On me?”
“You really are a dipshit. Two women in two weeks throw themselves at you and you’re too stupid to notice.”
“Don’t be an asshole. Tera is my sisters’ friend.”
“She doesn’t want to be the friend. Keep your guard up.”
“Unnecessary since I have no interest.”
“Make sure she knows it.”
“Noted.”
A whistle sounds across the room, pulling my attention to the entry. Robbie jerks his chin and then disappears.
“What’s that about?”
I don’t answer, beelining for the exit with Talon on my heels.
When I get to the parking lot, Robbie is leaning against his truck, Finn at his side.
“What are you doing here?” I probe.
“Saving you a trip to my office. I figured anything that warrants a call at five-thirty in the morning must be important.”
“It can wait.”
“Save the shit. I know why you called. Rowan’s safe.”
I remain still, but a wave of relief washes through me. “Where is she?”
“What the fuck?” Talon spews.
Robbie studies me, his eyes hard, his jaw locked.
“Someone tell me the fucking situation,” Talon demands impatiently.
“What I want to know is why the hell you are coming to me for this?” Robbie goes on without regard to Talon.
“It’s complicated.”
“Bullshit. A part of me wanted to leave your sorry ass hanging out there. It would serve you right to have someone with the balls to make a move.”
A growl rumbles low in my throat. Finn’s eyes light, his lips splitting into a shit-eating grin. “He’s got it bad.”
“Could have fooled me.” Robbie uncrosses his arms and leans back on his elbows.
“It’s like looking in a fucking mirror.” Finn smiles.
“What does that mean?” Irritation spikes at his amusement.
“Robbie took his sweet ass time, too. Seems like your crew’s MO. Ace, Major, now you, fools to think time waits.”
“You’re one to talk,” Robbie accuses his friend.
“I locked that shit down immediately.”
“Then you almost fucked it up.”
“My situation was different. I’d been shot. Not to mention, you are the king of royal fuck-ups. Ember should have left your ass—”
“Enough with the soap opera whiplash. What the hell is going on?” Talon loses his cool.
“Rowan didn’t come home last night. Her phone was turned off. She wasn’t home when I got off shift this morning.” I relay the information that’s been eating me inside. “Robbie can track her security app.”
“You know where she was?” Talon asks Robbie.
“She was with Cruz and Alex.”
I rock back at the information. “How?”
“She stopped by Clyde’s and something happened. They took her home with them.”
“What could have happened?”
“Not my place to say.”
“Is she okay?”
“Why aren’t you asking her? Aren’t you friends?”
“It’s complicated,” I repeat.
He studies me, his lips twitching. “Uncomplicate it.”
“Sounds like sage advice.” Talon chuckles. “Been trying to push that myself.”