Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
“There’s really not much to do. You can help me bring out the chips and M&M’s bowls, and put them on the tables outside, to start with.” She pointed to the purple and turquoise snack bowls—their color matching the Ariel-themed party.
“Where’s Leah?” Nick asked.
“I left her watching The Little Mermaid. I’m trying to stall putting on her dress until right before the party. She’s been begging to use her playhouse for the last two weeks but I wanted to save it for today. I’m lucky she’s mesmerized by the movie or I wouldn’t have been able to get ready this morning.”
She’d have been lying if she said she hadn’t had Nick in mind when picking out the tight olive green, glossy leggings she wore, with a matching sleeveless tank that flared at the waist with cutouts on one shoulder. The casual outfit was perfect for an outdoor party and if she was cool, she had a matching jacket.
But Nick’s arrival had caught her by surprise, and she was dressed only in the tank top and leggings. He looked so hot, her body had reacted and she felt her nipples harden with need. She turned away and got busy sorting the food, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
He strode up behind her and she felt his warmth at her back. “What are you serving from the food truck out front?” he asked, his breath warm in her ear.
She shivered at his nearness. “Pizza and pasta for the kids. A couple of other choices for the adults. The kids are pretty young, so most of the parents will be staying.”
He brushed her hair off her neck and his lips lingered on her skin. Her body, already prickling with awareness, lit up even more and despite her best efforts, a low moan of pleasure escaped her throat.
“Nick, this isn’t a good idea.” But she couldn’t bring herself to move away. He smelled so good. A musky scent teased her senses and tempted her to turn around and bury her face in his neck, breathing it in deep.
“Relax,” he said in a gruff voice. “I just want to be close to you.”
Dammit. How could that come out so sweet when her entire body was on fire?
“How did your family take the news about me?” he asked. “Am I going to be dealing with barely-veiled brotherly threats all day?” His hands slid onto her hips.
“Probably.” She let out a laugh. “But Dash and Cassidy are home with their newborn.”
“No worries. I came prepared to ease their concerns.” He reached around her and picked an M&M from a bowl.
The act caused him to lean against her and the hard length of his erection settled against her back. She swallowed hard. “How did your family take the news about Leah?” she asked.
“I told Jade, my twin, in person. And the others heard pretty quickly through the family grapevine. Everyone can’t wait to meet her.” He lifted his hand. “Open your mouth.”
She obeyed, which pissed her off, and he popped the small chocolate candy onto her tongue. She moved it around and began to chew. “God, I love these,” she said as the chocolate melted in her mouth.
“I know. I bought you a packet from a small store on the beach, remember?”
A lump settled in her throat. “I do.” It had been after they’d had dinner and before they’d gone back to his hotel. “We took off our shoes and walked along the water’s edge as I ate them.”
He’d held her hand and she’d asked him questions about college. Knowing she’d never be able to experience it for herself, she’d been curious about what life was like without burdens and worries. She’d known, even then, that they had no future.
“Mommy! Can I put my party dress on yet?” Leah came bounding into the kitchen at her usual speed and volume. She stopped at the sight of him. “Mr. Nick!”
“I think the mister has to go,” he said, chuckling into Aurora’s ear.
Aurora grinned at that. She drew a deep breath and turned to her daughter. “I’ll come help you get dressed, and Nick can carry the bowls outside. And Leah, you can just call him Nick. Mr. Nick isn’t necessary.”
She met his gaze and saw the longing in his expression. He wanted to tell Leah who he was to her. Aurora knew it and understood.
Maybe after the party today. She touched his hand. “Soon, okay? I promise.”
He nodded, his expression softening before he turned to their daughter. “Hi, Leah. Are you excited for your big day?”
Her eyes lit up. “I’m so excited!” she shouted.
“Let’s go get you dressed. Nick, the door leads right out to the backyard. Can you put one of each bowl on every table? Thanks!” Taking Leah’s hand, Aurora walked to her room where she’d kept the dress to protect it from grabby hands.