Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 99(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
“Thank you,” she says before releasing me. Then she pats me on the cheek like a mom would and walks away.
I turn my attention back to Bellarose, who must have watched the exchange. She’s got a look of surprise that probably matches my own. I smile at her, but then the guy sitting next to her taps her leg to get her attention.
When she turns to look at him, I clench my jaw so hard it pops. I’m not trying to be an asshole. I’m also not trying to cause a scene. But if he touches her one more time, I’m going to have to do both of those things.
“Is everything okay, West?” Simon asks as he comes up behind me.
I have to take a deep breath so I don’t shout at him that clearly it’s not. Without realizing it, I’ve clenched my fists and am glowering in Bellarose’s direction like some kind of animal.
“I, um, think I just need to eat.”
“Would you like me to grab you a burger?” Simon offers, but I wave him off.
“No, I’ll handle it.” He nods, and then I remember that I shouldn’t behave like a total jackass. “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Getting food seems like a good excuse to interrupt whatever Bellarose is talking about. At least, that’s what I tell myself when I walk over and break into their conversation.
“Tomorrow night I can take you to the meadow to show you the fireflies,” the guy is telling Bellarose when I step in front of her. “You won’t believe how many stars there are.”
“You need to eat,” I say to Bellarose like I don’t have any manners.
She has to crane her head back to look up at me because I’m hovering over her like a gargoyle. Before she can open her mouth, the camp counselor-looking douchebag pipes in.
“That’s a good idea; let’s go grab some food.” He goes to grab her hand, and in a panic, I reach out, offering my hand to Bellarose instead.
“Bellarose,” I say, looking into her eyes.
For me not being a jealous guy, I sure am making a huge show of having her choose me over him. Maybe he’s a good guy and would treat her well, but I can’t stand the thought of him getting the chance. Not when I feel such a strong connection to her.
“Sorry,” she says, and my heart plummets to my feet. Before I can get on my knees and beg her to reconsider, she turns her attention to the guy. “I promised West I’d talk to him about the new graphics I’m working on while we ate. I’ll find you later, Liam.”
He doesn’t have a chance to respond before she slides her hand in mine, and I nearly yank her off her feet to get her away from him. Holding on to Bellarose does something to calm everything inside me, and my heart slows to a steady rhythm.
The grill and food are set up on the other side of the bonfire, so I wordlessly turn and walk in that direction while keeping a hold of Bellarose’s hand. I go slowly so she doesn’t trip, and I notice a few people are watching us.
“Burger or dog?” I ask when we get to the food. I feel like a dumbass for making an almost-scene, and I’m hoping I didn’t embarrass her too much. It’s on the tip of my tongue to apologize, but what am I sorry for? Maybe I could have gone about it a better way, but the end result would be the same.
“Both,” she says, and I tell the chef running the grill I’ll have the same.
“Who was your friend?” The moment the words are out of my mouth, I want to replace them with my foot. Could I be any more of a macho dickhead? “I’m sorry, that’s none of my business.”
“It looked like you were having fun with your lady friend.” Bellarose stares straight ahead as she says this, and I feel my brow scrunch in confusion.
“I’m not sure I’d call it fun, but I was polite.”
“Then I guess I was too.” Bellarose shrugs. I’m still holding her hand, but she won’t look at me.
“Not that she’s not a beautiful woman,” I start to say, and Bellarose finally turns to scowl at me. “But she’s old enough to be my mom.”
Her scowl softens as her lips part and then she shakes her head. “Sheryl isn’t that old. At least I don’t think so. I mean, if she is, then her plastic surgeon is incredible.”
“Who?” I ask and then nod to Deidra, who is toasting a marshmallow. “I was talking about her.”
“Oooooh,” Bellarose says, dragging the word out.
“Who were you talking about?” I feel a grin tugging at my lips because I’m beginning to see that I wasn’t the only one that was jealous.