Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73117 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73117 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“Wow, that is kind of a dick move. Although, I can’t blame you for being upset. I’m sorry that happened.”
I truly was—sorry.
He chuckled. “I’m not really donating their stuff. I plan to give everything back, but I’m waiting a few days to teach them a lesson about respecting property that’s not their own.”
I smiled. He really wasn’t a bad guy at all. I’d had the “landlord” pegged all wrong.
“How long have you been a landlord?” I asked, genuinely curious as to how he’d acquired the amazing beachfront place we were renting.
“Having to manage the properties wasn’t something I necessarily wanted. They meant a lot to my grandfather. He died of a heart attack a few years back and left them to me because he felt like I’d be the only one to take on the responsibility. Made me promise never to sell them. So, I’m honoring his wishes.”
That warmed my heart. “That’s so nice of you.”
“Yeah. It’s good money. And I give most of it to my mom and sister. It really helps them make ends meet. My sister is a single mother. But it’s a pain in the ass dealing with people who come from out of town and get drunk off their asses. In the off-season, I have to go in and repaint and fix shit that they break. There’s better stuff I could be doing with my time. It sucks.”
He was definitely giving me a new perspective. “I’m sorry that the tenants can be difficult.”
“Whatever. It’s par for the course with a summer rental. Pretty sure whoever wrote my phone number on that bathroom stall was probably some renter pissed off after I kept their security deposit to pay for damages. I stopped using my personal cell for business a while back, but apparently that slipped in before I switched it.”
That made sense. Now I felt even worse. I could totally see one of us getting stupid drunk at Salty’s and doing the same thing to the “bully landlord.” Except he wasn’t a bully. We’d been selfish in not adhering to the rules. He was just a guy trying to do his damn job, fulfilling his grandfather’s wishes.
“Well, the good thing about that pissed-off renter is that her actions led you to me.” When he didn’t immediately respond, I regretted my comment. Twirling a piece of my hair, I settled back into the bed and asked, “Why did you call me tonight?”
“I guess…I just wanted to hear your voice,” he admitted.
I shut my eyes. I’d really wanted to hear his voice too. Not just to prove Silas was the landlord, but also because I missed it.
“Well…” he said. “That’s not the only reason I called you.”
I sat up straighter and pulled my sheets toward me. “What’s the other reason?”
“I was wondering if maybe you’d…want to meet up.”
My heart pounded. This was the moment I’d been waiting for, except now I was more confused than ever.
What do I say? Either way, I’m screwed, whether it was because of my fake British accent that I’d used over at his house today, or the fact that I’m one of his “crazy ass” problematic tenants.
Schwinn. I cringed. You fucking idiot, Lola! I was toast.
Needing to buy myself some time, I said, “Can I think about it?”
“Yeah. Whatever.” He sounded a bit disappointed. “I just thought it’d be nice to meet you. You seem really cool.”
“You too, Silas.”
A part of me wanted to confess everything to him so badly…just get it over with. But I really needed to think this through before making a rash decision.
“Just so you know…I’m not suggesting we meet up and fuck. In case you’re wondering about my intentions. I’m just thinking…we came this far. We might as well meet. You know?”
There I was, loving the way he said the word fuck again.
I was fucked, alright.
“I appreciate you saying that. I know we met because I called a number from a bathroom wall for a good time, but I’m not really that type of person. I’m not easy.”
“I didn’t think you were. That’s why I wanted to put it out there that I don’t have any expectations. I just…” he paused. “I don’t know…you seem really honest. When I asked you about why you called that first night, you admitted you were lonely. That’s not a thing people tend to admit so easily. And when I asked about your last relationship, you didn’t give me some bullshit answer. It’s refreshing to talk to someone who’s honest and open, so I thought maybe we could meet for a drink. Even coffee, if you’d rather that.”
I closed my eyes. Honest. That was definitely the last thing I’d been with him in the past twenty-four hours. His comment made me feel like shit. “Can I ask you something, Silas?”
“You just did…”
I smiled. “What happens if we meet, and I’m not who you expect?”