Seventeen Days Read Free Page B

concerned. 
    Yeah, Jess will be exactly what I need tonight. 
    “I’m only stating the fact that if you were smart, you’d stick to calling me by my name.” 
    This woman, I swear. Choosing not to dignify her remark with a response, I keep walking. What I actually should do is lay her over my knee and spank her behind. Seems like a good spanking would do her a world of good. If her mother did that when she was growing up once or twice, she probably wouldn't have found herself in a jail cell. 
    “What, no smartass comeback? Or is it taking you a few minutes to come up with one?” 
    Her words cause me to stop abruptly and turn around, which in turn brings her crashing right into me. Instinctively, I bring my arms up to steady her. Fuck, touching her is far from ignoring her.
    Shit, I didn’t know she was so close.
    Her hands grip my arms to keep from falling. Delicate, soft hands. Inhaling, I breathe her in. Jesus, she smells of cinnamon. Even her scent is spicy. Quickly, I push her away. I don’t need her getting any ideas; I’m having enough of them on my own. Besides, she’s too young for me. Too damn entitled and spoiled. Too everything . 
    “Sorry, I didn’t know you were so close. And no, I didn’t respond because I didn’t feel like it deserved a response from me. A college graduate . A graduate who happens to own a successful business. Be more careful who you insult in the future, Red.” Yes, I used the nickname on purpose. She’s pissing me off; I may as well piss her off more. Tit for tat and all that. “You’re barely eighteen and hardly lived your life at all. Come talk to me when you’ve lived not under the protection your mother's money provides for you.” Pausing, I add, “When you’ve actually lived life for yourself. And answered to no one but yourself.”
    Suddenly, I can’t get her home fast enough. Good damn thing we’re only about a quarter of a mile away from Savannah's house. I should let the damn dog lead her the rest of the way. We both know he can do it now. Fuck, he could’ve led her home from the crick. 
    Fucking thorny, emerald-eyed, auburn-haired goddess.  
    I’m a sick, sick man. Sparring with her has turned me on more than any woman before. Not to mention having her pressed up against me for one measly second. All she’d have to do is glance down, and she’d know how much she’s affecting me. 
    “We’re almost there. Do yourself a favor and try to keep up.” 
    Not caring if I leave her behind, I start walking again. 
    Faster . 

Waking up to the smell of cinnamon and coffee, I’m positive my dream about Starbucks has come to life. Yeah, I dreamt about coffee and cake pops. A girl could live on those things alone. Don't judge me. 
    Last night after my unfortunate meeting with the stormy-eyed cowboy, I called Celene. Finally getting ahold of her after a full week of trying. She’s at the shore with her cousin, Gabe. And she’s worked it out so that I can stay there for the remainder of the summer. Long enough for me to get up off the ground and stand on my own. Who needs Sienna? Not this chick. All I needed was a friend with a horny male cousin who probably thinks I’ll be paying him in sex. Um. No thanks. I’m done sinking low to get what I need. 
    Granted, it’s in Jersey, but it’s still better than Alabama, and it’s a helluva lot closer to New York. Her cousin may be a womanizing prick but he has an extra room and it’s free. 
    Logically, I know it’s not the best solution. But it is the solution that takes me closer to the city. Back to my friends. My life . What’s left of it, anyway.
    Celene said Gabe may have a lead on a job for me as a spokesmodel for his dad’s car dealership or some shit. Truthfully, I wasn’t fully paying attention. All I heard was the words room and free. After that, I zoned out and started making travel plans in my head. Only problem I came up with was how I’ll manage to pay for an actual flight ticket.