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)
My giggles die. “Hollywood?”
“You’ve always reminded me of that Hollywood actress who plays Black Widow.”
I’m not intimately familiar with Marvel Comics, but I am highly in the know about pop culture. Being in a salon fifty hours a week brings a lot of conversation.
“You think I resemble Scarlett Johansson?”
“That her name?” Tom shrugs.
“That may be the sweetest compliment ever.”
Ford’s arms circle my waist. “I’m not the only one who thinks you’re gorgeous.”
“You two feel the need to go at it again, do it outside my bar,” Tom grouses, hustling away.
“Hollywood. I like it.” Ford’s lips graze my ear.
“Is it weird that I’m not embarrassed about being busted making out with you twice in one day?”
“Nothing to be embarrassed about.”
I glance at him, noting the annoyance replaced with amusement. “You a fan of PDA?”
“That depends. Never was my thing until the first time your lips touched mine. Now I’m hooked.”
“I can’t believe you brought me here to recreate…” I trail off.
“Erasing bad memories, baby. “
“You really are awesome.”
“You’ll get used to it.” He laces his finger with mine. “You still feel sick?”
“Miraculous recovery.”
“Full of shit.” He kisses the tip of my nose before leading us back to the area reserved for the guys.
Jewls greets me sweetly, her smile infectious, serving me what looks like a martini. Her smile dies when she glances at Ford. “You took your life in your own hands today.”
He shrugs unapologetically, flashing her a mega-watt grin.
“What did you do?”
“He stole my secret stash of Twizzlers!” she screeches.
“You didn’t.” I pretend to be horrified.
“They’re not good for the babies.”
Her face reddens and eyes narrow, shooting daggers at him. “I don’t have gestational diabetes!”
“Yet,” he deadpans. “Keep eating licorice, and who knows?”
This totally explains why he tasted like strawberries earlier.
There’s a low gurgle in her throat and she storms away. Harley appears, passing a beer to Ford. “You shouldn’t antagonize her. She’s sensitive these days.”
“I am not sensitive! I’m pissed!” Jewls screams from the end of the bar, a few customers shrinking away.
“Who upset the baby mama?” Talon materializes from out of nowhere, Ace at his side.
Harley serves them, winking at Ace before flitting away.
“How’s it going, Hollywood?” Talon nudges me.
My jaw drops and I glance between him and Ace, my cheeks heating.
“Tom has a big fucking mouth,” Ford grumbles over the rim of his bottle.
“He works with seventy percent women. What’d you expect?” Ace returns, his eyes trained on Harley.
“I’ve never had a nickname.”
The three men gawk at me with blank stares until Ace shoots me a sideways grin. “Black Widow is a little too morbid. Hollywood works.”
“Let’s shorten it to Woody,” Talon suggests.
“You call my woman Woody, we have a problem.” Ford drapes his arm around my shoulder, pressing his mouth to my head.
Talon and Ace share a look, smiling outright.
I nuzzle into Ford’s hold, sipping my drink and secretly wanting to dance in a circle. The conversation from earlier pops into my head. “Are you going to tell me what Cruz and you were texting bout?”
His smug grin sets my insides into flight. “I asked how they felt about you having company in their home.”
My words from Sunday morning seem like forever ago. “And what did they say?”
“If I’m invited, they’re cool with it.”
Spontaneity… it’s new, it’s thrilling, and a little terrifying at the same time. No telling what the night will bring, but I’m done holding on to my reservations.
“You are definitely invited.”
10
FORD
I clamp my jaw as Rowan’s knee closes around my hip, grazing my dick.
Rowdy drunks… bar brawls… boot camp… anything to help tame the throbbing in my cock.
My mind betrays me, winding back to the second Rowan stepped into the kitchen last night.
I took advantage of her momentary distraction to fully take her in. The dress, hair, shoes—all fucking gorgeous. But it was the glow on her face and brightness in her eyes that struck me hardest.
I already knew where I stood, but in that instant, it became more.
And it was time she knew it, too.
Taking her to Tom’s was a risk. Cruz didn’t go into details, giving me just enough to know what happened the last time she was there scarred her.
All because of my stupid ass.
However long it takes, with each kiss, each touch, it’s my mission to erase the hurt and humiliation I caused.
She sighs, nuzzling into my neck, the warmth shooting straight back to my cock.
The shrill beeping of the alarm, followed by Pepper’s barking, has me on my feet, grabbing my gun from my bag. “Is that the alarm?” Rowan knifes up, her eyes darting around in terror.
I hand her my phone. “Stay here.”
“Should I call 9-1-1?”
“Not yet.” I’m on the move, slinking down the stairs, noting the front door is untouched and the intruder must be at the back.
Crouching behind the wall, I hear a muffled voice and fingers pounding the keyboard of the alarm.