Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Preston’s cheeks turn red, and he spins on his dress shoes and walks away.
“What a dick,” Cal says, coming up behind me.
I nod. “I’m leaving.” I want to make sure Barrett doesn’t figure out where Gabby is staying and make a stop on the way home.
I might have spent the last week avoiding the combination of minx, flirt, and innocent that is Gabby, but things have changed. Preston’s appearance, trying to stake his claim, has me reevaluating what I want from my houseguest.
CHAPTER FOUR
Gabby
I yawn. I stayed up watching a movie on television in the family room. The couch is comfortable, and once the walls are painted the warm cream, based on the samples already on the walls, combined with the wood trim, the room will have a homier feel.
I rise to my feet and walk into the kitchen where I pour a glass of water and finish the drink just as I hear the front door open and close again. My stomach flips at the sound.
Knowing Maddox is home, I can’t deny the anticipation that courses through my veins. The week here has flown by. Staying at his house has worked out. He accepts my presence and though he keeps his distance, I feel him watching me when he thinks I’m not looking. I understand, because I’m always aware of him, sensing his presence before I know for sure that he’s nearby.
More than once, I caught his heavy-lidded gaze and hoped he was suffering with the same suppressed desire I am, knowing he was in his bedroom, a short walk across the house. Eventually, I gave in. I slipped my fingers into my shorts and stroked my wet sex. I pretended it was his fingers arousing me and sliding inside me. That it was his tongue on my clit as I came. And afterwards, as I caught my breath, my body pulsing but still somehow empty, I wondered if he was in his bedroom, masturbating while thinking of me.
“Gabby?”
His voice startles me despite hearing him come in. I place my glass in the sink before heading out of the kitchen and meeting up with him as he locks the front door.
“Hi,” I say.
He turns, his gaze darkening as he takes in my bedtime outfit, a camisole and matching shorts. They’re my favorite pair, decorated with pastel-colored stars on a white background. I thought I’d be in my room when he returned. Hadn’t planned for him to see me in the barely-there pajama set, but I can’t deny I like knowing my skimpy outfit affects him.
“Hey,” he says in a gruff voice that causes goosebumps to pop out on my skin.
I clear my throat. “How was work?”
“Interesting. Had a customer asking Cal questions about you.”
My eyes open wide, and my heart begins racing. “Who?” I can’t imagine either of my parents showing up at The Back Door which leaves just one person, and the thought makes me nauseous.
“Preston Barrett, III. He came in making threats, posturing and claiming you were his girlfriend and then fiancée.” Maddox’s voice sounds low, pissed, and if I’m not mistaken, possessive.
“What did you do?” Worry tinges my voice, and my throat grows dry, making me wish for the water I left in the kitchen.
His expression softens as he meets my gaze. “I made sure he knew what would happen if he didn’t learn that no means no. I also reminded him you weren’t his girlfriend or his fiancée and he’d better leave you alone.”
“Thank you.” I breathe out the words, grateful for Maddox and his protection. “Does Preston know I’m staying here?”
He shakes his head. “But he knows you hang out at the bar.”
He hesitates, obviously wanting to say more but holding back, and I narrow my gaze. “What is it?” I ask.
He places one hand on my shoulder. “Apparently your friends were in the bar one night when you were there helping. They saw you and that’s how Preston knew where to come looking.”
I nod, and though I ought to feel betrayed, I never believed any of the girls in my social circles were my real friends. “Thanks for telling me, but I can’t say I’m surprised.”
He settles his free hand on my other shoulder, and I lean into his protective grasp. “You deserve better,” he says in a husky voice. “You should have people in your life you can trust.”
I swallow hard at the sincerity in his voice, pushing back the lump in my throat. It isn’t often I let myself think about what I’m missing in my life. It wouldn’t do me any good. My focus has always been on looking ahead and making sure I hold tight to whatever convictions I can. Like standing firm against my parents’ desire for me to date and marry Preston.
“I have my grandmother. She knows where I am and she’d never say a word,” I murmur. “I have my sister. And now I have you.”