Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 166(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 166(@300wpm)
“Merry Christmas Eve to you, too,” he says, his hand sneaking a pat on my butt before releasing me.
“Merry Christmas Eve. Thanks for stopping me from smashing my face,” I smile at him.
“It would be an injustice if I let anything happen to such a pretty face,” he winks before moving in like he’s going to kiss me.
I suck in a breath, but Kane places a soft kiss on my cheek. He reaches in his pocket and hands me a small wrapped present.
“You can open it alone or around people. It’s safe,” he assures me.
I bite my bottom lip. “I got you something, too, but it’s not safe for you to open it around anyone. In fact, I’m not even sure how you’re going to sneak it to your car.” I laugh, only now thinking about that.
“Now, I’m intrigued…” Kane laughs.
“Kane, come in here,” Dad calls out.
“Excuse me, I’m being summoned. Hey, Chastity,” he says before walking off.
I look over at the stairs as Chastity descends them.
“I hung back to give you a moment,” she smiles, walking closer to me. “Are you going to open it now?”
“I’ll wait until I can give Kane his present.”
“I’m sorry if I upset you upstairs.”
I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it. I know your heart is in the right place.”
Chastity and Mrs. Cooper help me in the kitchen while the guys play pool in the garage.
“Renee, is your father dating anyone?” Mrs. Cooper asks. “I notice his car is always gone.”
“No, he’s been super busy at work lately,” I tell her.
“Ah, I see. He’s been single for so long. Now that you’re all grown up, he should get out there. He’s a good-looking guy and so charming…”
“Mom,” Chastity scolds her.
“What? I’m allowed to say another man is good-looking, Chastity.”
I can’t help but laugh to myself, wondering if Chastity is being protective of my father.
“You’re not setting Aunt Emily up with Colt,” Chastity sighs.
“Why not? I think they’d be cute together.”
“Is Aunt Emily too good for my father?” I taunt Chastity.
“No, of course not. Maybe he’s too good for her.”
“Chastity,” Mrs. Cooper swats at her. “What about Kane?” she then asks. “Emily is a sucker for a hot body and blue eyes.”
“Um, I think he’s seeing someone,” I say without even thinking.
Chastity laughs at me in front of her mother. I guess this doesn’t bode well for what I’d said just a little while ago about backing off if Kane gets a girlfriend.
“What’s so funny?” Mrs. Cooper asks, looking at her daughter.
I can’t help but laugh at the situation either.
“Ugh, you two are infuriating with all of your inside jokes. You’re like two teenagers!”
“Mom, we are teenagers,” Chastity points out just as the guys come into the kitchen.
“What’s so funny?” Dad asks.
“You had to be here,” I tell him.
“I was here, and I still don’t know what’s so funny,” Mrs. Cooper sighs. “You girls haven’t been sneaking wine, have you?”
“Mrs. Cooper, when have you known me not to sneak wine?”
Daddy, Kane, and Chastity all laugh at my joke, but the Coopers don’t find my sense of humor quite as funny.
A little while later, we all sit down for dinner, and pleasant conversation is going around the table. Kane keeps catching my eye as he sits across from me.
“Renee, you really have a talent for cooking,” Mr. Cooper says.
“Right?” Kane agrees. “I’m going to have to take you home with me.”
I almost drop my fork as I stare at him.
“So you can cook for me,” he finishes his statement, holding back his laughter.
I can hear Chastity also holding back her laughter.
“Wow, the snow is really coming down out there,” Dad says, looking out the window.
“Good thing we live right next door,” Chastity remarks, “or else we might have to shack up here.”
Dad smiles. “If there’s a snowpocolypse, Chastity, you’re welcome to bunk here if you don’t want to trek across the street.”
I look between my father and my best friend. Sometimes, I can’t tell if they’re awkwardly trying to flirt with each other. Chastity is always so nervous around Daddy, and he’s not exactly suave, so I’m not sure what their dorky comments are supposed to mean.
I spend the rest of dinner pondering if my father would ever have an affair with a younger woman, or more specifically, a girl my age. Or, to be blatant, would he be interested in my best friend?
I always knew about Chastity’s crush on Daddy, but it wasn’t until my affair with Kane that I ever wondered if Chastity’s crush could turn into more, like mine did with Kane.
Chastity does seem a little more talkative around my father now. Maybe my situation with Kane has inspired her in some way. Ew! The thought of my dad and my best friend getting it on is not something I want to think about. I wouldn’t be upset at them, but I don’t want to have any visualizations running through my brain either.