I could go on and on about all that's happened in my life to delay this post, but I won't because it happened, it's past, and I'm ready to move on. I do promise that I will try to make a timely post for March's recap.
I still haven't read as much as I usually do and it's sad in a way, but it's also good. Reading less has made me appreciate the books I do read so much more and I can give time to each story that I couldn't give before. So in a way, reading less works for me. I found some amazing books in February and I can only hope to find equally awesome books for March.
The Best Book(s) of February
The other books I read this month (all of them good) were:
★ The Young and the Sinner by V.T. Do — a new-to-me author (3 stars)
★ Trapped by Alison Aimes (4 stars)
★ The Cyborg's Secret Baby by Cynthia Sax (4 stars)
★ Stalkers Anthology — a dark romance collection (3 stars)
★ Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis — a new-to-me author (3.5 stars)
Book Haul
I've been doing exceptionally well on cutting down how much I buy each month. I did purchase some more signed books (more on that in a future post), but overall, I saved a lot of money as opposed to last year.
Added to my TBR
Falling Into Love With You by Lauren Rowe
Rebellious by Kristy Marie
OMG you guys!! Look how good I did!! Three books??? My TBR is feeling lighter already!!
My Reading Stats
This month, I tried something new. I started putting my books into Google Sheets. I know, I'm probably one of the last readers to do this, but WOW why didn't anyone tell me how great it is to keep track of everything???
Okay, so here are some of my charts so we can see how I'm doing...
Out of a total of 8 books for February:
What Else?
I actually participated in AND completed a reading challenge this month. GO ME!! It was a monthly reading challenge with the Goodreads group called Romance Readers Reading Challenges. You can find all of their information HERE and their challenge for the month of March HERE.
I had a ton of fun doing it, especially when it came to the end of the month and I had to quickly find books to fit the challenge so I could finish it. I was planning to do one for March, but I'm probably going to wait until April and see what the prompts are.
Thanks for sticking around until the end :D I'm still looking for book recs, so if you have one you think I'll love, please let me know.
BTW... how was your February? And how is March treating you?
Talk soon,
A book lay on her bedside table. He flipped it open with one finger, read a single paragraph.
Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself.
Leander's lips curled into an amused smile. Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Ah, the exquisite irony.
Shadow's Edge by J.T. Geissinger
Standalone - Night Prowler #1
Release - June 12, 2012
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5/a few scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed through KU
Length - 383 pages
Publisher - Montlake Romance
Blurb from Amazon:
Deep within the primeval forests of southern England, a race of beautiful, savage shape-shifters lives hidden from the everyday world. Bound together by ancient bloodlines and a ruthless code of secrecy that punishes traitors with death, the Ikati send their leader Leander on a mission to capture one raised outside the tribe before she can expose their secret. When Leander tracks the unsuspecting outsider to Southern California, the hardened warrior is prepared for a fight—but not for the effect the sensual young beauty has on his heart.
Jenna spent her childhood in hiding, on the run from someone—or something—her parents refused to discuss. She trusts no one, not since her father’s mysterious disappearance, not since her mother’s sudden death, and definitely not since she began exhibiting strange, superhuman abilities. When handsome, enigmatic Leander appears, promising answers to the mysteries that shroud her past, she knows she shouldn’t trust him either. But their connection is undeniable, and as powerful as the enemy hell-bent on destroying every one of their kind...
This book had so much of what I look for in a great story:
🐾 intense and dynamic characters — and I mean ALL of them!
🐾 compelling plot — I love when I can't predict exactly where the story is going to go. Who's friend and who is foe?
🐾 insane chemistry — I'm telling you, the tension that burned between Leander and Jenna was immense. It practically leaped off of the pages!
🐾 no unnecessary drama — only necessary dramatics, although the heroine came this close to getting on my nerves
🐾 a happy for now ending — the underlying plot isn't over so I'm sure more of this couple will be shown as the series goes (hopefully)
Leander was the brooding, gorgeous and fierce Alpha of the Ikati. He ruled, protected, and carried the heaviest of burdens. When it becomes clear that a half blood is approaching their 25th birthday, a day when their gifts either present themselves or don't, it's up to him to impose punishment. In his world, half breeds are an abomination and should be put to death. Will he be able to carry out this judgment?
