Broken by Kelly Elliott Read Free Book Online Page A

away from the phone, talking to someone else, and then his voice came back clear over the line. “Awesome, dude. See you at nine.”
    I looked up and saw Whitley and Mrs. P talking as they headed toward my truck. I looked to see if Olivia was with them, but it was just the two of them. I watched as Mrs. P said something to Whitley, causing her to laugh. I couldn’t help but grin. She had the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen. Her eyes actually seemed to sparkle when she smiled. Her hands were flying everywhere as she talked.
    Shit, that would drive me crazy.
    She glanced up and caught me watching her. She crinkled her nose, and I had to laugh. All she had to do was look at me, and I pissed her off.
    As they got closer, I jumped out of the truck, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door for her. I heard Whitley tell Mrs. P that she would come back out in a few days to work on ideas for the party, and then they said their good-byes. When Whitley turned, she glanced at me and hopped up into the truck.
    I shut the door and said good-bye again to Mrs. P.
    “Layton, I’m sorry for what Olivia did. You have to know, she was just a bit jealous from seeing you with another girl. I’ll explain to her who Whitley is. I’m sorry Olivia hurt you.”
    I smiled slightly. “Mrs. P, I highly doubt Liv is jealous from seeing me with another girl. After all, she’s the one who left me, remember? No need to explain who CG is. It’s none of Liv’s business.” I gave her a wink, and I started walking around to the driver’s side.
    Mrs. P called out, “Layton, stop teasing that girl! She hates that nickname you’ve given her.”
    I smiled and tipped my hat at her before jumping into the truck. I looked over at a very happy girl sitting next to me.
    She looks good in my truck. It’s a perfect fit.
    Shit! Shit! Shit! Don’t even, Layton.
    “Okay, CG, let’s get you home, shall we? Where do you live?”
    “Jesus Christ, stop calling me that, you asshole! And how dare you embarrass me like that in front of a potential client. Are you insane? Do you know what planning her engagement party means for me?”
    I threw my truck into reverse and glared at her before hitting the gas pedal. “Yeah, I know exactly what the hell it means.”
    I hit the pedal so hard that her head snapped back. I’d never wanted to leave that house so much in my entire life. I just needed to get drunk and forget this day even happened.
    “I’ll stop by Jack’s, so you can get whatever you need out of your car.”
    She was staring out the window and didn’t answer.
    “Whitley, I’m going to stop by Jack’s garage first. Then, where do I need to go?”
    Nothing.
    When I reached over and tugged her arm, she jerked away from me.
    “Jesus, are you okay?” I asked.
    She turned and looked scared to death. “Um…yeah, I’m sorry. I guess I was lost in a memory. What did you say?”
    “Would you like me to stop by Jack’s garage to get what you need out of your car? I’m not sure how long he’ll have it. I’m sure he doesn’t keep fancy car parts on hand,” I said with a wink as I watched her holding her cell phone up.
    “Ha-ha. That’s fine. Oh, yes! I have a signal!”
    She hit a number on her phone, and all I heard was another girl on the other end, going off in a high-pitched voice.
    Whitley looked at me and smiled. “Hey, Court. So sorry, Lollipop. My car broke down in the middle of Bumfuck, Egypt, and I had to ride a horse back to this cowboy’s house. Then, he called a tow truck and brought me to my appointment. No, in his truck. Um…”
    She turned and looked at me. Her face was red, and the blush covering her cheeks caused me to smile.
    “Yes. Uh…really? Right now, Courtney?” She sighed as she looked toward the window, and then she tried to talk softly. “I don’t know…ugh. Oh. My. God! Nine! Are you happy, you bitch?”
    Jesus…is she rating me? And if she is, why the hell am I a nine and not a ten?
    “Yes,