Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
I go against every grain of my being in choosing not to go after her, even though I’m tempted to hop in my truck, fire it up, and follow her. I don’t. I watch until she’s nothing but a shadow before I head back. “Damn,” I mumble, kicking a pebble on the ground with my boot.
All that’s left to do is go over her paperwork, close the door, and head upstairs. The clipboard sits on the hood of my car, and while the pertinent information is filled out, there’s also a small note off to the side.
Colt,
Thanks for the offer and working on my car. See you around.
Sable
I’m half-tempted to text the number she left on the form, but being a creep is the last thing I need to add to my dickhole behavior. I finish the task of closing down the garage, keeping the clipboard, paper, and her keys with me while accomplishing my tasks. I’m not unpacking the reasons why I’m doing everything in my power to keep a piece of her in my hands. Nope, not fucking going there, not tonight at least.
6
Sable
I’ve never been in a jam quite like this evening, and while I know that sounds very naïve with a smidge of privilege, considering most women my age have done a lot more and a lot younger than me, still, it had me second-guessing walking to the bed and breakfast or taking Colt up on his offer. In the end, I skedaddled away like a thief in the night, leaving him a note and taking what I thought would be the best plan of action, which meant hoofing it as fast as possible with as little noise as possible.
The host at the front saw me climbing the front steps two at a time and hurriedly opened the door for me. She probably thought I was running for my life. Nope, just a hot-as-fuck man with a chip on his shoulder. I’m still pissed at myself for thinking about the tall, dark, and handsome stranger. I mean, who wouldn’t have wild thoughts about Colt Barlow? He’s rough around the edges and rugged in the hottest way possible. Sure, he’s a little bit on the abrasive side. Okay, fine, he’s a big growly bear, but beneath it all, his eyes tell a different story completely. One that has layers of complexity, only when you really look do you see it.
I also reminded myself that Rafe can be the same way. And given his job, I can’t blame him, even if learning how to navigate his moods can be dicey at times. It usually requires me to back away, let him have a moment, stay quiet, and then he’ll come and find me to apologize. Maybe the same could be said for Colt tonight.
“Here’s your room. I hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call down.” Nora, the innkeeper, and her husband, Gus, run Oak Haven, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay for the next few weeks.
“Thank you. I’m sorry for checking in so late,” I tell her, remembering that I need to send a message to Rafe and keep him up to date on what’s going on. He won’t answer for another day or two, but at least this way, he’ll know all the same.
“You’re welcome, and it’s never a problem. We tend to stay up until our guest checks in, then go to bed. If no one’s coming in, well, we turn in earlier.” I make a mental note to write a thank-you card once our conversation is over and she’s left the room. I go about kicking off my shoes, scrunch my toes in the plush carpet while rolling my shoulders and let out a tired yawn.
I look around the room, taking in the rich wallpaper, the antique brass headboard and footboard, the dark furniture with curlicues on the edges, and the Tiffany-style lamps on each side of the bed. There’s even a smaller chandelier to really set the tone. As much as I want to go into the bathroom and take a long hot shower, I’ve got a few things to do first.
I move around the room until I land near my purse, and after a quick search, my hand wraps around my phone. A few swipes of my fingers, and I see Rafe’s message appear on the screen.
(Unknown): Sis, you good?
(Unknown): You don’t answer me soon, I’ll enable the tracking system to see where you are.
(Unknown): Five more minutes, sis.
I roll my eyes and let out a laugh, because I’m not dumb. The tracking system is already on, I did it for him because of my travel plans. This is also not the number I would usually text, which means he’s got some downtime going on or is really worried about me.