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)
“Haven’t you had a lot of changes in your life lately?”
“Living in Nashville is different than I imagined.”
“When I moved from Alabama, there was an adjustment period. It’s normal.”
“I guess, but I thought I’d be adjusting with my boyfriend’s support. When he broke it off…”
The sadness in her voice strikes a chord. I know first-hand what it’s like to have total upheaval in your life because of a man.
“Can you make it to the salon around two? My parents are driving in, so I cleared my afternoon. You’ll be my last appointment.”
Her smile lights up her face and she nods. “Thank you.”
The chime of the security system alerts us to motion on the street. I almost swallow my tongue at the sight of the four men jogging toward the house. Ford is front and center, shirtless and sweaty. He breaks off, heading to his side of the house with a finger flick to the others.
“See you this afternoon.” I excuse myself and practically run back to his room.
14
FORD
“Your mom and sisters adore her. She has the official stamp of approval.”
“Everyone adores Rowan,” Talon agrees with my dad. “We’re all waiting for her to wise up and ditch his ass.”
I slice my eyes to him, not amused by his humor. Asshole smiles wide, taking a slug of his beer.
“She’s not going anywhere.”
“This can’t be happening again.” Sam shakes his head.
“I mean, we had to understand the Harley and Ace connection. Then our brother hooked Jewls in a way she’ll have to deal with his ass forever. But Rowan, she had a clear getaway,” Drake says. “Maybe she’s in a state of confusion, or hexed.”
“That would be a plausible explanation,” Sam agrees.
“You two done?” I glare between them.
“Never pegged you for the sensitive type,” Sam goads.
“I’m not fucking sensitive, you’re pissing me off.”
The twins share a victorious glance, grinning slyly.
“Where’s the whiskey?” Hotch takes a seat at the bar. I grab a glass and pour him a shot, which he promptly shoots back and motions for more.
“Something on your mind?”
He takes another gulp of the drink and shakes his head. “Just processing how I was roped into almost a week’s worth of pre-wedding festivities when it’s not even my daughter.” He casts his gaze to Jewls’ dad, Gill. “No offense.”
“None taken. I’m in the same boat and it is my daughter.”
All of us leer at Major, who shrugs indifferently. “I have one part in this and that’s the marriage. The rest involve Jewls and the moms. Feel free to decline.”
Hotch stares at him a beat then throws his head back roaring, Dad and Gill join in. “Son, come to me in about twenty-eight years and tell me how often you decline your wife.”
“Not sure if you’ve noticed, but Jewls and Major have a hard time declining,” Ace throws out, and it’s my turn to chuckle.
“What about you, pretty boy? You ever tell my baby girl no?”
All eyes come to me.
When Hotch and Cassie arrived yesterday, he shook my hand more firmly than necessary with his steely eyes narrowed. The man and I had been around each other several times, but this was different. I received his message.
He was trusting me and I better not fuck up.
All day, every test he’s thrown out, I’ve been ready.
Like now.
I pour my own shot and sling it back, glancing at the patio. All the women are deep in conversation. Cruz is among the group, Pepper going from lap to lap. Rowan’s head drops back, her laughter floating singing in the air.
Happy.
Carefree.
Absolutely gorgeous perfection.
“Nope, never told her no. Probably never will.”
There’s a collective hiss among the men, and I catch Hotch’s small grin before he sucks down his drink.
Talon throws his hands in the air, whistles loudly, then sings the familiar tune.
“And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust….”
He earns another round of laughs; even my lips twitch at his ridiculous sway.
“Let’s see how this goes when he finds out what my girl has agreed to.”
My mood dies when I catch the pitch in Hotch’s tone.
“What are you talking about?”
He gives a shoulder lift, reaching for the bottle and pouring himself another. “Better to let this play out.”
“Let what play out?”
“How well do you know Cruz and Alex?”
“Why?”
“Because you’re about to know them a lot better.”
Automatically, I scan the group on the patio, my sixth sense kicking in.
The conversation bounces around, but it’s Cruz’s statement that makes my body tense.
“You’re welcome as long as you like. No rush to find another house.”
I’m on the move, hoping like hell he doesn’t mean what I think he does.
“Shit, I know that look.” Talon’s earlier amusement is gone.
Rowan spots me coming first, her smile fading. Without a word, I set her wine glass on the table and pull her gently out of the chair.