Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 37778 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 189(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37778 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 189(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 126(@300wpm)
“We need to be her protectors,” I agree slowly.
“Exactly. We can chalk up our reactions to us being bachelors who weren’t prepared to have a gorgeous teenage girl invading our space. Now that we know what she’s been through, though, and what she means to us because of Charlie and Serena, we have to do better.”
“We have to.”
He offers me his fist to bump across the table. I meet it with mine, signifying I understand the assignment.
Savvy has had a shitty life.
We can make it better for her.
If that means ignoring the baser male parts of us, so be it.
She’s worth a little discomfort.
Main Street is a nice part of the area we live in. The business owners have worked hard to rehabilitate the buildings that have been around since the 1900s. Each shop, restaurant, bar, and service-based establishment have lent their effort into keeping the vibe similar.
Small-town but sophisticated.
Cute but modern.
Because of the hard work they’ve put in, the area is virtually free of crime. This is relieving knowing Savvy now works here.
I’ve long since changed out of my uniform into jeans and a T-shirt, and since the evening air is pleasant, I’m waiting outside of Smoke & Sugar, leaned against the Explorer until Savvy gets off work.
Finally, she exits the building and waves to whoever locks the door behind her. She’s in her work outfit—tight black slacks and a black Polo shirt—and still wears her black and gold name tag. Her long hair has been swept up on top of her head in a neat bun. Without her hair distracting me, I’m forced to focus on her wide green eyes and supple pink lips.
My cock twitches.
Fuck.
I’d been so resolved to be a better man after me and Travis’s lunch talk, but all it takes is seeing her and my body reacts. I hate myself for it.
“Hey,” I say, forcing away my chaotic thoughts.
She makes her way over to me and gives me a hug. “Hey. I’m beat.”
Since the goal is to make her happier, I hug her back, putting all my focus on her wellbeing. She melts in my arms, and then, to my shock, tilts her head up, kissing my cheek again.
“Savvy,” I rasp out. “We need to talk about this.”
She stiffens in my arms. “About what?”
“How touchy you are. The kisses.”
Hurt flashes in her eyes making me feel like an asshole. “Did Travis tell you what I told him?”
I may be a cop, but it doesn’t automatically give me the skills to lie in an interrogation. I’m sure my face gives her the answer.
“Unbelievable.”
She jerks out of my grip and storms over to the other side of the car. I groan, run my hands through my hair, and stalk after her. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
“Savvy,” I growl, stopping the door before she can close it. “Don’t be like that.”
Her head whips around so she can glower at me. “Like what?”
“Pissed off because…”
“Because what, Cole? Say it. Don’t dance around the subject. I’m not a child.”
Right now, she doesn’t look like one at all. In fact, with her furious glare, she reminds me of a few women after I broke things off with them.
“Sweetheart,” I murmur.
She stands back up, putting her body right in front of mine. Her finger jabs up at my face. “That is a problem.”
I frown in confusion. “What?”
“You call me sweetheart and say it with such…longing.” Her eyes water and her bottom lip trembles. “You want me. I can see it. But you force yourself to behave. Why?”
Because it’s the right thing to do.
Instead of saying that, I reach up to touch my thumb to her lip to keep it from quivering. She relaxes at my touch and her eyes turn soft. I hate that I love my effect on her.
“Things are weird between us because you feel it too,” she murmurs. “Why can’t we just let things evolve how they want to?”
I slide my thumb off her lip and cradle her cheek in my hand. My forehead rests against hers. Maybe she can somehow see all the rampant, confusing thoughts inside my head.
“I had a bad day,” she whispers. “I saw you and it was suddenly better.”
Fuck, she’s breaking my heart.
“I want to make you happy,” I say in agreement. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re upset.”
She tilts her head up until her breath tickles over my lips. “Then stop fighting this current between us.”
Her lips meld to mine and I freeze, unable to move a muscle. A tiny gasp of content escapes her. It wakes my body up. On instinct, I part my lips. Our tongues meet in a tentative swipe that sends buzzing ripples of pleasure down my spine and straight to my balls.
She tastes sweet like sugar.
I don’t even like desserts, but whatever flavor she is, I want seconds and thirds.