Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 100202 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100202 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
I almost spit out my sweet tea. “Is that what you guys think?”
They shot me side-eye from each direction.
“He can be a little…precise,” Jeanine said, shooting a glance toward the guys as they worked on another piece of art in the dining room. “Don’t get me wrong, I love that man like a brother. He’s loyal, hard-working, and protective as hell of the people in his life.”
“He’s also a pain in the ass,” Maria muttered, calling out the new positions.
“I have no complaints,” I said honestly. “But I am on a personal mission to see if I can make him smile a little more. Figure I owe that much to him after he hired me all those years ago.”
“Good luck with that,” Maria shot me a smile and spun the wheel again.
“So, Weston says you’re the resort photographer?” Jeanine asked.
As if the man had superhuman hearing, Weston looked in our direction, holding one side of the painting while Theo put marks on the wall. “Tell me you’re not harassing Callie, Jeanine.”
“I will tell you no such thing!” she called back with a shameless grin.
“I’m fine,” I assured him, waving him off when it looked like he was about to head our direction.
“We’ve got exactly until he gets that painting hung, if I know West,” Jeanine said briskly, turning to face me.
“Then you’d better ask your questions quickly.” I took another sip as the players adjusted their hands. Scott looked like he was in real pain now. “I get it. I’d want to question someone living with my friends too.”
“That’s good to know.” Jeanine’s shoulders immediately eased. “Favorite color.”
“Blue.” That was easier than I thought.
“Favorite song.”
“‘Tiny Dancer’ by Elton John.” Another easy one.
“Are you currently in a relationship?” she asked, her words coming faster as we heard the guys driving nails into the wall.
“Nope. I’m fully committed to my kid. Guys aren’t part of that equation usually.”
“Sutton’s daddy?”
“Dead.”
Jeanine sucked in a breath.
“Damn, Jeanine,” Maria muttered.
“How was I supposed to know that?” She winced. “I’m so sorry for asking.”
“Don’t be.” My gaze found Weston’s as they slipped the painting onto the nail, and I gave him a reassuring smile. “I figured Weston told you.” My chest went all warm with the knowledge he hadn’t, that he’d kept what was private between us just that—private.
Jeanine shook her head. “Okay, um…favorite movie?”
“Star Wars, Episode Six.”
“Good choice.” Maria nodded.
Weston had the level out.
“Why Penny Ridge?” Jeanine asked.
“There was a job advertisement for a photographer, and I had just enough money to make it this far.” I laughed as Sutton slid her hand over a circle, nearly losing her balance.
“Do you like your job?”
“Absolutely. I love photography.” My brow puckered. “But I really want to strike out for myself. Eventually. You know, maybe when Sutton graduates. Then I can focus on art photography and not just family vacations, become the next Mary Ellen Mark or Elliott Erwitt.” Maybe intern for World Geographic. Right. Once Sutton graduated.
“Time for one more,” Maria whispered.
We all looked toward the dining room, where Weston was quickly headed in our direction.
“Do you find our Weston attractive?”
I fumbled my glass, barely catching it as tea sloshed up the sides, but not over.
“Guess that answers that.” Maria laughed. “Right foot, yellow!”
Seline slipped, her seven-year-old arms refusing to hold her weight as her foot strained toward the yellow circle. Theo swooped in, holding her by the waist so she could make it.
“That’s cheating!” Max accused, his foot on the same circle as Sutton’s. “Uncle Scott, tell him that’s cheating!”
“No can do, buddy, Seline is on my team,” he grunted, his foot sliding.
Seline giggled and Theo steadied her. “It’s absolutely cheating,” Theo agreed. “But I don’t think it matters because—”
Scott fell to the ground.
“You’re out, babe!” Maria blew him a kiss.
“Thank God. I couldn’t take another move,” he groaned, rolling out of the way as the kids laughed.
“We won!” Sutton scrambled to her feet and high-fived Max.
“We welcome all challengers!” Max said, lifting his hands into the air. “Mom?”
“Oh no. Not a chance.” Jeanine shook her head.
“Mom?” Sutton looked at me with hopeful eyes.
I glanced down at my jeans and wrap-style shirt. “I’m not sure I’m dressed for it, honey.”
“Please?” Her eyes lit up and I sighed. How many years did I have left before she no longer wanted me to play games with her?
“Fine,” I said, standing to toe off my shoes and socks.
“Uncle West?” Max lifted his brows.
“Uhh….” Weston looked at the mat in horror.
I snorted, which earned me a narrowed glance from West.
“What about me?” Theo asked. “I’m right here too.”
“You cheat.” Max shook his head. “And Aunt Maria already said no earlier.”
I lifted a brow at Weston.
“Please?” Sutton turned to him, lacing her fingers in plea. “We won’t beat you too badly.”
“Beat us too badly?” Weston’s eyebrows shot up, and he pushed the sleeves of his Henley up his forearms. “Oh, you’re on.”