Never calling any one place 'home', Jenna has become accustomed to spending her whole life bouncing from one place to the next, never understanding why she and her family couldn't stay still. She always knew she was different and after her father's mysterious disappearance, she was told to hide how special she was. She only knew that if 'they' found her, she was to disappear. However, when Leander comes into her life, she has to choose between fight or flight. Does she continue to hide or does she find the courage to face what she's unknowingly avoided her whole life?
I enjoyed the push and pull of the relationship that developed between Leander and Jenna. There was no easy road for them, but the author didn't make it impossible. Instead, we were given strong people who had to learn to adapt - to a new world, to a new truth, to each other. It was obvious that they were meant to be... the author just made them work for it. I could have easily done without Christian's feelings, which took away from how much I enjoyed getting to know his character, but I'm guessing this is something that will get worked out in another book. Overall, a solid and well-written read and I will definitely be checking out the next book of the series.
You can find your own copy of this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/38C5Lhn
Note that it is FREE to read with Kindle Unlimited
“Don’t put yourself in danger like that again. Please. I can’t take it. It’s important to me that you’re safe, Jenna.” His arms tightened around her, hard, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “It’s more than important. It’s everything. I would give everything I have to make sure nothing hurts you.”
“You’re the one that can hurt me,” she protested, hating how weak it sounded. Ambivalence and euphoria were doing battle within her, and euphoria was quickly winning. She shook her head, trying to clear it. “I know you think you can keep me here—but I won’t be locked in a cage, Leander. I won’t be your prisoner.”
He dragged his lips over her neck, down to her collarbone. His teeth pressed against the tender flesh there so hard it stung.
“I can’t deny I want to keep you with me. And I want you to want to stay. But...I would do anything to make you happy. Even if it means letting you go, if that’s what you want. Even if it means breaking every Law there is. I’ll do anything, Jenna. I’ll do anything.”
Though his voice was hushed, muffled against her skin, she recognized the truth in it, the raw emotion, and she started with the abrupt realization that he would put himself in danger for her.
He was willing to release her, protect her, and take the consequences, with nothing in it for himself except pleasing her and inciting the rage of all those snarling dark beasts.
It pierced her in the center of her chest, an unfamiliar sweetness that brought a prick of tears to her eyes. She had forgotten sweetness, had forgotten what it was like to be touched and held and cherished, and it opened something in her, it melted her like sunlight on snow. When she next exhaled, all her fears and hesitation sifted away with her breath, leaving only warmth and certainty behind.
She is a three-time nominee in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book and the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy.
She’s a Southern California native currently living in Nevada with her husband and rescue kitty, Zoe.
I chose to go back to the beginning of my Goodreads TBR and tackle the books that have been sitting, waiting to be read, the longest, which include:
Rose by Sydney Landon - a New Adult Contemporary Romance - My name is Rose Madden and I have spent my life being the perfect daughter. Thanks to my daddy, I'm an expert marksman who dresses like some modern day freaking June Cleaver. My life has been perfectly scripted since the day I was born. I've never deviated from the plan—until I met attorney Max Decker. Now he has me doing insane things to get his attention, like grabbing him in his car and being arrested for stalking my ex-boyfriend just so he'll come bail me out of jail. He thinks I'm crazy—but he wants me anyway, he just can't admit it. I'm tired of living my life for others, and Max has just given me a reason to show everyone that this good girl is going bad.
Revived by Samantha Towle - Contemporary Romance - Falling for his uptight therapist is not part of Leandro’s plan. Having unethical feelings for her patient, the angry Brazilian race car driver, is not part of India’s plan. But what if the wrong person is the only person who is right?
Fighting For Forever by J.B. Salsbury - Contemporary MMA Romance - She’s everything I hate about Vegas: a stripper, loose with her body and her morals. But there’s something about her, a complexity that she buries deep, and I’m determined to uncover it. The deeper I go, the less I understand. When I finally learn the truth, we engage in a battle where life and death hang in the balance. Fighting could kill us both, but if we win, forever is the prize.
