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)
“Infinitely stratospheric.”
Harley bounces, squealing gleefully.
“Damn, that’s some good shit.” Jewls grins approvingly.
“I guess I have you to thank for… encouraging Ford to—” I stop, not sure how to say it. Ford shared with me parts of his conversation with Jewls. He didn’t offer it up willingly, but I’m understanding the fun of persuasion.
“Encouraging? I shoved him straight out of his comfort zone.”
“You know, there’s something chivalrous about it. Achilles was reluctant to have sex with me when he found out I was a virgin.”
“Really, Jay? That lasted a nano-second.” Jewls calls her out.
“Yes, but there was still hesitation. Thank God he got over it.”
“And look at you now. Blissfully happy, a new home, dream job, amazing friends—living the good life.”
Harley’s smile falters, concern filling her eyes. “Yes, all true. But outside of the home, you have all those things, too, don’t you?”
I’m quick to nod. “In my wildest dreams, I never imagined feeling this way was possible.”
“But?”
“But what?”
“But there’s something you’re not saying.”
I shrug, suddenly feeling hot. This is not usually how my conversations go. In the salon business, it’s easy to keep the talk focused on the clientele with the occasional droplets of personal information.
“We dig you are a private person, Rowan. The expression on your face right now is far from ‘infinitely stratospheric’.”
My stomach churns and a sour taste fills my mouth. The underlying fear and nagging feeling I’ve been able to push away boils to the surface.
“I’m in love with him.”
Both women blow out a breath and their eyes light up.
“That’s not a surprise, nor is it a secret. When will you tell him?”
“I can’t tell him! What if he doesn’t feel the same?”
“Are you blind?” Jewls squawks. “Ford Whitman is legitimately off the market.”
“For now, but what happens when it’s not fun and exciting? Newness wears off.”
“Oh, for fucks sake. I want to go back in time and castrate that son of a bitch.”
I shake my head, not wanting Jewls to get riled up. “I don’t want to mess this up. I’m not exactly the poster woman for functional relationships.”
“Because you’ve never been in a relationship with a Casanova before. Usually, it’s best to let these things happen organically; however, there is the exception. These men are very forward, and once the ball is rolling, they don’t hold back.”
“I’m noticing that. Ford called my dad and arranged to stay with us this weekend without consulting me first.”
“Achilles told me to move in with him in front of his father.” Harley gives a dramatic shiver.
“Hello!” Jewls points to her stomach. “Knocked up the first month together.”
“Trust in the process and just don’t lose yourself.”
Harley’s words sink, and I realize how insecure my worries are. “Ford is the most amazing man I’ve ever known, and it has nothing to do with the phenomenal sex.”
I slap my hand over my mouth.
“He seems to feel the same about you.” Harley squeezes my hand.
“Red alert, incoming,” Jewls whisper hisses.
Tera breezes in looking stunning in a royal blue sheath dress and nude sandals. She glances between all of us and stops suddenly. “Am I interrupting?”
I know she’s not been exactly engulfed in the fold living here, making a bad impression from the start. Maybe it’s all the heartfelt conversation, or the fact that I’ve admitted I’m in love. But my heart feels for her. She is alone in a new city.
“You look lovely, Tera.”
Her eyes slice to me, and she runs her hand down her dress. “Thank you, Rowan.”
Harley grips my hand again, giving me an approving glance, then speaks. “Yes, Tera, that’s a gorgeous dress.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re a bitch,” Jewls announces bluntly.
I gasp, whirling my head to her. “Jewls!”
“What? That dress is killer and I’ll never wear that size again.”
“That’s her crass way of complimenting you,” Harley is quick to say. “She’s sensitive these days. Right, Julianna?”
“Of course, it’s a compliment. That outfit is hot.”
Tera’s lips split into a wide grin. “Thank you.”
“Okay, I’m off to wrangle rock stars and promote concerts.” Harley kisses my cheek, gives me one last meaningful glance, and waves her way to the door.
“I’m off to make sure my company remembers how fortunate they are to have me.” Jewls disappears down the hall to her bedroom.
“I’ve never quite met anyone like them,” Tera replies pensively.
“Aren’t they great?’
She pauses. “Yes, they are. I’m actually glad you’re here. Can we talk?”
“What’s up?” I notice her fidgeting and looking around.
“There’s a huge party this weekend, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve heard amazing things about your salon. Is there any way you can fit me in today?”
“Are you wanting something special?”
“I’m ready for a change.”
So many women walk through my doors with this same sentiment for a variety of reasons. Some go through with it while others fall back into their comfort zone. The determination on her face indicates Tera’s motives are shaky.