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)
She did her best not to blush at the lie. If last night and this morning were anything to go by, she and Asher went beyond friends. Of course, just because they’d slept together didn’t mean he wanted more, even if it felt like their connection ran deeper than a one-night stand.
“Friends,” Zach said, glancing at Asher, whose gaze was steadily watching her. “If you say so.”
Her face warmed and it wasn’t from the sun. Before she could answer, Maggie walked over and handed out glasses of iced tea.
“Thank you,” Nikki said, gratefully taking the drink.
“Zach? Do you want a drink?”
“No thanks. I have my beer.” He held up a bottle. “I miss you, Maggie. Is my brother treating you right?” Zach asked with what Nikki figured other women would call a panty-dropping grin.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “That cheeky smile won’t work on me, and yes, your brother is a wonderful employer. Now behave,” she chided him. But she walked away laughing.
“I’m her favorite,” Zach informed Nikki smugly.
She couldn’t help the smile tugging at her mouth. This Dare brother was outgoing and fun.
“Now where were we?” Zach turned to face her. “Ahh. I remember what I wanted to say. You said you’re here as a favor to your brother, and I was about to ask how you’re really holding up?” He took a long sip of his beer.
Hers was cold in her hand.
“You know about me.” She swallowed hard, doing her best not to show her embarrassment, assuming Zach had seen the pictures.
“I do. Thanks to Harrison’s career, I tend to read the tabloid shit. You know, to look out for him.”
So Asher wasn’t the only Dare brother with the need to protect those he cared about. Michael and Serenity had raised good men.
“I also realize what happened was not your fault. Tell me what you’re doing to figure out who set you up,” Zach said.
“Are you harassing my girl – I mean are you bothering Nikki?” Asher stepped up to the end of her chair, blocking the sun.
Zach shook his head. “Nah. We’re just getting to know each other.”
The sound of her phone ringing saved her from having to deal with both of them at one time.
She glanced at the screen, seeing Meg’s name flash. Huh. It was about time her friend called to check on her. She’d gotten texts from Winter after their last conversation, the other woman wanting to touch base and make sure Nikki was okay. Unlike Meg, Winter was warm and seemed genuine, making Nikki like her even more.
“Excuse me,” Nikki said to the men, swinging her legs off the chair and walking a few steps away to take the call. She tapped the screen. “Hello?”
“Oh my God, Nikki. Where are you?” Meg asked. “Why haven’t you called me and told me how you decided to handle your mess?”
Nikki rolled her eyes. In the short couple of days she’d been away, she’d seen the distinct difference between a friend – Winter – and a selfish narcissist – Meg. She hadn’t even asked how Nikki was doing.
“Hello, Meg. I’m just taking some time to myself until things blow over.”
“Well, you are missing out by not being here. With you MIA, guess who they gave your spot in the upcoming bridal show?”
Nikki waited for the jealousy to hit over the fact that she couldn’t be there, but all she felt was betrayal at the glee in Meg’s voice. Along with the rush of certainty that the modeling world and the people in it weren’t for her.
“Well, it seems things worked out in your favor,” Nikki said, her voice brittle.
“I agree. And it’s about time, don’t you think?” Meg asked.
Oh, here she goes. The poor-me routine, Nikki thought. “Look, you got what you wanted now that I’m not there to get in your way.”
“Where are you, anyway, and when will you be back?” Meg asked.
Nikki looked out at the luxurious infinity pool, knowing she was lucky to have this hideaway. One she had no intention of sharing. “I’m with a friend.”
“Male or female?”
“Meg, I’m busy right now. I’m not even interested in modeling anymore, so you don’t have to worry about me as your competition.” The words, once out, sounded perfect to her ears.
“And what is it that interests you instead?” Meg asked in a snarky tone.
Nikki glanced over at Harrison, who, along with his parents, had joined Zach and Asher by the lounge chairs. Nikki recalled her conversation with Winter about her interview with the actor and his production partners. “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll look into learning about making movies?”
Meg let out a bark of laughter. “Really? Because you have so much experience.” She paused. “Then again, you had the connections to be successful in modeling. I’m sure whatever you want to do next will be no exception. So when are you coming back?”