Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Martha says, rushing toward me.
“I kept you busy all day long. It’s the least I can do.”
She takes the dishes from me and shakes her head. “You’re a guest, ma’am. Mr. Falco would be very upset if he heard about this.”
Not wanting to get the housekeeper in trouble, I nod before leaving the dining room.
When I walk up the hallway toward Mrs. Falco’s sitting room, I hear Gerardo ask, “Are you going to read one of those romance books again?”
“Yes, so you better make a run for it,” Mrs. Accardi warns, her words followed by a chuckle.
Gerardo comes out of the sitting room and nods at me before he walks away.
Romance books?
“Let’s see. Where were we?” I hear Mrs. Accardi say.
Mrs. Falco replies, “Beau was on his way to tell Daisy he loved her.”
I stop right outside the door and listen as Mrs. Accardi reads, “I bring my truck to a screeching stop outside Daisy’s house, and jumping out, I run up the path to the front door. I knock, impatient for her to open.”
Mrs. Accardi pauses, then murmurs, “Oh, my heart.”
“What?” Mrs. Falco asks. “Don’t stop reading now!”
A smile curves my lips, and I lean my shoulder against the wall.
“When Daisy opens the front door, my hand flies up, and I grip her behind the neck. Yanking her toward me, my eyes lock with her startled gaze. ‘I love you, Daisy Adams. I’ve always loved you. Stay in Paradise with me. This is where you belong.’ I hold my breath while I wait for her to say something.”
“Aww,” Mrs. Falco coos. “Finally.”
“Oh no,” Mrs. Accardi mutters.
Mrs. Falco gasps, “On no what?”
“Daisy pulls away from me, shaking her head. ‘No. You had years to tell me how you felt. Waiting until I’m leaving isn’t fair.’ My heart cracks down the middle when I see the anger in her beautiful gaze.”
“No, Daisy,” Mrs. Falco whispers, totally caught up in the story.
“Taking a step back, I shake my head. ‘Don’t do this to us, Daisy.’”
Mrs. Accardi pauses for a moment, and when she continues, emotion fills her voice.
“Her chin starts to tremble, then she says, ‘You did this to us.’ When she shuts the door, intense heartache bleeds through my soul.”
I hear a soft sob, and peeking into the sitting room, I see Mrs. Accardi and Mrs. Falco sniffling because of the sad scene.
Mrs. Accardi spots me and smiles through her tears. “Come join us, Gabriella.”
I quickly shake my head. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Oh, hush. Come take a seat.”
Stepping into the sitting room, I walk to one of the armchairs and take a seat.
“We love reading for an hour after dinner,” Mrs. Accardi explains. “Afterward, we watch an episode of a TV show. You’re welcome to join us at any time.”
“Thank you.”
“This book is too sad, and we’re already three-quarters through it. Let’s start a new one so Gabriella’s not lost,” Mrs. Falco says.
Mrs. Accardi stands up and walks to the bookshelf. While she’s perusing the books, she asks, “What do you feel like reading?” She glances at me. “Do you have a favorite genre?”
I shake my head. “Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to read romance books. I’m good with whatever you choose.”
“Caro Dio. I would die without my books,” Mrs. Accardi mutters. “What else weren’t you allowed to do?”
Crap.
“Ahhh…” I hesitate, but not being one to lie, I answer honestly, “My parents were very controlling. Especially my mother. She decided everything for me.” I let out an awkward-sounding chuckle. “When I started making money from my social media pages, I bought my own clothes. It made her angry.”
“Why?” Mrs. Accardi gasps. “I think your outfits are stylish.”
“They preferred I wear modest clothes.”
Mrs. Accardi grabs a book, and when she comes to take a seat, Mrs. Falco says, “It sounds like you didn’t have a happy childhood. I’m beginning to understand why you didn’t want to call your family to let them know you arrived safely.”
“I don’t come from a loving home,” I admit.
My eyes drift over her beautiful face, and for a moment, I wonder whether she’s always been blind.
Clearing my throat, I add, “I just want you to know I’m enjoying my stay here.”
“That makes me happy,” Mrs. Falco murmurs before lifting an eyebrow in Mrs. Accardi’s direction. “Which book have you chosen? Read us the blurb.”
Mrs. Accardi’s mouth curves into a smile, then suddenly, she holds the book out to me. “I’ve been reading for years. It would be nice just to listen.”
“Oh.” Taking the book from her, nerves begin to spin in my stomach as my eyes dart over the words on the back cover.
I clear my throat, and lifting my chin, I begin to read, “Readers should brace themselves for an epic tale of love and found family. Caution: This erotic bestseller should be read with the AC on.”