Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Rowan smiles at my sister. “At least our fake-dating never got out,” she says with a lighthearted chuckle, which eases some of the worry in my chest.
“Please,” Sloane scoffs. “Did any of us really believe it was fake? I mean, really?” she asks.
“Nope,” Corie says, grinning.
“Yes,” Foster, Reid, Baker, and Knox all reply simultaneously, making everyone laugh.
“So not fake,” I say, leaning over to kiss my girl’s cheek.
“Eat up, fellas. We have some moving to do,” Knox says.
“Today?” Rowan asks.
“Yes, today. We’ll grab your clothes and anything important to you, and get the rest as we can.”
“I’m not attached to any of it. All of my furniture was bought from secondhand stores. I’ll donate it all to someone who needs it.” She shrugs as if it’s no big deal, but everyone in the room can feel the sadness.
If I do anything in this life, it’s going to be giving her memories, moments, and mementos that she can hold onto for our lifetime together. She’s never had anything for her, and I’ll make damn sure to spoil her rotten.
“We’ll help you pack, and these guys can do all the heavy lifting,” Sloane says.
Corie holds up her phone. “I have a few posts to make, but that won’t take me long.”
I hate that statements need to be made, but that’s the nature of this business, and being in the public eye. No matter what, I’ll stand tall beside my girl and support her. We all will.
“Thank you. All of you. You’ve made this horrible incident easier. You’ve helped me find the courage to stand up for what’s right, and I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“Babysitting,” Baker says, and we all laugh.
“Done,” Rowan tells him. “Anytime you need a sitter for that little guy, I’m all in.”
“Hold up, now, don’t be hogging the baby,” Corie says, pretending to glare at Rowan, but cracks a smile. “I need my name on that list too,” she tells Baker.
“And me.” Sloane raises her hand. “I’ll help too.”
Baker nods at each of them. “Thanks. I’m going to need it, I’m sure.”
“Okay, hurry up and eat. We gotta get my girl moved in,” I say.
“You know he’s serious if he’s rushing food consumption,” Foster jokes.
“Damn right, I’m serious. If this wouldn’t go to waste, I would have suggested grabbing something on the way.”
“Damn,” Reid mutters. “You broke him, Rowan.” He holds his hand up to her for a high-five. “Reynolds is putting you above his constant need for food.” He holds up his pinky finger and wiggles it. “You got him right here.” He laughs.
“And damn proud of it,” I say before Rowan can comment. “Now eat.”
Reid salutes me, and then we all dig into our late breakfast. I shovel mine in faster than I ever have because I know at the end of this meal, she’s moving in, and that’s just the first step in starting our forever.
Leaning over, I whisper in her ear, “I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”
She looks at me. Her blue eyes could be filled with so much pain and sorrow, but they’re not. They’re shining with love and happiness, as they always should be. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that look in her eye.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Landry
It’s been two weeks since the incident with Chaz. The media lit up the story like a wildfire. There are a few negative comments, but all of the articles are in support of Rowan, myself, and the Rampage. The facts are there, and there are a few keyboard warrior assholes who spew their hate, but we’ve been ignoring them. Do not engage and all that.
It’s also been two weeks since Rowan moved in with me. My big house is no longer empty. I love seeing her shoes by the door, her girly stuff all over the bathroom counter, and that section of my closet that’s been empty for so long is now occupied. Though she doesn’t have much, and I plan to change that. That's why I’m meeting my sister for lunch today. We’re going on a shopping spree for Rowan. I know my girl, and she’d never spend my money willingly. My little sister, on the other hand, will, as long as it’s not for her. Stubborn women surround me, but I wouldn’t change it. I’ll think of a way to pay my sister back for helping me.
“So, where does she think you are right now?”
“With you. I told her we were having lunch together. I invited her, but she said we should spend our sibling bonding time alone. I told her I’d bring her back her favorite cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.”
“Oh, you learn fast,” Corie says, nodding. “Good job, Bro.”
“I’d do anything for her, Core. I get it now, the way Knox looks at you. The way he gravitates toward you. I didn’t understand it. At first, I thought maybe he was just doing it to get under my skin, but that’s not it at all.”