Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Until she’d moved into her own place in New York City and escaped from her overbearing parents. Once alone, she’d come into herself. When not working, Nikki wore minimal makeup. Which was why she shouldn’t change things up now, she decided. Asher promised his family wouldn’t judge her and she had to believe him.
She dried her hair until it was damp and put it up in the messy bun she preferred in the island heat. Her face was tan from her days outside, and she swiped on waterproof mascara and shimmery peach lip gloss. She wore a floral summer dress and sandals. Collette would curl her lip at Nikki’s casual, fun look, which only cemented the fact that she’d chosen correctly.
The moment she stopped considering what to wear, thoughts of her night with Asher came floating into her mind. He was everything she wanted for her future. A good, solid, trustworthy, man who accepted her for who she was, inside and out. It was ironic that once again, the love she wanted in her life, she couldn’t have. He’d made that very clear. She had their time on the island. Nothing more.
Her stomach hurt at the truth but she was used to falling short. She’d never been enough for someone to love. Her parents, especially her mother, never had.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts. There would be other days in the future to daydream about her time in Asher’s bed. How they’d trusted each other with stories of the past and shared their pain. Right now it was time meet his family and hopefully learn even more about the man she was falling for but couldn’t keep.
Chapter Eight
Within minutes of meeting the Dares, Nikki adored Asher’s parents and brothers. Their warmth and giving nature were obvious, making Nikki immediately wish she had a family that was as welcoming on sight. Or at all.
After the introductions, which consisted of, “This is Derek’s sister, Nikki”. Asher gave no explanation why she was here and nobody asked.
Serenity had stepped forward and pulled Nikki into an it’s-so-good-to-meet-you hug, which Nikki returned, all the while making comparisons in her own life. Like when was the last time her mother had been affectionate toward her? The fact that she couldn’t remember gave her the answer, and a painful knot had formed in her stomach.
After eating sandwiches Maggie had made, everyone dispersed to their rooms to unpack, changed into bathing suits, and met up at the pool. Nikki was already on a lounge chair with Lucky by her side. Maggie had put a doggie bowl of water by the house doors, and her smart boy had immediately learned to go there for a drink.
“Hey there, pretty girl.” Asher’s brother, Zach, sat down on the chair beside her. “How are you?”
Unlike Asher, who always had a more buttoned-up appearance, Zach had a bad-boy look to him, mostly thanks to the scruff on his jaw she sensed was more an everyday thing than him being lazy during vacation. His hair was on the longer side, appearing as if he ran his hands through it often, and though she had no idea, she would bet women loved the look.
She preferred Asher, her suit-wearing grump. Who she was learning wasn’t such a grump the more she got to know him.
She lifted her sunglasses and perched them on her head to meet Zach’s gaze. “I’m good. How was your flight?”
“No complaints since I slept through it.” He stretched out his legs on the chair beside her.
She laughed. “I’m betting your family thought you were great company.”
He grinned. “They had each other to talk to. I had a late night but I feel better now.”
“Asher told me you own a bar? I imagine that would lead to long working hours.”
He nodded, folding his hands behind his head. “And you would be right.”
Lucky nudged his nose against Zach’s leg, and he stretched out a hand to pet the pup’s head. “He’s yours?”
Nikki nodded. “I found him on the beach when we went jet skiing. He was a stray and I couldn’t leave him behind.” She watched as Zach continued to rub Lucky’s head, the dog nuzzling his nose into Zach’s thigh.
“I have to ask. How did you get Mr. Everything’s Perfect to let you bring a dog home?” He tipped his head toward where Asher stood talking with his parents.
Harrison was at the far side of the pool, taking a phone call.
At Zach’s description of his brother, Nikki laughed. “Truth? I smiled, begged, and opened the car door for the dog to jump in.”
Zach stared in silence.
“What’s wrong?”
“You’ve worked magic, that’s all. Asher’s pretty rigid in his life. You’re good for him. I like it.” Zach nodded in approval.
Nikki wondered how to interpret his words. “Asher is doing my brother a favor by letting me stay here and… we’ve become friends.”