Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
As if to change the subject, both Holly and Knox picked up their drinks and took a long sip. “Are you sure you don’t want something stronger?” Holly asked her.
Jade chuckled. “I don’t drink. I get migraines and I’ve found drinking just isn’t worth the pain it’ll cause.”
Holly nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
“Not at all. I get asked about it all the time. I’m good with club soda.”
They paused to peruse their menus, and since Holly had chosen a steak restaurant, Jade ordered filet mignon and maple roasted Brussel sprouts, with bacon on the side. Knox chose a rib-eye, fries, and asparagus, and Holly, the glazed salmon. For the next hour, they talked about everyday things, their jobs, Holly’s ideal wedding plans, and Jade told stories about some of the Bridezillas she’d had to contend with. They laughed, and Jade relaxed, allowing herself to enjoy both Holly’s and Knox’s company.
After dinner had been cleared, Holly placed her napkin on the table. “I hate to eat and run, but I have to go pick up Miles from the airport.”
“You didn’t mention that,” Knox said, raising an eyebrow.
“Are you sure?” Holly leaned down and picked up her purse. “I could swear that I did.”
Knox shook his head. “I’d remember,” he said wryly. “We took a car share service here. How are you picking him up?”
“I’m meeting him at the airport. He left his car there, so stop with the twenty questions. You two stay for dessert. Thanks for dinner,” Holly said, laughing, and kissed his cheek. “Bye, Jade. This was fun! We’ll have to do it again soon. I’ll be checking in about any cancellations, but don’t forget to call me if you hear something!”
She waved and walked to the front of the restaurant in a flurry of activity Jade was coming to associate with Holly.
“That was a setup,” Knox said, an amused smile on his face.
“Definitely a setup.” Jade couldn’t help but laugh. “Your sister is one determined woman.”
“That she is.” Knox slid an arm over the back of his chair and leaned close. “What do you say we stay? We can have coffee and dessert and get to know each other better.”
She shouldn’t. She really shouldn’t. But looking into his eyes, Jade couldn’t think of a good reason to say no.
* * *
Knox should have been annoyed at his sister’s machinations, but he was enjoying his time with Jade too much to worry about Holly’s games. Her move, leaving him alone with Jade, was vintage sibling matchmaking, and Knox intended to make the most of the time Holly had given him. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t find a way for some payback. The next move was his.
“So? Dessert?” he asked, looking into Jade’s gorgeous navy-colored eyes.
“That sounds perfect. Something decadent.” She ran her tongue over her lower lip in an innocent gesture that had him taking notice. “What do you want?” she asked, and he barely withheld a groan.
He cleared his throat. “Lady’s choice. We can share.”
“Sounds good.”
The waiter brought over menus, and after looking through them, Jade ordered a concoction with vanilla ice cream, a strawberry and blueberry compote, and crushed graham crackers mixed in and on top.
Personally, Knox would have rather nibbled on the woman beside him, but when the dessert arrived, her eyes lit up, so he’d have to make do with food.
Since he had her undivided attention, he decided to take the opportunity to get to know her better. He leaned in close. “Why don’t we get the obvious awkward subject out of the way for good? I know Holly already mentioned Theo, but you and I never talked—afterwards.”
“If we must.” Jade wrinkled her nose, but her expression turned to delight as she closed her mouth over the spoon, slowly pulling out the utensil and licking it clean.
Jesus. His cock was rock hard, making him extremely uncomfortable. “Let’s call it clearing the air. I’ll go first. My stepbrother is a douchebag.”
She laughed. “That he is and I’m well rid of him. As it turns out, I’m well rid of men in general.”
“Ouch.”
She grinned at his reaction.
“Why do you say that?” he asked.
She scooped another helping of dessert before meeting his gaze. “I doubt you know this, but I have two broken engagements behind me. Two.” She motioned with the spoon for emphasis. “My track record leaves a lot to be desired. And, as I’ve discovered, so does my taste in men.” She glanced at the sundae-styled glass sitting between them. “However, when it comes to dessert, I know what I’m doing.”
She scooped up more of the ice cream and berries, holding out the full spoon for him to taste. Her gaze held his as he opened his mouth and closed it around the dessert, letting the rich, sweet, cool mixture coat his tongue.