Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
“They’re jerks, but I should be used to it. Or at least be over it.” I’m moving on with my life, but somehow they can always get to me.
“I think we can do better than me going with you to the reunion.” His face softens and the anger in his voice fades.
“What do you have in mind?” I joke as I take another bite.
“We’ll get married.” I almost choke on my steak as I cough, and he hands me some water, patting my back. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I laugh, trying to catch my breath. I wanted to ruin this date when I got to the restaurant, and now that I’m enjoying myself I can’t seem to stop. He reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear. I’ve noticed he seeks out small ways to touch me and I can’t say I hate it.
“I wasn't joking.” His face is serious, but I know he has to be joking.
“So we go and pretend to be married?” When I stop and think about it, it’s not really a bad idea. They’d probably fall over in shock. Not only does Dash clearly have money, but he’s handsome too. “That would really bug them. I bet my stepsister would hit on you.”
“You’ll need a ring,” he says, as if talking to himself.
“Maybe a fake pregnancy test too,” I suggest and then snort a laugh. “No, then they’d think you're only marrying me because I got knocked up.” I laugh again and shake my head.
“This sounds crazy. You know that, right?” he says.
“It’s okay, I’m going to let it go and be the bigger person. I’ll show up and see my dad and then leave.”
“That’s not what I meant. I’m going with you to the reunion. I just meant that it’s crazy that anyone would think you couldn’t get any man you wanted.”
“That’s really sweet of you to say.”
“I’m not your friend trying to make you feel better, Brooklyn. It’s the fucking truth.”
My chest warms at his conviction, but even from what little I know about Dash, he isn't the type of man to feed people lies. Although Cherry would probably say he’s trying to get in my pants.
“Well, I didn't always look this fabulous.” I bat my eyelashes as I try to hide that I’m suddenly feeling shy. “After all, these are my fancy yoga pants. Look, not one hole.”
“And adorable.” He leans over and brushes his lips against mine. “Too bad for anyone else who missed their chance. You’re mine now.” There he goes again, wrapping me up in his sweet words.
“You’re not too bad yourself. Why are you on a dating app?”
He’s been so charming. If this was the same man who went out with my friends, I think they would have fallen all over him. Not Blair though; she wound have junk-punched him when he tried to boss her around and stole her phone. She never would have found it swoony like I did.
“Why is anyone on a dating app?” he asks.
“Some people do it to hook up, but I’m sure some do it to find love.”
“And where do you fall in that, Brooklyn?”
“Love,” I admit. “I haven't had the best of luck on any dating site and I was about to give up.” I notice he didn't answer the question.
“Why didn't you give up?”
“If you want something you can’t give up. If I’ve learned any lesson from my stepmom and Charlotte, it’s that if I kept working towards a goal I’d get there.” I wanted out of the house and to put myself through college. I did that and now I want to find love. I want to be with the man I will spend the rest of my life with. I want a family of my own that’s nothing like the one I grew up in.
“You’re right about that. You never stop until you get what you want.”
This time when he pulls me close he deepens the kiss. I part my lips and his tongue sweeps across my bottom lip. His fingers tangle in my hair, and although he starts out slow, his possession is clear. I can feel a power in his hands and chest that he’s holding back. My core tightens and my body shudders at what could happen if he unleashes it.
“Brooklyn.” He pulls his mouth away and rests his forehead against mine.
“What?” I start to kiss him again and he shakes his head.
“We’re in public.” And it’s then I look down and see that I’ve climbed in his lap. I don’t remember moving, but I do remember craving more.
“Wow.” I smile, and my lips feel sweetly sore. “That was—”
“Unforgettable,” he finishes for me with the perfect word.
“You’re nothing like I thought you’d be,” I admit.
“I can say the same about you.”
“Too bad you told my friends you’d have me back by midnight.” I bite my lip to try and stop the laugh.