Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
“Oh my God,” Amelia said as Parker grabbed Lori by the arm.
Giving a glaring look at Lori, Parker said, “Tim, Drake, we’ll meet you in the lobby in thirty minutes.”
They both smiled and then turned to Amelia. “Will you be joining us? We’re here with a few other friends, and I’m sure we can talk one of them into joining us for dinner.”
I wasn’t sure if it was Tim or Drake who asked.
Amelia gave him a pleasant smile. “No, I think I’ll pass.”
Parker sighed and said, “Mel, please come out to dinner.”
With a look that said she wasn’t going to argue, Amelia turned away and picked up her drink, finishing it off.
“Another one?” I asked.
“Please.”
Parker must have realized she wasn’t going to get anywhere. “Fine. I’ll text you where we’re going.”
“Sounds good,” Amelia said, not bothering to look at either friend as they headed off toward the cottages.
After the four of them were out of earshot, I said, “That’s kind of a shitty thing to do. Leave you alone on your first night here.”
She gave me a weak smile. “I’m used to it. When we were in college, they would get hit on all the time while I sat at the table and watched them have a good time.”
“Why weren’t you having a good time?”
With a sigh, she let out a humorless laugh. “I was stressed all through college, and eating was my coping mechanism. You know how they say the freshman fifteen? Mine was more like the freshman fifty. I got up to around a hundred and ninety pounds, and trust me when I say that college guys aren’t interested in the fat friend.”
“Don’t say that,” I quickly said. “Just because a woman is not a certain size doesn’t mean she isn’t beautiful. I’ve seen women of all shapes and sizes here on the island. Putting yourself down because you’re not the same size as your friends doesn’t do you, or other women that size, any good.”
Amelia tilted her head and regarded me. “Do you really mean the words coming out of your mouth right now?”
I laughed. “I do. I know some guys don’t think like I do, but I’ve met a number of beautiful women while working here.”
“You must get a lot of action then,” she said with a wink while she took a sip of her drink.
“Not with tourists.”
Her brows raised, and I quickly corrected myself.
“I mean, no. Not that I’m a saint, but I make it a rule not to sleep with tourists, and I cannot even remember the last time I went on a date.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“Why not sleep with tourists, or why not date?”
She smiled. “Both.”
“Don’t get me wrong, when I first moved here I had my fair share of good times. Look around. There are a lot of tourists, and a lot of women, looking to have a fling. I’m no longer into one-night stands.”
Her eyes narrowed as if she was attempting to assess if I was feeding her a line of bullshit.
“And as far as dating goes, I haven’t really met anyone I’m interested in. Living here on the island, most of the locals here I work with.” I shrugged. “I don’t want to mix business and pleasure.”
After a few moments she nodded. “That’s fair enough. Don’t you get lonely, though?”
My eyes met hers, and I swore something cracked in the air between us. I wasn’t sure why, but I felt like I could open myself up with Amelia.
“I do. And that is why I’m at a crossroads in my life right now.”
She leaned forward. “Oh, tell me what it is?”
I laughed as I reached up and turned off the lights that lit up the name of the bar.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to be the manager here.”
“Congratulations,” she said as she held up her nearly empty glass.
Picking up my water, we clinked glasses. “Thank you, but I’m not sure I’m going to take it.”
“Don’t want the responsibility?” she asked.
I shook my head. “Nah, nothing like that. I’ve been hiding, I guess you could say.”
“From what?”
Sighing, I pushed my hand through my hair and watched as her eyes watched the action. “Life?”
Amelia laughed. “That’s a broad answer, Jax. What are you hiding from down here in the Keys?”
My eyes met hers. “I don’t know. I thought I’d have the answers I was looking for by now, but maybe I’m looking in the wrong place.”
Her eyes filled with compassion, but she didn’t say anything.
“Listen, I can’t stand the idea of you spending your first night here alone and stuck in your room. Let me take you to dinner.”
Sitting up straighter, she attempted to look confused, but I could see the tinest hint of interest in those blue eyes of hers.
“I thought you didn’t hook up with the tourists.”
Leaning over the bar, I motioned with my finger for her to get closer. When she leaned in, I said, “It’s just dinner. Nothing else.”