Page 40 of Bronco

Bronco

I could tell you some things

Me

I’m getting worried about how you spend your down time if you know about that book

Bronco

Tell me which one you’re gonna read first

I look down at the stack of twelve books and shake my head. This man is excessive, I swear.

Me

I haven’t decided yet, I’ve just opened the box

Bronco

We could buddy read, if you want

Me

You’d do that?

Bronco

What are friends for?

I don’t know what to say, this man surprises me at every turn. I know he’s not into reading romance books, but he just offered to do exactly that.

Me

That means you’ll need a second set

Unless he plans to read over my shoulder, which I doubt, I kinda like the idea of our own little book club. Even if realistically, this will be like torture for him.

Bronco

I’m more of an eBook kinda guy

The fact he knows I prefer paperbacks is a testament that he knows me and what I like, and despite what he says, I don’t only enjoy dark romance. I like any kind, as long as it has a happy ever after.

Me

You know, if you keep being this sweet you’ll get a reputation for being a nice guy

Bronco

I’ll take my chances

I close my phone and a little squeal erupts as I check out the books all over again. I love pretty things. Ever since I left the compound, I’ve tried to make it a thing that I spoil myself with the things I love the most, but couldn’t have when I lived at the church: books. One can never have too many books. Icollect half of the stash in my arms, transporting them to my bedroom. Since Olive moved in, I’ve had to relocate my spicy book collection.

I line them up to the far right of the shelf where the other ‘to be read’ treasures sit happily waiting their turn. I pick one out, running my fingertips over the raised lettering. The man even got me a couple of foiled copies with sprayed edges. It would’ve cost a fortune. I shouldn’t be surprised, Bronco is a good guy through and through, and as much as we joke around, I do have a soft spot for him. I battle again with my feelings. I could easily go there. I could easily fall for him. Bronco is easy on the eyes, as well as smart, cute and funny; the whole package. He also has a body made for sin, and I’ve seen his pecs on more than one occasion. My cheeks burn a little when I think about that whole nine inches comment… he can’t bethatbig. Is it even possible? Okay, I know it’s possible because I’ve googled it, but it’s not commonplace. Then again, what would I know? I’ve had one disaster after another, and sex with Vince wasn’t exactly the kind you read about in romance books. I shudder at the idea of him ever touching my skin. I’ll never let that happen again. Hell would freeze over. I’ve only got a few hours before we have to get ready to go to the clubhouse for the party, and I’ve got a spring in my step. Knowing I have a new book to come home to and read after being out makes me giddy; I am a nerd at heart, and I don’t deny it. Being out is overrated, but I still have to make an appearance with Olive and I agreed with Bronco the other day that it’s time they met, along with my girlfriends at the clubhouse.

The MC is a big part of my life, and I’m not ashamed of it. I just wanted to protect Olive; that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

I’ve been contemplating whether it was truly a good idea bringing Olive to the party, but since Cami and Ella will be there, it seems mean to not let her come. I guess I’m just being selfishbecause I don’t know how she’ll respond to questions about where her mom is. I don’t want the MC involved, though I have thought about talking to Star. She’s a PI and I’m sure it’s worth trying to locate Erica. If she is in trouble and I sit here and do nothing, what does that make me? Still, we have to live our lives. I can’t go on shielding all of this from Olive forever, she’s not dumb, but today she gets to be a kid and have fun with her friends.

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