Never Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher - YA Romance/Mystery - Charlie Wynwood and Silas Nash have been best friends since they could walk. They've been in love since the age of fourteen. But as of this morning... they are complete strangers. Their first kiss, their first fight, the moment they fell in love... every memory has vanished.
Confess by Colleen Hoover - New Adult Contemporary Romance - Auburn Reed is determined to rebuild her shattered life and she has no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to become deeply attracted to the studio’s enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry.
Tribeca by Callie Hart & Lili St. Germain - Dark Romance/Romantic Suspense/Thriller - Roberto Barbieri is known in the Kitchen by many names: Bobby B. The Barber of Brooklyn. Il Assassino. My brother and I call him Father. No matter what name you call him by, when Roberto Barbieri tells you do something, you do it. No questions asked. And you do NOT f*ck it up. - NOTE: this book hasn't been released and probably never will be :(
Bound to You: Volume 4 by Vanessa Booke - Contemporary Romance - I, Rebecca Gellar, am doing the unthinkable. I’m marrying a man who hits every category on my Run-Like-Hell list… 1. Arrogant. 2. Dangerously Handsome. 3. Brooding. 4. Domineering. 5. Possessive. 6. Playboy. The funny thing is I couldn’t be happier.
Hearts of Blue by L.H. Cosway - a standalone contemporary romance that tells the story of star-crossed lovers Karla Sheehan and Lee Cross, a police constable and the thief who steals her heart. She upholds the law. He breaks it.
It's a Wonderful Tangled Christmas Carol by Emma Chase - Contemporary Romance - After a blowout fight with Kate about his workaholic habits sends Drew to the office in anger on Christmas Eve, he falls asleep at his desk. There, three lovely holiday spirits magically visit him to teach him that every moment is precious and that he should never take his family for granted. But when he wakes up, will he just write it off as a dream?
Nuts by Alice Clayton - Chick Lit/Contemporary Romance - When gorgeous local farmer Leo Maxwell delivers her a lovely bunch of organic walnuts, Roxie wonders if a summer back home isn’t such a bad idea after all. Leo is heavily involved in the sustainable slow food movement, and he likes to take his time. In all things. Roxie is determined to head back to the west coast as soon as summer ends, but will the pull of lazy fireflies and her very own Almanzo Wilder be enough to keep her home for good?
Okay, so there you have it. Ten books that have been waiting for years to be read and I need to figure out which one(s) will stay and which will go. Tell me below which book you would kick off!! Oh, and if you have a TTT post, leave a link to it in the comments so I can come by and check it out :D
Unspoken by Ari Reavis
Standalone - Nur Series #1
Release - April 12, 2021
Genre - Fantasy Romance
Single POV - Ameera (heroine)
Heat Level - 3.5 (a couple of scenes)
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 295 pages
Publisher - Indie
The Unspoken One has been banished for many years, his very existence erased. Ameera must find his true name and summon him if she has any hope of saving her kingdom from war, and herself from marriage to a ruthless king.
The Kingdom of Nur has been suffering for years under Ameera’s father’s rule. She's bid her time, carefully keeping her secret hidden and waiting to become queen so she can repair what her father has broken. Then an unwanted marriage to the brutal king of Nur’s enemy threatens everything she’s worked towards.
With her wedding drawing near and the future of her kingdom in peril, she finds the forbidden name. She knows The Unspoken One is her last chance to save Nur, but she risks much in summoning him. His magic is not understood, the crime he was banished for is unknown, and speaking his name carries an unbearable punishment.
For Nur, for herself, she must risk it all. Or lose everything she holds dear.
She speaks the name too many have paid a painful price for uttering. Nothing, not the kingdom, their lives, or her heart, will ever be the same.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2PGWXAo
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2O7tnnc
Ameera is the last living child of a ruthless and tyrannical king. Desperate to save himself from impending war, he promises his daughter's hand to an equally devious, if not murderous, king to unite the kingdoms. Too bad Ameera has no intention of tying herself to man who cares only for himself, imposing death, conquering lands, and starving his people.
