Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
I sit with my mouth open as he seriously begins to read the first book. I look over his shoulder to see which one he picked before I lift the other kindle out of the box and begin to read for myself.
I get so lost in the book, the flight zips by before I know it. Our descent is announced, and I’m filled with excitement instead of nerves. Clayton watches me with amusement in his eyes.
“What?” I laugh as his eyes twinkle at me.
“Nothing,” he replies, dipping his head to steal a kiss and my breath away.
We disembark once the plane lands. An SUV is awaiting us. We hop in and I snuggle into Clay’s side. He wraps an arm around me, kissing the top of my head.
“Did you finish?” he asks.
“Got to the end as the wheels touched down.” I smile.
“Good, because I want to talk about that crazy-ass friend of hers. Did she really set all that shit up?” he says with all sincerity.
I look up at him and burst out laughing. “You really read the entire book?” I question in disbelief.
“Yeah, how else were we going to discuss it?”
“I seriously love that you did that for me,” I say in a whisper.
He brushes my cheek with his fingertips. “You haven’t a clue the things I’m willing to do for you,” he breathes.
I lower my lashes, reminding myself that I’ve given this man steady sex for a little more than four months. He would be willing to do a lot to keep me in his bed. That has nothing to do with his heart. Men can fuck without their hearts getting involved. I know for a fact I can’t.
Just look at me.
The truck pulls to a stop, but we’re not at a hotel. I look out of the window, confused. I pretty much figured out that we’re in California. It’s after midnight here. I figured we’d be heading to a hotel for the night.
Instead, we’re on Rodeo Drive. Only the stores aren’t closed as they should be. No, they are well lit, as if they’re open at this time of night. I scan the street again and notice David and a few others from Clay’s security team. Each one standing guard outside one of the shops.
“What’s going on?” I ask, turning to look up at Clay, who’s watching me.
“Shopping is your next favorite thing, maybe even before reading and writing. Tonight, you will shop like a queen,” he replies.
I bite down on my trembling lip, blinking rapidly, so the tears don’t spill. I’m utterly gone for this man. If I was going to walk away, I should have done it already. The only thing I can think of now is how to get him to love me as much as I love him.
“Thank you,” I choke out.
“Thank me later. Come, let’s shop, baby.” He kisses my temple before turning to get out of the car.
This is just sex for him. I’m not going to survive him breaking my heart. How did I get here?
Chapter 38
Unfocused
Clayton
Things have been strained since we returned from LA. I thought the trip would bring us closer together, but Sid has that distant look in her eyes more often than not. I know I have the power to change that. In just three little words, I could make clear what I believe she questions.
I just don’t know if I can say them. Sid is the most important thing in my life. I have this insane fear that once I declare my true feelings for her, the world will try to take her from me—or, should I be honest and say, my father.
Dad has been…different. I’ve been allowing Sid to spend time with him so I can watch him and see where his head is. I took him off my short list of enemies who could be behind all of this drama months ago. He had no prior connection to Sid, and he indeed stepped in to help stop the witch hunt.
“Let me out in the front of the club,” I say to David as we near Dream.
“Got it.”
We pull up to Dream and I step out of the car. My focus is on my phone. Sidney is having a girls’ night with her friends tonight. I felt like she needed the space and I have some paperwork here I need to attend to.
Tonight is as good a time as any to get it done. I glance up for a moment and see we have a nice line waiting to get in this evening. This is the general public entrance.
Around back is the entrance for the elite and exclusive patrons. From inside, you wouldn’t know the two different worlds exist exclusive of each other. My phone chimes, pulling my attention.
I smile as I open the text. I sent Sid a silly message and she’s sent me a silly pic in response. My heart stops as I look at her pretty face, all screwed up with her eyes crossed. I come close to laughing out loud, but my attention is drawn.