Chapter 166
“ Well, is it still Wolfe? ” Alicia cut in quickly. In a low voice, she told Jake, “She just got divorced p>
“No, it’s still Wolfe. I never took my ex–husband’s name.“Before getting married, she’d told Eric that she didn’t see why she had to change her entire identity, just because she’d fallen in love. The irony of that nineteen–year–old girl’s naive proclamation still made her cringe. Eric had indulgently agreed with her keeping her last name, as long as their kids had his last name. In the end, Jules was still a Wolfe, but she had changed her entire identity for love. Or what she’d thought was love.
“Really?” Alicia was appalled. “You didn’t want to have the same name as your husband and kids? ”
“Well I don’t have a husband or kids, so it’s kind of a moot point,“Jules said, an edge of frazzled anger sneaking into her tone.
“Babe,“Jake chided his wife gently.
Alicia huffed, but pressed her lips together, saying no more.
Jules’s former crush was defending her from his wife, who’d been a bitch to her in high school, and was apparently still at least a little bit of a bitch. And Jules just had to stand there, waiting to ring them up, in her dirty apron and dusty hands and her exhausted, unloved body.
“ Anyway, looks like you’ve got gas at pump two?“she said briskly, bringing it up on the cash register. “Anything else p>
“Daddy!“their daughter’s voice crowed through the store. She came running over, a bottle of grape juice clutched in her arms. “I got juice p>
“I see that, pumpkin.“He scooped his daughter up, making her giggle and squeal, and helped her put the juice on the counter in front of Jules.
“You didn’t get Mama’s coffee?“Alicia asked, feigning affront.
“Tell Mama she drinks too much caffeine, “Jake stage–whispered to his daughter.
“Tell Daddy he doesn’t want to see what Mama’s like without her caffeine, “Alicia shot back playfully turning on her heel to get her drink.
Jules watched the whole exchange, feeling like a weird voyeur. While they waited for Alicia to get her drink, Jake smiled awkwardly at her and she smiled just as awkwardly back
“So, Jules, how’s life been?“he asked politely.
Not this again. “It’s had its ups and downs,“she said vaguely, swiping the juice beneath the scanner.
Mercifully, Alicia returned quickly, setting a bottle of iced coffee on the counter. Jules scanned it.
“Well,” Alicia said with heavy feeling as Jake put his card in the reader. “I’m so sorry about everything you’re going through p>
That faux sympathy had been the same in high school–except her digs had been a little more artless back then. It must be so weird to be that tall. Like, you’re taller than a lot of guys are. Doesn’t that feel weird? And, You’re so confident, getting a haircut like that. I’d be too embarrassed. And, Whoa, you don’t shave your legs every day? Good for you, girl!
“I’m really fine, “Jules said as breezily as she could.
“You say that, but it’s got to be so tough p>
The door jingled again as somebody new stepped in. Jules wanted to fall to her knees and thank the heavens for this divine intervention, but as soon as she caught sight of the newcomer, her whole body went on red alert.
He was definitely not from around here. She’d have remembered somebody like him. He was tall and broad, with warm, tan skin and short, raven–black hair. A thick scruff covered his strong jaw–too dense to be stubble, not quite long enough to be a beard. Straight black eyebrows glowered over hazel–gold eyes that gleamed like a falcon’s. His features were boldly rendered, and alarmingly beautiful in a rough–hewn, rugged kind of way. Like lightning and thunder–awe–inspiring, but dangerous.
20:59
Caught Naked By My Alpha Neighbor! Now I’m His – No Escape.
Chapter 166
As he caught sight of Jules, he went as still as a hunting cat, his whole body tensing, his gaze locked on her. His golden eyes widened, thick brows drawing together.
“You,“he said hoarsely, staring at her as if she were a ghost.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.