She has hopes that when it is her turn to rule, she can fix what her father has broken. She can begin to rebuild her once glorious home. But she cannot accomplish all she hopes for alone. She must invoke the name of the man who was banished from Nur. A man who is called upon to right wrongs, to fight for justice. A man who could bring about her end before she's even started.
I found it impossible not to want to join in on Ameera's fight. This woman, who has been beaten down by her father since her birth. This woman, who has been humiliated before the entire kingdom. This woman, who only wants to bring prosperity and success to her people. This woman, who is absolutely deserving of the greatest of loves... How could I not want her to triumph?
And the love story that developed? I couldn't have asked for more. So much can be said without saying a word and the author did an incredible job of capturing that. The tension between Ameera and Hamza... their chemistry... I lived for their every interaction!
With Unspoken, I was lost to the magic and the wonder that was created. I was easily able to picture the halls of Ameera's palace. I believed I could feel Nur's cool autumn breeze or the bitter cold of Sameer. From the downtrodden and the oppressed to a princess who was treated as a pauper, this story made the fantastical seem real.
From New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett comes the Chronicles of the Stone Veil, a five book urban fantasy/paranormal romance series. A departure from contemporary romance, the Chronicles of the Stone Veil is a return to fantasy/paranormal romance, where Sawyer started her fiction publishing journey. Readers can expect to find all the elements they love from Sawyer’s books—strong heroines, alpha heroes, and an epic romance—with a fantastical element to add to their reading experience. You can get the second book in the series, A Discovery of Secrets and Fate, now!
Details for the Chronicles of the Stone Veil series are below:
Go to Sawyer's website for details: Click here to learn more about The Chronicles of the Stone Veil series
A Discovery of Secrets and Fate is available now:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
A Discovery of Secrets and Fate
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #2
An Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Series | AVAILABLE NOW
Add it to Goodreads
Book Blurb:
Life as I knew it ended the day I accepted my fate.
In its place is an existence even the wildest imagination could never fathom. Strange creatures walk among us, plotting our demise, and I’ve come to find that the fate of our world rests squarely on my shoulders. We’re all in danger and I’m trying to figure out how to make it through each day.
The key to my survival is a man I can’t figure out. As dangerous as the darkest fae, I have no choice but to work with him to stop the prophecy that’s foretold to be the ruination of mankind.
Carrick Byrne continues to be my only source of information, but he doles it out as he sees fit. He intrigues and scares me in equal measure, yet I can’t help but be attracted to him. And the more I discover about him, the more it becomes clear he feels the same.
As we travel to Faere in search of answers, we find that every piece of information leads to more questions, that every question leads to a new piece of the puzzle, and that, most importantly, no one can be trusted.
The more secrets we uncover, one thing is certain— if we have any chance of saving the world, we have to do it together.
A Discovery of Secrets and Fate is book two of the Chronicles of the Stone Veil series and is best enjoyed if read in series order.
A Discovery of Secrets and Fate is available now:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Purchase in Print
After the way The Revelation of Light and Dark ended, I was pretty desperate to find out what would be next for Carrick and Finley. Would there be a huge confrontation with the new big bad dark fae in town? Would Finley find out just what her role is in the prophecy? And just what in the heck was Carrick?
While many of my questions were answered and while I got answers to questions I didn't even ask, I'm left at the end of A Discovery of Secrets and Fate with a confused look on my face. Knowing what Carrick is (and yes, I was totally right!), knowing what his reward is, has only made my journey going forward with this series that much harder. So will there or will there not be a romance in the future? Because this author has me practically begging for something to happen. If this is a slow burn kinda thing, it has to be the slowest freaking burn in the history of all burns.
I'm still not Finley's biggest fan. Again, I had to constantly remind myself that she was in her late 20s because she was a bit too childish and immature for words. However, her nonsense worked in some situations so I'll admit that she's growing on me.
Obviously I liked what I got out of this part of the story. I do believe I've been spending way too much time in Finley's head and there was a bit too much itemization of the minutiae of her daily life, but I am most definitely looking forward to what happens in book three. The Evolution of Fae and Gods is next and I'm looking forward to more Carrick, more Zaid, more everyone, but especially what the heck happens after the fiery cliffhanger I'm still a bit hungover from.
