Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 79039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“But she’s not a good person,” he whispers.
“Honey,” I almost whimper, the word torn from my soul. I don’t think I just wrap him up in my arms.
He pulls back slightly and looks at me. “I know Dad’s acting crazy, but he really likes you, Beau. If you give him a chance, he’ll show you he’s great. I promise.”
Holy shit. “Ty, it doesn’t work that way with couples. Sometimes no matter how great the two people are separately, they just don’t work out together, you know?” I wince as I try to explain things to him. The last thing I want to do is hurt him.
“Dad will prove to you he’ll make you happy. He’s awesome,” Ty says back, showing so much confidence in his father that I’m afraid his chest may burst. “Just talk to him, okay?” he asks earnestly.
I feel like my heart is stuck in my chest. I don’t know what to say to get Ty to understand. He’s just a kid and he loves his father. He’s also not wrong. Hunter is a great guy—when he’s not being an asshole. I need to find a way to pull him aside from his weird-ass I’m-the-better-man competition with Apex and let him know about Ty. If anything, this will help him see he needs to stop whatever he’s trying to do with me. With that in mind, there’s only one thing I can say to this little boy who is trying really hard to be an adult. Sadly, he’s also a kid that I’m getting attached to. Damn it all to heck.
“I’ll talk to him, Ty. I promise.”
“Good,” he says, and the relief I see on his face hits me hard. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Now, I need something from you,” I tell him with a smile.
“What’s that?”
“How are you at shooting pool?” I ask him and I see his face perk up.
“I’m not as good as my grandpa, but I beat my dad most of the time,” he brags, chest puffed out.
“Cal!” I call out, briefly wondering where Torch and Apex went and deciding I don’t give a damn. I’m glad for the break.
“Yo, what’s up, Beau?” Cal asks over our long table as I stand up beside Ty and keep my hand on his shoulder.
“You get Slider. Ty’s my partner. Meet you at the pool tables.”
“Oh, you guys are going down,” Slider crows.
“In your dreams, Slider,” Ty laughs. “Beau and I are going to mop the floor with you two.”
I laugh. It seems Ty gets his confidence from his father.
“Go claim our table Ty and get the balls ready to break,” I tell him.
“You got it, Beau,” Ty says, running in front of us, Slider beside him.
“You hanging in there, Beau?” Cal asks.
“Where are the idiots?” I ask, figuring he knows exactly who I’m asking about.
“You won’t like it,” Cal grumbles.
“Tell me anyway.”
“He and Apex stepped outside. I figure they’re fighting.”
“Shit,” I mutter.
“Billy and Sean went out there to watch over them. I saw Pez and Crash from the Devil’s Blaze going to. Let them work it out.”
“I’m not a fucking bone for two dogs to fight over,” I grumble.
“No, you’re much prettier than a dog.”
“Cal—”
“Although Australian Shepherds are pretty damn gorgeous, especially if they’re marked up right and have the blue eyes.”
“You’re going to have to get another dog soon. It’s been four years since you had Bo—not that I’ve forgiven you for naming your dog after me.”
“Bo’s name was spelled B-O. Totally different from you. He also liked laying around the house and letting me pet him. You’d die first.”
I roll my eyes. “Just get ready to get your ass beat at pool,” I grumble, deciding I’m going to have to get Cal a dog. He’s grieved for four years. He will never be able to replace Bo, but a new dog could take up some of the sadness he’s feeling.
In the back of my mind, I’m wondering what’s going on outside. I find myself hoping that Hunter doesn’t get hurt. Damn it. I am losing my battle to hold myself apart from the idiot and I need to be more careful. Ty’s feelings are involved. I definitely need to talk to Hunter about his son and soon. This has to stop.
“Who’s going first?” Cal asks when we get to the table.
“Beau should cause she’s a girl and Dad always says it’s good manners to let the girl go first,” Ty explains, looking at me with a grin. I know he’s trying to prove to me that his dad would be good for me. I shake my head and the three words that seem to pop up in my mind regularly since meeting Hunter, do it again.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Chapter 14
BB
I open the door to go back into Remi’s rubbing my jaw. Apex got a few good licks in. The two of us are pretty well matched. I can’t argue with that. I think if it came down to it, you’d call me the winner in the fight. Although, I admit I didn’t fight fair. I kicked him in the back of his kneecaps, shoving him on his back and sent him flying into the gravel that paved a small service road at the backside of the building.