Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 115534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 462(@250wpm)___ 385(@300wpm)
I’ve dated guys, but it was dinner or a movie. Then after a few weeks of dating, it was a trip to their house and quick sex. Then we’d date for a while, but nothing changed. I never felt a close enough bond to risk exposing Angel to a possible heartbreak.
I never spent the night with them, I barely got to see them because, well, I’m a mother, and the sex was just there to scratch an itch. Sex with Wren is consuming, addicting, intoxicating… And then there’s so much more.
He spends every moment with me. His laptop is officially stationed at my house. He comes over as soon as I get home, then he leaves out the front door to sneak into my window at bedtime. And I swear there’s no way I can ever sleep again without the feeling of his hard body pressed against mine.
“Holy crap,” Bella says under her breath, taking in the high ceilings and lavish surroundings, bringing me back from my thoughts.
Angel is on Wren’s back as he guides us through the house, and she’s clinging to her father and laughing as he bounces her. Out of everything he’s done, the time and love he devotes to Angel is what’s making me fall the hardest.
Tag Masters suddenly appears in front of us, grinning broadly while walking around in a pair of board shorts and no shirt. It’s too cold for that.
“Hey, Angel,” he says, offering his hand for a high-five next to Wren’s shoulder. She slaps it, laughing lightly. I guess they bonded in Aspen.
Bella stiffens next to me, and I know she’s taking in Tag, who hasn’t even noticed her. Tag, who doesn’t really remember her, motions toward the back.
“Everyone’s out on the patio eating brunch. Ash cooked. I’m about to throw on some clothes. I attempted to help cook, and got shit all over me, which is why I’m dressed like this.”
“And she manages to get him to help her cook,” Bella whispers. “She’s definitely magical,” she adds, her voice still in a whisper.
We follow Tag, who is talking to Wren at his side, and Bella stays at my side. Fortunately, she’s relaxed now, even if she is ogling Tag’s ass.
“Remember how hormonal I was when I was pregnant?” I whisper to her, “Ash is pregnant and jealous. Don’t forget that.”
Bella nods, laughing lightly. “I’m more into Wren, but thanks for the warning.”
I playfully glare at her, and she shrugs innocently. “Tell him to start wearing a shirt when he’s at the house if you don’t want him starring in my fantasies. I’ve sworn off bad boys, and Wren is a mixture of bad and good that is really hot.”
I laugh when she winks. She loves goading me.
“I’ll get you guys something to eat,” Tag says, but I intercept him.
“Bella and I will get it,” I tell him, and he nods curtly toward Bella before turning and walking away.
“I’ll help you,” Wren says, running his eyes down my body for the fifth time. Maybe I wore the tightest pair of jeans I own on purpose.
“I’ll get yours. Just take Angel out there so she can find Carrie. She’s been dying to see her.”
He nods, his gaze shifting to my ass as I turn away, and I smile over my shoulder like an idiot.
“You two almost make me sick. How long before you tell Angel?” Bella asks.
That sobers me. “I… don’t know. This is uncharted territory for me.”
As soon as we walk into the kitchen, Ash greets us with her adorable baby bump. I did not have an adorable baby bump. I looked like a swollen cow during my pregnancy, so obviously I pout.
“You must be Bella,” Ash says, smiling.
Bella—being her usual comedic self—bows suddenly in front of Ash. “It’s an honor to meet such a majestic force. Teach me the ways of magic, sensei.”
I burst out laughing, while Ash stares at Bella like she’s crazy. “Ignore her,” I say, still laughing while grabbing two plates.
Bella chuckles while standing and helping me fix another plate for Angel. And we carry the French toast and poached eggs out onto the patio where everyone already is.
Reflexively, I take the space by Wren, and Melanie eyes him with suspicion. She’s not supposed to know we’re together, since Wren seems to think she’ll kill him for some reason.
I’m surprised to see the setup—it looks like it’s right out of a rich and famous magazine. The table is huge, accommodating all the Sterlings—including Britt—as well as Tag, Melanie, Ray, Rye, Brin, Tria, and Rain. Ethan, Kade, and Raya are the only three missing from their group. Tag has changed and is wearing a long-sleeved shirt and washed out jeans, looking casual instead of looking like a sex icon.
Orange juice is already poured into a glass in front of my place, but Wren tells me he poured it for me. There are several pitchers of it on the table, and several pitchers of other drinks as well. No coffee though.