Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26739 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26739 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Realizing I was performing a monologue, I stop and shoot Kim a smile.
“Sorry, I tend to ramble about my business. If I start again you can tell me to stop. I won’t take offense.”
She blushes.
“No, it’s okay. I can tell you’re really passionate about your work, and that’s probably the reason why you’re so successful. You come alive when you discuss your restaurant and I like seeing you so happy. I’m still interested in the details though.”
Her open honesty makes me duck my head, and I grin at her.
“I appreciate that, sweetheart. Ask away, and I’ll do my best to explain.”
She smiles and the hours pass seamlessly as we go over the various ins and outs of running a business. Kim’s enthusiasm and interest are heartwarming, despite the topic being what most would call “dry.” She listens with rapt attention, and I feel flattered that this beautiful woman is interested in me and my business.
As the conversation begins to wind down, I turn the topic of conversation to her.
“What about you, sweetheart? You said you were a senior right? Do you have any particular aspirations for after graduation?”
Kim’s look of surprise is immediately overcome with uncertainty.
“I’m honestly not sure. I was planning on going to college, but I guess you know what happened with that.”
I shake my head.
“No, not exactly. Adella mentioned something about a girl in need, but she didn’t get into specifics. How did you come to know Adella?”
Kim takes a deep breath.
“Well, she’s my History teacher. Both my brother and I are in her class.”
I jerk back.
“You have a twin brother?”
She nods and bites her lip.
“Kurt is a great guy, and he’s been my best friend since … well, really our whole lives. The thing is that Kurt has anxiety and he gets nervous a lot. There’s been so much pressure from our parents to get into a good college, and he feels it acutely. As a result, he cheated on an exam in Mrs. Rogers’s class.”
I shake my head.
“Damn. That sucks, but I’ve done worse in my life.”
Kim nods her head quickly.
“I know, right? It’s not exactly a felony. But Mrs. Rogers threatened him with the book, and he broke down. I stepped in to see if I could do anything, and well, Mrs. Rogers set me up with you.”
I stare at her.
“So it’s because of your twin brother that you’re in this situation. It’s nothing that you did yourself.”
She shakes her head slowly.
“No, I didn’t cheat. But you see, I’d do anything for my brother. Kurt … well, he’s just Kurt. He doesn’t get it sometimes, and I’ve been protecting him my whole life. I wasn’t going to let something like this send him into a spiral of depression.”
I stare at the beautiful woman, even more impressed with her self-sacrifice and giving ways.
“You’re doing this for your brother?”
She shoots me a helpless look.
“Yes, sort of. You see, Kurt … well, he’s just Kurt,” she repeats. “I can’t explain it but he’s my brother. I can’t let Mrs. Rogers treat him like this!”
I take another sip of my wine, trying to look calm despite the fact that thoughts are raging through my head. This is no nasty nymph, the way Adella Rogers made her out to be. This is a sweet, innocent girl who’s been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous old hag. Not only that, but Kim is trying to help her brother. This isn’t even about her.
Kim’s solemn eyes twist something in my chest; my arm is reaching out to hold her hand before I consciously give the order.
“Well, enough about that. How about we head home? I think we both need some rest and who knows? Maybe we’ll think of a solution to all this.”
She looks down sadly, but then looks up and smiles at me,
“Yes, let’s go. Who knows? Anything can happen.”
My heart twists again because it’s not Kim’s fault this happened. Yet now, I want the curvy girl more than ever, and I won’t let anyone take her away from me.
11
Kim
As we cross the entrance of Adam’s house, I feel every ounce of the emotional toll from our previous discussion pile on me at once. The date had been great until that last bit. What am I doing here? How could I have let myself get blackmailed into this situation? Even if I’m the prisoner of a millionaire, I’m still a prisoner.
Suddenly, I feel like I should have been smarter, wilier, or at least just flat out refused to come. Because what’s happening with our relationship? I’m supposed to be a nymph in bed for Adam, but god forbid, what if I catch feelings?
The scratch of lace under my dress reminds me about my original plan for the evening, making me grimace internally. I’m not exactly in the mood for anything sensual, but that doesn’t mean Adam should have to go without. In fact, that’s my so-called job, right?