Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“But Aunt Gertrude, you’re allergic. You know what they do to you.” Addison laughs. “Then again, if you’re really engaged, you can always stay with Killian.”
She’s challenging me.
She doubts me, as she should.
Tears threaten.
I hate her.
I hate this.
I hate that I’m too far gone for a really good comeback. And now I’m in the emotional state of being drunk.
None of this is fair.
Aunt Gertrude shoves one of her martini olives in her mouth. “See ya later, I’m gonna go see a man about a tryst in the vineyard.”
Addison covers her mouth with a laugh. “Aren’t you allergic to grapes too?”
“I’m old, we’ll be fast, then I’ll be back in my room, and he’ll never know what could potentially hit him when I eat what I want.” She winks at me. “See you later, sugar. Did you lose weight? You’re positively gaunt and swaying into that strapping young man like your life depends on it.”
I clench my teeth. “Oh, it just might.”
Killian curses under his breath. “She’s actually going to be staying with me. It’s why this silly…” He squeezes my shoulder. Ouch. “…little pumpkinass forgot to book her own room, by herself, all alone.” His grip tightens. “So, I’ll just have my assistant…” He glares at Dustin. “…go check us in and if you could send someone for our bags too, Dustin?”
Dustin clears his throat. “Sure, sir, right away, I’ll just—” The guy sprints toward the lobby doors like he can’t wait to get out of this awkward situation.
Addison looks back at me, then down at my hands. “Where’s the ring?”
Rob walks up awkwardly and puts his hand around Addison’s shoulders. He’s wearing a stupid black bowtie and a black suit like he’s going to some event. Well, I guess it is his wedding, but it’s still stupid.
His glossy hair is combed to the side, and I swear on all bourbon everywhere the idiot has an identical fake tan to Addison’s.
“The ring,” I repeat, finally looking away from Rob. “It’s um, the thing is…” Why won’t my brain work?
Killian sighs and answers calmly, “She said she wanted one made of flowers wrapped around her finger to show the beauty, it’s pressed in one of her favorite poetry books back at home, sitting next to Chuck Norris so he knows she’s coming back soon. As far as a real ring, I thought we’d pick them out together then get matching tattoos on our fingers.”
God, and he was doing so good!
“Tattoos?” Addison bursts out laughing. “She can barely get a shot in her arm without passing out.”
Tears fill my eyes. She’s mocking me. It’s over. Because who would ever believe that someone like him would end up with someone like me? I mean, even I couldn’t believe it. He’s so famous that other famous people fangirl over him.
“Well…” Killian locks eyes with her then rests them on Rob. “When you have a partner you can trust, things don’t look as scary.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead then cups me by the cheeks still basically holding me up.
His kiss is soft against my lips.
I want more. So much more.
I wrap my arms around his neck and press against him.
He groans when I slide my tongue into his mouth. Everything about the last horrifying moments disappears in that kiss.
This man’s kisses taste different. They feel different, less like something you do because you should, more like something you do because you want to so bad that you can’t help but take over and over again.
We break apart, breathless; his eyes flash.
If he started to strip me naked right now, despite all of our arguing on the way here, I’d help and be naked so fast his head would spin.
“Got the room keys!” Dustin announces, interrupting our moment. “Let’s get you guys… showered.” He grins at Rob and Addison. “You know, plane ride, car ride… burritos.”
Addison makes a face. “Burritos?”
“Don’t ask.” Dustin shakes his head. “They share a very personal and violent affinity for burritos. I think the gas station staff were preparing for a near brawl.” He laughs.
Addison looks at me in confusion, her blue eyes reading way too much in my expression.
For some reason I feel it’s the best option to do a small bow then grab Killian, turn around, and call over my shoulder. “See you at dinner!”
He helps me walk.
I feel like an idiot.
I gulp. “Thanks for the save.”
He sighs heavily then picks me up in his arms and carries me the rest of the way down the path. “Apparently that’s my job in this anti-relationship.”
“It was a nice kiss, though, even if you’re hateful.”
“It was a nice kiss, even if you’re so drunk you probably won’t remember that I saved you.”
“I can’t forget anything you do. Trust me. I’ve tried.” I yawn, and the last thing I remember is him stopping, looking down at me like I’m not a failure, and me suddenly feeling sick and puking over his arm onto the exact path we’re walking on.