Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 48187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
“Your sudden sense of morality today is fucking annoying,” I snap. “Can you stop being me for five seconds and be you? I need advice on a date, not a stern talking to. I’m not breaking it off with her. She’s mine and I can’t let her go. Not now, not ever.”
Morris blinks at me as though I have three heads. “You’re in love with a girl you barely know and who’s barely legal. Is the pussy that good?”
I grab the front of his T-shirt and yank him to me so our noses nearly touch. “Don’t talk about her that way. She’s not some fuck to get my rocks off. She…she deserves more than I could ever give her, but I want to try. Understand, buddy? I want to give her everything.”
He lets out a resigned sigh and I release his shirt.
“Okay,” he grumbles. “So you’re pussywhipped. Not that I’m familiar with this territory, but I am familiar with spoiling women. Tell me what she likes.”
We spend the next fifteen minutes with me explaining Lauren. Feisty, fiery Lauren. I skim over the part where she’s had health scares and get to the parts that define her. Granted, I don’t know tons, but we’ll get there. I give him what I do know. The books. The blog. The food.
“Well, stalker, may I make a suggestion before I give you some date ideas?” he asks, his eyes alight with amusement.
“Sure, asshole.”
“Next time, instead of putting your tongue down her throat, ask more about her. You’re giving me little to work with here.”
“I’m going to learn everything there is to know about her,” I assure him. “Now spill.”
“You know Vaughn Young?”
“Professor at the university?”
“Yep. Anyway, he’s a buddy of mine. His wife and…” He scratches his jaw as he seems to try and formulate his words. “Well, anyway, his wife and this kid Aiden, they opened up this awesome restaurant. Best steak in town. But if your girl likes desserts, this is definitely the place. Vale’s a master baker.”
“Okay, you got the food part. This could work. Any other ideas?”
“Well, the best part is, it has rooftop dining that overlooks downtown. I bet you could catch a killer sunset there.”
“And books?” I ask hopefully.
“You’re on your own there, buddy, but since it’s downtown, I’m sure you can figure something out.”
My mind begins to form a plan. “Thanks, man.”
“At least tell me she’s this into you, too.”
“She is,” I assure him. That much I know for sure.
“Good, because I’m going to give you a little word of warning.”
I frown. “What?”
“Be ready for the looks.”
“What looks?”
“I dated younger chicks for a spell there. Trust me, people look at you like you’re sugar daddy trash. It’s unnerving.”
“It’s not like that,” I growl.
“I know that, but they don’t. A rich guy driving a car like yours with a fucking teenager on his arm looks bad.”
“I don’t care what they think.”
“Well, hopefully she doesn’t either. But others will have opinions.” He tilts his head and studies me. “What does your mom think? Her dad?”
I’m not worried about Mom, but Teddy could be a problem.
“I get along great with Enzo, who’s considerably older than my daughter,” I argue. “He’s perfect for Jenna.”
“Jenna’s only been in your life for what? Three seconds? You hardly had a say so in who she dated, Daniel. You’re lucky to just have her in your life. Even if you hated Enzo, you would’ve never said a thing.”
Fucker has a point.
“Fine. I’ve been warned. Do I need to make reservations at this place?”
“Nah, I’ll text Vaughn to let him know just in case they get busy. He’ll make sure you have a table.” He grips my shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I hope it works out. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.”
Lauren
“I’m fine, Dad,” I say as I fuss with my hair in the hallway mirror. “It’s just a date.”
I don’t tell him with whom. Something tells me he may not like that I’m going off with Dr. Venable.
“What’s that? A date?” my brother chirps, rounding the corner.
“Gotta go. Love you.” I hang up on my dad and frown at my brother. “I didn’t know you came home last night.”
Landon yawns and scratches his bare chest. “Got home like an hour ago while you were in the shower. I’m going to a party with some friends tonight. Everyone from school will be there. One last get-together before everyone goes off to college. You and your date want to come? Callie is going to be there.”
“Nah, I’m good,” I tell him, my voice tight. Last party I was with him at was his party and I ended up in the emergency room. Hard pass.
“Suit yourself.” He peers past me. “Damn. Your guy is loaded. Is that an Audi?”
I swat at him. “Go away.”
“No,” he argues. “I want to meet the guy and make sure he’s not an asshole.”