Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88057 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88057 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Absolutely.” In truth, I was exhausted and not the most enthusiastic about roaming my property, but the alternative of being alone in the house while Harley worked was even less appealing. So I summoned my energy and followed him as he pointed out window locks needing upgrades and a few places in the fence line that needed shoring up. He also showed me some security camera features I hadn’t even known I had.
By the time Duncan returned and the food arrived, I was more tired but also way calmer. I felt secure. Taken care of. And like whatever bad thing had happened the night before couldn’t reach me here. I still got a little antsy at the thought of being alone, but at least I’d be safe here.
Knowing that made it easier to eat my soup and listen to Duncan and Harley banter. I liked their camaraderie and stories about their time in the SEALs. Duncan and I had gone to the same private elementary school a few years apart, which also led to some fun conversations.
“Okay, this food was seriously amazing.” Standing, Duncan started gathering our trash from the dining room table. “I’m totally going to take Ezra to this place when he gets back. He’ll love it.”
“That’s the only reason you’re slumming with us tonight.” Laughing, Harley joined in the cleanup efforts. “When does your rockstar return?”
“Tomorrow.” Duncan grinned his widest smile yet. “He had a short trip to New York to do a media circuit in conjunction with a TV appearance.”
“You’re Ezra Moon’s boyfriend.” My jaw fell open, but I tried to school my expression back to neutral quickly. I’d read the gossip last fall about Ezra Moon, internationally famous rock god, falling for his bodyguard, but my brain had been too foggy tonight to connect the dots. “Sorry. I should have put that together sooner.”
Duncan laughed. “Actually, I’m Ezra Moon’s fiancé if you want to get technical and have a piece of news we’re trying to keep on the down-low.”
“You’re not gonna pull off a wedding to a megastar with no one finding out.” Harley shook his head.
“Watch us try.” Duncan rolled his eyes at him. I liked how easily the two of them got along. It was like watching my brothers—their familiarity and comfort with each other were fun to watch and be around.
“Even small weddings are huge headaches.” Stretching, I joined them, standing and walking into the kitchen with our plates and trash. “My niece is getting married in a few weeks. It’s all Cressida has been able to talk about for months.”
“See? This is what I’m saying.” Duncan clapped me on the shoulder before stowing our plates in the dishwasher. “Elopement’s where it’s at.”
“Ezra’s parents and your brother will all have fits,” Harley warned with a chuckle.
“We’ll bring them along,” Duncan said breezily.
“That sounds fun.” A huge yawn escaped as I finished my sentence.
“Heck. I forgot you’re supposed to be recovering.” Duncan picked up the bag with window locks and other hardware he’d brought back from the store. “We better finish the work so we can be out of your hair.”
In truth, I was none too eager for them to be done. In fact, the closer they got to finishing the work, the more restless I became, pacing around, finding nonexistent messes to straighten. Finally, I forced myself to sit on the couch with Hercules and check email on my phone, but my focus was awful. I usually loved being in my living room with its huge picture windows, gold drapes, carefully chosen art, and wooden furniture pieces, but tonight it seemed too big, too echoey, too empty. When Duncan and Harley emerged from the backyard with satisfied smiles, my heart sank as they beamed.
“Well, I’m out of here,” Duncan said on his way to the door, handing me a business card as he passed the couch. “Call if you need anything.”
“Thank you.”
And then he was gone, leaving Harley, me, and all my rising anxiety, which manifested as pressure in my chest, right above my sore ribs, and twitchy hands that couldn’t stay still.
“I guess you’re leaving too?” I looked up at Harley, who was lounging against one of the columns that separated the living room from the hallway. “You must be ready to drop. And I don’t even know if you have a family—”
“I live alone.” Crossing the room, Harley flopped on the far end of my large sectional sofa. Hercules, the traitor, delicately picked his way across the cushions to sit next to him. “No pets, no kids, but enough nieces and nephews that I’m not worried about the bloodline running out.”
“I have niblings as well. Hester, who’s the one getting married, and Lex, who better spare us that for a few more years. But anyway, you must want to go home. And I should try to sleep.” My voice did an embarrassing waver on try. Damn it.