Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 61900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
For now, though.
I play it cool.
I take Star for a walk along the beach, breathing in the ocean air as we stroll, enjoying every second of this freedom that is rarely awarded to me. I put her chubby little legs in the waves, where she kicks and splashes, her eyes full of delight. Oh, to be a child again, to have the chance to see the world through innocent eyes. That’s something we all grow out of eventually and, yet, we long for it.
We remember how good it felt.
“How’s it goin’ with the bitch brigade in there?”
I glance beside me to see Hugh sitting down, beer in hand, shirtless, looking so god damned edible I’m jealous that it’s Delilah who gets to lie next to him tonight and not me.
I know I shouldn’t think like that, but when he’s beside me, and we’re talking so freely, it’s hard not to feel like we’re forming a connection. The problem is, we can’t afford to form one because he’s taken and I am supposed to be fixing myself.
“Oh, wonderful. I’ve been tripped, pranked, and basically treated like I walked in there with a rare disease and they’re doing their best to get rid of me before I spread.”
He chuckles. “Got to love how you explain shit.”
I grin. “Well, it’s how I feel. I like to paint a picture when I tell a story.”
“That you do.”
“How did your romantic lunch go?”
He doesn’t answer for a while, and finally he says, “Good.”
“Just good?”
“Mmmm. Just good. I heard what you said, you were right, wasn’t givin’ her a fair go and that makes me a fuckin’ dick. I don’t to have to be here, but I chose to be and because of that, I at least owe it to her to put a bit of effort in.”
“I’m glad my words sunk in.”
No, I’m not.
I’m not.
He must hear it in my voice because he studies me for a minute, his eyes scanning over my face. Well, now’s my chance to get up and get the hell out of here before he sees what I’m feeling.
“I guess I had better get Star ready for the big dinner. How are Delilah’s parents treating you?”
“They don’t fuckin’ like me, but they’re tolerating me for her sake. I’m never goin’ to fit into their picture. Lucky I don’t fuckin’ care.”
I laugh. “I have no doubt.”
My phone rings in my beach bag beside me. I reach in and pull it out to see Dion’s number flashing across the screen. He has been playing games with me since our last encounter—one minute he ignores me and I think he has finally gone, then he’ll randomly text or call; he’s messing with my head and he knows it.
I press reject.
“Don’t want to answer that?” Hugh asks.
I shake my head. “I’d rather dive into the ocean head first into a pool of hungry sharks.”
“That good, huh?”
I grunt. “Oh, it’s that good.”
“Guessin’ it’s a guy, then?”
I shrug and then nod. “Yeah, a guy who loves to mess with me.”
“He botherin’ you?”
“He ... doesn’t like the answer no.”
“You want me to deal with him? I can. The fucker will leave you alone when I’m done with him.”
I smile, glancing at him. “While I appreciate that incredible offer, I can handle Dion.”
“You yell you need me, I can handle him, too.”
I stand and Hugh surprises me by reaching out for Star. “Leave her here.”
I can’t help it, my heart does a little dance, and as I walk away, I glance back at them and watch in utter admiration as he scoops her up and presses his lips to her cheek.
God damn you, heart.
You’re going to get me into trouble.
13
I take another drink of the sweetest, most expensive wine I’ve ever put near my mouth. It tastes like honey from heaven itself and I could spend the entire night drowning in its goodness, but, I’m not going to do that because I’m on baby duty and I’d never forgive myself if I wasn’t all there for Star.
Still, I’m going to enjoy every last drop.
I’m going to enjoy this fire.
The peaceful situation.
I’ve zoned out to the people around me; the nannies are in a group gossiping, the mothers are all drinking and giggling about something, and the men are all talking business up by the expensive table on the deck.
We’re down by the fire, and the only people here are the women, and Hugh.
Mostly because I can’t imagine Hugh wanting to go anywhere near those rich men, considering he’s probably thought about murdering them a few times already. Besides, they’re not a fan of him and I imagine the club, so they’re avoiding him at all costs.
Delilah is sitting beside Hugh, and as the night wears on and she becomes a little more drunk, she begins getting a little more hands-on with him. She’s touching him and kissing him and I can’t help but watch as he lets her. My heart thuds against my chest, because I hate that I’m feeling any type of way toward it, but I am.