Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
All my life, I had been told I resembled my grandfather on my mother’s side. I had seen pictures of him and had to agree.
And right now, I was grateful for that fact.
“How’s life in your little town?” he asked, a sneer on his face. Miriam walked up beside him, taking his arm. She was nothing like the memory I had of her in my head. Her face was pinched, and she had a sour look, as if she were sucking a lemon. She was rail-thin, her hair pulled back in a tight bun. She looked older than her years and unhappy. The look she gave us could freeze lava. I felt Casey stiffen, and I tightened my grip on her.
“Life is fine,” I said shortly. “Do we really need to have a conversation? It’s unnecessary and, frankly, you’re ruining our evening by simply trying to force something neither of us wants.”
My parents joined our little group, neither of them speaking. They were older and frailer than I remembered them. But their cold gazes stopped any other sentimental feelings I might have started to have. They could have been looking at a stranger.
“Afraid your plaything will find out the kind of man you are?” Ryan asked, trying to piss me off.
I opened my mouth to tell him to shut up, but Casey beat me to it.
“Oh Jesse, darling, you are so modest. Life is much more than fine.” She addressed Ryan, hugging my arm. “And I’m more than a plaything. We live together in a beautiful house by the woods. Jesse is one of the most popular firemen and citizens of the town. So many commendations,” she added. “Awards. So well-thought-of.” She shook her head, laughing lightly, somehow conveying her negative feelings for them. “And I don’t need introductions. I am well aware of who you all are.” Her grip on my arm tightened. “And what you have done to this incredible man. I don’t need liars, cheaters, or neglectful, uninformed parents in my life. You give new meaning to the term dysfunctional family. We prefer honest people with integrity. That’s how Jesse lives his life. How we live our life.”
The truck pulled up, and she smiled coldly. “Have a pleasant evening. If you understand that word. From your tight-ass expressions, I doubt it.”
My parents gaped. Miriam gasped, and my brother became enraged. He walked closer, and I held up my hand. “One more step and I’ll consider you a threat. And I use my training to eliminate threats—especially to her.” I indicated Casey. “I don’t let ugliness get close to her.”
He looked confused, and Casey laughed. “Oh, are you unclear about what he said? I’ll explain for you, Ryan. One step closer and you’ll be kissing the sidewalk. Jesse not only is a better man than you in every single way, he’s also stronger. Tougher. Smarter.” She looked Miriam up and down. “And a far better judge of character.”
She looked toward my parents. “I should thank you for being such terrible parents. Your bad behavior and poor decisions brought him to our town. To me. So, thanks for being the, ah, people, you are. Jesse was right about you.” She turned to me. “Can we go now, darling? I’m feeling a little nauseous. The air here is rancid.”
I pressed a kiss to her head and opened the door, lifting her into the seat with one arm. I kept my eye on the group standing there, looking like idiots with their mouths hanging open, having just been handed their asses on a platter by a tiny pixie.
My pixie.
Who I was going to take home and worship for hours.
I left them behind in a screech of tires that kicked dust up in their faces.
I rather hoped they’d choke.
We drove in silence for a while, the traffic cooperating for once, and we hit the highway in good time. I pressed on the gas pedal, wanting as much distance between us and them as possible.
I was about to speak, when Casey beat me to it.
“I’m sorry. Are you angry with me?”
I turned, gaping at her, then looked back to the highway. “Why the hell would I be angry with you? I’m furious they were there. I’m outraged he couldn’t leave it. That they couldn’t leave me alone. But angry with you? I only feel gratitude.”
“I couldn’t stay quiet, and I got on a roll. I should have let you talk.”
“Everything I wanted to say to them, I said years ago. Nothing’s changed. I could see that. Their silence screamed it.” I reached for her hand, holding it tight. “No one has ever stood up for me that way, Casey. No one.”
“I sorta told a few fibs.”
I chuckled and pressed a kiss to her fist. “We do live in the same house. And if you want to call me darling all the time, I won’t object.” I winked. “The rest only added to my ego.”