Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Maybe that’s why I’m going out with him again. Not to mention, I can’t deny the pull he has over me, how much I enjoy his company, and the sexual chemistry I’ve never felt with anyone else. But I can’t let him hurt me again.
Pushing the confusing thoughts out of my head, I pick up the wand and put two coats of mascara on my lashes, swipe some blush on my cheeks, and add my favorite shimmery gloss to my lips.
I caught a ride with my mom this morning so Axel can pick me up for our date from work. A last glance in the mirror and I’m ready.
I walk into the outer office to find my mom putting on a light sweater as she prepares to leave. “Finished for the day?” I ask.
My mom turns to face me. “Glenn and I have dinner plans,” she says. “You look pretty. I take it you have plans of your own?”
“Thank you, and yes, I do.”
“With Axel?” my mother asks, the hope in her voice evident.
I nod. “But don’t go getting your hopes up, okay?” The last thing I need is my mother being disappointed when things don’t work out after Axel goes back on tour.
“Amy told me he drove you home after the party.” My mother’s way of digging for information.
I can’t help but smile. “He did, and I appreciated him rescuing me from myself.”
My mother eyes me, doing her obvious best to figure out what I’m thinking. “I’m just glad you’re going out,” she says at last.
I let out a long breath, glad we aren’t going to be having a deep talk about feelings and my dating life. Or worse, discussing my sex life.
“Thanks, Mom.” I glance out the window and see Axel pull into the parking lot.
Wanting to avoid my mother’s interrogation, I walk over and kiss my mom on the cheek. “Say hi to Glenn for me. I see Axel’s car. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Before my mother can reply, I wave and rush for the door.
I step outside at the same time Axel climbs out of his convertible. “No need to get out. I’m here and ready.”
“I can still open your door for you.” He grins, looking sexy as ever in his jeans, a navy tee, and sunglasses tucked into the round collar of his shirt.
He stops me before I can pass him and head to the passenger side, placing his hands on my waist. “Hello, Tara.” He dips his head and kisses my lips.
A little happy sigh escapes. Dammit. “Hi, yourself,” I say as he lifts his mouth from mine.
With his hand on my back, he walks me around the back end of the car, opens the door, and helps me in, shutting the door.
He climbs into the driver’s seat and turns on the engine.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
He places an arm on my seat, turning my way. “Depends on you. Are you hungry?”
My grumbling stomach answers for me. “Starving. I barely had time for lunch.”
“How’s pizza?”
“That sounds perfect.”
He nods, and a few minutes later, we pull into the parking lot of my favorite pizza place. We order quickly, and since the place isn’t packed, the food comes out fast.
I glance at him, taking a sip of my soda. “I’m going to apologize ahead of time,” I say, picking up a slice, taking a bite, and moaning at the cheesy flavor. I chew, swallow, and repeat, until I’ve nearly finished the one slice in record time.
I’m not even embarrassed.
It isn’t until I finish, drink some more, and look up that I notice him watching me, a huge smile on his handsome face.
“You weren’t kidding about being starving. I think you need to make time for food. It’s not good for you to be that hungry.”
I nod. “I know, but sometimes there are emergencies, and the day just gets away from me. Did you guys work in the studio today?” I ask as I take another slice.
This time, he picks up a piece for himself. “We’ve been working on music since I joined the band.” He takes a bite, taking the time to chew and swallow. “The guys had songs ready, and I had to learn those and give my two cents because … that’s me. Then we wrote together, used some, tossed more… Today we finished the final song for the album.” He follows that up with another bite.
“He says so easily.” I study him, proud of all he’s accomplished. “You’re amazing, Axel. You’ve really achieved your dreams.”
“Not all of them,” he says, meeting my gaze and holding mine captive so I am unable to look away.
His expression is serious, his lips in a set line, obviously attempting to impart a serious tone to our night.
I don’t want that kind of date. “What are we doing after pizza?” I ask, breaking the spell he’s woven over me.