AVAILABLE NOW
The Revelation of Light and Dark
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #1 | Available Now
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Add it to Goodreads
COMING SOON IN THE SERIES
The Evolution of Fae and Gods
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #3 | Coming March 23, 2021
Add it to Goodreads
--------------
A Battle of Blood and Stone
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #4 | Coming April 13, 2021
Add it to Goodreads
--------------
The Rise of Fortune and Fury
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #5 | Coming May 4, 2021
Add it to Goodreads
------------------------
GIVEAWAY
Sawyer Bennett is giving away 200 ebook copies of THE REVELATION OF LIGHT AND DARK (book 1 in the series).
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN
-------------------------
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers.From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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A Discovery of Secrets and Fate is book two of the Chronicles of the Stone Veil series and is best enjoyed if read in series order.
A Discovery of Secrets and Fate by Sawyer Bennett
Chronicles of the Stone Veil #2
Release - March 2, 2021
Genre - Urban Fantasy
Dual POV - Finley (1st)/Carrick(3rd and rare)
Heat Level - none
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 250 pages
Publisher - Big Dog Books, LLC
In its place is an existence even the wildest imagination could never fathom. Strange creatures walk among us, plotting our demise, and I’ve come to find that the fate of our world rests squarely on my shoulders. We’re all in danger and I’m trying to figure out how to make it through each day.
The key to my survival is a man I can’t figure out. As dangerous as the darkest fae, I have no choice but to work with him to stop the prophecy that’s foretold to be the ruination of mankind.
Carrick Byrne continues to be my only source of information, but he doles it out as he sees fit. He intrigues and scares me in equal measure, yet I can’t help but be attracted to him. And the more I discover about him, the more it becomes clear he feels the same.
As we travel to Faere in search of answers, we find that every piece of information leads to more questions, that every question leads to a new piece of the puzzle, and that, most importantly, no one can be trusted.
The more secrets we uncover, one thing is certain— if we have any chance of saving the world, we have to do it together.
Amazon Kindle * iBooks * B & N * Kobo * Google * Amazon Paperback
While many of my questions were answered and while I got answers to questions I didn't even ask, I'm left at the end of A Discovery of Secrets and Fate with a confused look on my face. Knowing what Carrick is (and yes, I was totally right!), knowing what his reward is, has only made my journey going forward with this series that much harder. So will there or will there not be a romance in the future? Because this author has me practically begging for something to happen. If this is a slow burn kinda thing, it has to be the slowest freaking burn in the history of all burns.
I'm still not Finley's biggest fan. Again, I had to constantly remind myself that she was in her late 20s because she was a bit too childish and immature for words. However, her nonsense worked in some situations so I'll admit that she's growing on me.
Obviously I liked what I got out of this part of the story. I do believe I've been spending way too much time in Finley's head and there was a bit too much itemization of the minutiae of her daily life, but I am most definitely looking forward to what happens in book three. The Evolution of Fae and Gods is next and I'm looking forward to more Carrick, more Zaid, more everyone, but especially what the heck happens after the fiery cliffhanger I'm still a bit hungover from.
Leaning into me, Carrick warns, "Do not get aggressive with any form of fae or daemon. You stepped into Echo without any regard for your own safety. Had she wanted to, she could have hit you in the chest with enough force to rupture your aorta. You completely underestimated her, and you could have been seriously hurt."
"But... but... I had you, Titus, and Maddox there," I stutter a lame excuse.
"And you saw that neither one of us were able to stop her from doing that to you," he snaps, then lifts a finger and taps me on the head with it. "You need to think, Finley, or you're going to get yourself hurt or killed."
I wrench my arm away from him, now angry at being treated like a child. "I do think, I'm clever and yes, I may have underestimated her, but I went up against an incubus and won, I was smart enough to get out of an enclosed space in my bedroom, and lure him to my backyard so I could use my whip to —"
"You got lucky," he snarls. "Humans are no match for fae or daemons in strength. Don't ever forget it and always be wary, even if one appears to be on your side."
