Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 187(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 187(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
“Taylor, I’ve known you for a long time. If I didn’t think you were a good guy with the best intentions, or even the ability to take care of Scout, I would make fucking sure you were never around her again.” He gives me a hard look, and I know he’s thinking about calling Gideon’s Uncle Dino to make me disappear. “But I know what she means to you and that you’ll do everything to make her happy. So trust your instincts. If they’re telling you to give her space, then keep at it. But if you need to kick down her walls, do that instead.”
I nod, letting him know I hear what he’s saying. I’ve tried it both ways with Scout, and leaving her almost broke me. It was the right choice, but it’s tearing me in two.
“I appreciate that,” I tell him. “You’re important to her, so it means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
“All I ask in return is that you name your firstborn after me.” He stands from his chair and grabs the mask off his desk.
“Is that all?” I smirk at him when he nods.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go find my other half.” His costume looks like something Abbie created, but I have no idea what it is. Although I’m sure it’s going to be badass when he’s with her. “But one last question: what’s with the shirt?”
I look down at the shirt I have on and grin. “It’s probably better you don’t know,” I tell him, and he shakes his head.
“You know what? You’re right.” He claps me on the shoulder as he walks by. “Good luck tonight. I think you’re going to need it.”
I can tell when he opens the door to the office that the party has well and truly started. Pushing out of my seat, I know it’s time to go find Scout. Whether she’s ready to admit it or not, I need to see her. I’ve stayed away as long as I could, but I’m only so strong.
All I can do is hope that when I see her, this is the last time I have to say goodbye.
Chapter Seven
SCOUT
How many times can a girl double-check her outfit before she knows she’s ready? The answer is a million, and then another one in the bathroom lobby of the building, to be doubly sure.
I don’t usually feel this way about my clothing choices. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting dressed up and wearing my heels, and I’m pretty confident in my outfits. But tonight is different. Tonight, I’m seeing Taylor.
Sure, I’ve seen him a hundred times before, but this time, I’m no longer holding back. I never considered myself to be a runner. When it came to dating, I told myself I wasn't running; it just didn't interest me. Of course, I was lying to myself. I've been running from love for as long as I can remember, but I can't do it anymore.
Not when it's staring me right in the face. Not when it’s already too late. You can’t run from something that’s living inside of you. Especially when it’s bubbling up and begging to break free.
“Are you hiding?”
“Holy shit!” I spin around with a gasp to see Piper standing there. She is, unsurprisingly, dressed as a cat for Halloween. The first time I met her, she had an adorable stray kitten in her purse. I knew at that moment we’d be best friends.
“Sorry.” She lets out a small laugh. “I saw you slip in here. Why didn’t you use the bathroom up there?” Piper lets the bathroom door fall closed so we’re alone.
“I wanted to make sure my costume was okay.” I do a spin, letting her see all of it.
“You’re adorable and sexy, if you ask me. Which I didn’t know could go together.”
“Thanks.” That does make me feel marginally better. It was kind of what I was going for. I want to be sexy for Taylor, but with him I want to be soft too. I know with him I can be both, and he’ll protect both sides.
“So is all this really about Taylor?” She waves her hand at my costume.
“Oh my god, does everyone know?” Of course it’s all about Taylor. I had to check my outfit down here before I went up and saw him. I didn’t want him to see it before I found another bathroom.
“I mean...” Piper lets out a dreamy sigh. “The way he’s always watching you. It’s like he wants to eat you alive.”
“Well, I hope he’s into pumpkins. It’s not everyone’s thing.”
My costume is pretty simple. It's an oversized orange shirt that falls off one shoulder. There’s a pumpkin face on it, but it’s so big it hits about mid-thigh. I paired it with sheer black socks that go all the way up to my knees and shiny black heels that go up past the ankle. The laces on my boots are wicked, and it felt fun getting dressed up.