Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 94546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
He jerks up his chin before pulling me in close to ensure his next set of words is only for my ears. “Our grandfather ruined his victims. He left them heartless, so there’s no way one of them would be in our kitchen, cooking us breakfast. You were right, it isn’t him.”
Since I wholeheartedly agree with him, I take in the way his heart beats faster during his last sentence before using his shirt-covered torso to remove a sneaky droplet of salt careening down my cheek. “I told you,” I murmur more to myself than Caleb.
He must hear me as he gives me an extra squeeze before announcing that he’s going to get washed up before starting his day. “Thanks again, Jack. I truly appreciate the opportunity.”
I wait for them to slap hands then shake them before rejoining Jack by the cooktop. “Thank you for doing that. You have no idea how much he’s struggled not working the past couple of months.”
He slides a sunny-side-up egg onto a beef pattie before replying, “You’re most welcome, although you should probably thank Mar. She suggested it.”
“Marissa suggested that you employ Caleb?”
Jack nods before guiding me to the dining table for breakfast, where I remain muted in shock for a couple of seconds. Marissa seemed more than eager to get to know Caleb when he bolted out of the bathroom in only a towel, but after a handful of comments, she seemed a little wary of him. She wasn’t rude, but she paid more attention to his mannerisms than what he was saying.
After shrugging off my confusion, I try Loco Moco for the second time in my life.
Surprisingly, even with the hour early, I enjoy it as much as I did last night.
I slant my head to hide my smile when Jack guides me around a light post by veering us onto the road instead of pushing us closer to the gate that is seconds away from a menacing dog charging the flimsy material and growling obscenities at us for the next couple of hundred feet.
The fact Jack knows to dodge that dog proves he’s been watching me as intently as believed.
“How many men do you have on me?”
Jack peers up from a stack of newspapers dumped at the front of a shop before cranking his neck my way. We’re walking to work, and although many commuters have stopped to admire Jack’s pricy suit, expensive haircut, and devastatingly handsome face, his ease about this area of Seattle soon loses their attention.
Don’t get me wrong. They perve long enough to spike my hackles, but since I can’t blame them, I only keep my narrowed gaze reserved for the ones who whip out their cameras to photograph him instead of taking mental snapshots. “Hmm?”
“How many men do you have watching me?” I repeat, not buying his attempt to act coy.
After sidestepping some dog poo that’s been bagged but not binned, he sheepishly replies, “Just one.” His shy smile is back, and I love it even more than watching him clean up after cooking for me. “But he is my main man, so he is the equivalent of five.”
I rib him with my elbow, appreciative of the candor in his tone even with it being tainted with a bit of worry. “Do I need a bodyguard?”
He contemplates my question for a second before shaking his head. “Not necessarily. It is more a precaution than a requirement.” Nothing but honesty projects from his eyes when he says, “Fitz won’t step in without just cause, and he reports directly to me, so if you’re worried about your privacy being invaded, your worry is unnecessary.”
“I’m not worried.” I cozy in close to his side when the crowd thickens the nearer we get to the port. “I was just wondering how many eyes I need to check for before we get freaky in public again.”
“Octavia. Christ.”
His crotch grab is cute, but it has nothing on the smile Merrick issues when he spots me. “Tivy.”
“Good morning, Merrick. Lovely day.”
“It is. Very lovely.” When his eyes drift to Jack, I attempt to offer an introduction. I say attempt, as it seems as if my introduction is too late. “Mr. Carson. How lovely to see you again.” Merrick ushers him onto the ferry like he’s royalty. He even pulls out his handkerchief to clear the grub off a seat before gesturing for him to sit. “I never got the chance to thank you. My wife is so happy. First the promotion, then the trip.” He looks set to melt into a puddle when he clasps his hands together and places them over his heart. His eyes have never glistened with so much happiness.
“It was nothing,” Jack assures him before peering around to make sure Merrick’s praise hasn’t gained us too many eyes. “I simply had a word with your supervisor about your exemplary service the past couple of years.” He speaks as if he’s lived in Seattle as long as me.