"Like Zaid?"
"Zaid isn't on your side," he replies, pointing out. "He's on my side."
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
I had an odd thought just then, that I should only ever whisper her name, and that she should always be close enough to hear it.
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
Standalone - Winston Brothers #1
Release - July 21, 2015
Genre - RomCom
Dual POV - 1st person/Duane Winston & Jessica James
Heat Level - 3 out of 5/pretty plain & vague
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 392 pages
Publisher - Cipher-Naught
Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!
Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.
His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…
But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dYewG7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3bOwyrE
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/truth-or-beard
iBooks: https://apple.co/3bQlY3m
There's only one problem... Jessica believes that it's his twin, Beau, who has a chance of winning her heart. Duane was the her constant tormentor, the one person she argued with the most, her prank buddy, someone who didn't even like her very much. When she realizes his true feelings (and her own), she's quick to jump in with both feet and it was wonderful to watch.
I loved these two together for the most part. This story was hilarious! Honestly, I wasn't a fan of the beginning or the end, but everything in between was incredible.
But first I was going to strangle her.
“Duane…” She said my name again in that breathless way, making my neck itch and my throat tight.
Jessica was looking at me expectantly. Her big amber eyes on mine like I was the center of her world. I liked it too much. It was also irritating because I didn’t know what it meant, what she was thinking. She hadn’t said a damn word to me on our walk back from the lake. She hadn’t called me. We hadn’t spoken since Friday.
Five days. Five days without touching or tasting her.
I was going to kiss her while I strangled her.
“Yeah?” I said, the edge of my irritation clear. I wasn’t trying to hide it, there was no need. One way or the other we were coming to an agreement that involved definites, not definitely maybes. Better she knew I wasn’t planning on rolling over unless it involved her beneath me.
Jessica blinked at me, likely because of my tone, and I watched her shake herself a little like I’d startled her.
“Uh, so… the truck.” She cleared her throat, her eyes sliding to the side and away from me.
“What about the truck?”
“You towed it.”
“Yes I did.” I allowed myself a moment to look at her body. She was wearing a pink shirt with buttons down the front, thin fabric with a white, lacy tank top under. It was tucked into a tan skirt that ended at her knees. She was also wearing brown high heeled boots, the kind that don’t make sense.
Boots are for working, for walking through wet mud, for keeping feet from getting shredded by broken glass and falling machine parts. Boots with spiked heels were just as practical as sandals with steel toes.
Still not looking at me, she asked, “So, you want to buy it?” Her voice was different, higher pitched.
“That’s what I just said.” Again, my irritation was clear.
Her eyes cut to mine, throwing me splinters of frustration. “Well there’s no need to be rude, Duane.”
“I’m sorry, was I being rude?” I couldn’t help myself, I took a full step forward, forcing her to lift her chin to keep eye contact. “Should I have called?”
“Yes.” She ground out, “You can’t just tow other peoples’ cars without asking.”
“Excuse me, princess. But Mike McClure called me and asked me if I minded moving the truck here. I figured he was calling on your behalf.”
“No he wasn’t calling on my behalf. If I wanted to call you, I would have just called you.”
I felt those words in my stomach, just under my ribs, a quick slice. I’m sure I winced because her expression changed, but before she could explain away her meaning, I cut her off.
“Fine, I get you, loud and clear.”
“Duane-”
I lifted my hands to keep her from talking. She was so lovely, even her voice was pretty. But suddenly I couldn’t wait for her to leave and put me out of this misery of being with her when she wasn’t interested in being mine.
“We want to buy the truck and I’m willing to offer you a fair amount.”
“Would you just hold on a sec-” Jessica took my hand between hers, her grip surprisingly strong, her skin against mine sending a shock up my arm. I ignored it and ground my teeth.
“You can use the money for a new car, something smaller that gets better mileage.”
Paying no heed, Jessica took a half step forward catching me unawares. One second she was glaring at me, the next she was lifting to her tip toes and brushing her lips against mine.
And that was it, I was done for.
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