Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 113272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“Yeah, do that after they’ve been here a few days,” Kellan said before turning away.
“Is he joking this time?” Remington whispered to Eli.
“I’m going to leave you guessing.”
It was humbling for them to have to guess sometimes.
13
Arabella jogged along the quiet road. The sun was rising and it was going to be an amazing day.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d managed to go for a run. After her father died, life had been a blur of meetings and trying to get organized. Then there had been the move here.
She’d been left exhausted.
But running was a great way to the see the town. Yesterday she’d stuck to the streets, but today she’d decided to venture a bit further out.
As she turned a corner, she saw a rundown, old house. Most of Haven was well-kept. The buildings were taken care of, the streets were clean.
Perhaps this part of the countryside wasn’t in Haven’s boundaries. She wasn’t sure where the county line was.
Then she spotted someone standing on the road ahead, staring at the house. He was so still. Large and focused on the sight in front of him.
She recognized him instantly, of course.
He looked like he wanted to be alone. Should she turn around or just jog past? Drat.
Too late.
He had turned and was looking straight at her. Arabella gave him a small wave and a smile.
Pretty pathetic.
He didn’t say anything. Didn’t wave back.
Okay, then. She took a step back, ready to turn and jog back the way she came. But then he held up his hand in a stop gesture.
She froze.
Urgh. What was it with these guys? Why did they have the power to control her?
He crooked a finger at her.
Wait. Was he serious right now?
Then he pointed to the ground in front of him.
Arabella placed her hands on her hips.
Resist. Resist.
He did it again. Crooked a finger and pointed at the ground. Somehow, she knew she was going to be in big trouble if he had to do it a third time. Suddenly she found herself walking toward him and stopping to stare up at him.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to crook a finger at someone? And to point.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t pointing at you.”
“It doesn’t make a difference. You were being bossy with your finger.”
“Bossy with my finger?” he said, sounding amused.
“Yes, you have a bossy finger.”
“You seem to think I should apologize for that?”
“Well, an apology would be nice.”
Although she couldn’t see it happening, it was good that he recognized he should apologize.
“Then why did you do as I commanded?” he asked.
“What?”
“If you think it was rude, why did you obey me?”
“Well, I . . . I . . . I don’t really know.”
“Could it be because you know I’m in charge and that you should do as I say?”
“What? No! That’s crazy! You’re not in charge of me.”
He snorted.
Right. Well. It might be time to change the topic of conversation.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Going for a run. What are you doing?”
“Well, I’m running too. But you were staring at that rundown old house. Do you know it?”
“Yeah, it’s where I used to live.”
“Oh. Wow. You lived out here?” Kind of a dumb question since he’d just said that. But he didn’t tell her that. Instead, he nodded.
“Does someone else own it now? I guess it’s a shame it was left to deteriorate.”
He turned to look back at the property, his arms crossing over his chest. “We own it. My brothers and I. And the place can rot to the ground for all I care.”
“Right. Sure. No good memories here?” she asked.
“None.”
“I get that. I don’t have many good memories from my childhood, either.”
He turned to her again. “I don’t like that.”
“I don’t like that for you, either.” She cleared her throat. “So, is there a reason you wanted to talk to me?”
“Yes, there’s a reason. It’s early in the morning.”
“Um, yes, it is.” She watched him closely. Was he all right? Why was he stating stuff that was obvious?
“And you’re out for a run.”
“Yes, I am. So are you. Do you want me to help you get home?” she asked.
He gave her a look like he thought she was crazy.
“And you’re alone.”
“Well, not now. You’re here! Come on, let’s go back to see Eli.”
“Why are you talking to me like I’m a child?” he asked.
“Umm. Sorry. I didn’t mean to. Is there some sort of issue? Problem?”
“Yeah, there’s a problem. You’re out running early in the morning on a deserted road on your own. You don’t even have that dog with you. Can you see the issue with that?”
“Not really. You’re doing the same thing.”
“Yes, but I’m not a tiny woman who could get attacked or hurt. I’m a big guy who knows how to take care of himself. I’m not helpless.”
“Hey, I’m not helpless!”