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)
“I had to go meet a friend who needed a favor,” Asher said as Derek’s black Porsche SUV pulled in. “I’m headed to the island for a while.”
Nicolette stepped out of the SUV, and Asher expelled a sharp breath at the sight of the long legs in high heels that hit his vision first, followed by a black miniskirt and a royal-blue tight, cropped top that accentuated her full breasts. His gaze traveled to her face, and despite her eyes being covered by large sunglasses, he knew she was beautiful.
Last time he’d seen her had been four years ago. He’d scrolled past the nude photos online today out of respect for his friend. But Nicolette’s delicate features, olive skin, and gorgeous, long, silky dark hair took his breath away.
“Ash? You do remember we’re coming in for the parents’ anniversary this weekend, right?” Harrison asked.
Asher had forgotten his brother was on the phone. “Yeah,” he muttered, not hearing a thing his sibling had said. “Gotta go. I’ll call you later.” He disconnected and slid his phone into his pants pocket.
Derek had lifted a Louis Vuitton suitcase from the back of the SUV and pulled it along with him as he and his sister approached. She stopped a few steps behind him.
“I can’t thank you enough,” Derek said, coming to a stop in front of him.
“It’s fine,” Asher assured him.
“Nikki, come meet Asher.”
The beautiful brunette stepped beside her brother. “Nikki.” Derek placed a hand on her back. “Do you remember my friend Asher?”
“It’s been a while,” she murmured, a blush staining her cheeks. Obviously she recalled their last time, too. “Thank you for helping me out.”
“You’re welcome.” He inclined his head, studying her from head to toe.
Did she always travel in fuck-me pumps? And why had he thought of that description? Now all he could imagine were those long legs wrapped around his hips as he did just that. To his friend’s younger sister.
He would have to keep reminding himself how inappropriate sleeping with her would be. Assuming she would even be interested. He had first-hand knowledge of how awkward a large age gap could be. His father, Michael, had been thirty-four when he’d married Savannah, his stepmother. Between a seven-year age difference and the fact that she’d been the family nanny for nine years, the outside world assumed they’d been sleeping together all along.
At twelve years old, Asher had been too young to understand all the innuendo involved, but he sure as hell knew what teasing and bullying felt like. Even if the other kids were merely repeating things their parents had said, they’d meant to make fun of him and his family. To make him feel small and shitty. And they had. Michael and Serenity had been a scandal in their community, and Asher grew up wanting to avoid repeating the past.
If Asher and Nikki’s twelve-year age-gap similarity didn’t work to dull her sex appeal, he’d rely on his own morals and character. He wasn’t willing to break Derek’s trust, no matter how gorgeous and fuckable Nikki might be.
Knowing he couldn’t adjust his cock, discreetly or otherwise, he turned toward the plane. “You ready?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder to where she stood with her brother.
“Yes. I just need to say goodbye.” She hugged Derek and they spoke in hushed tones.
Then her brother kissed her cheek and stepped back. “I’ll talk to you every day, and I’ll keep you up-to-date about what’s going on. Stay off social media.”
She cringed and nodded.
Matt, Asher’s pilot ever since he’d purchased the jet, walked down the stairs and took the suitcase from beside Derek, returning to the plane to put it in the cargo hold. Jeremy, the co-pilot, was already on board.
Matt returned to where they stood. “Can I help you up the stairs?” he asked Nikki.
She smiled at him and nodded. “That’s so kind of you.”
Not liking how Matt looked at her, Asher sidled closer. “I’ve got her. We’ll meet you on the plane,” he said in an annoyed tone and immediately wondered what had gotten into him.
“Yes, Mr. Dare.” Matt slid his hat between his body and arm and walked away.
Derek grinned. “I knew I could trust you to take care of my baby sister.”
“I’m not a baby,” she reminded him.
Asher didn’t want to think of her as a woman. He’d have to find a way not to consider her any kind of sexual being. As hard as that would be given those full breasts and the sway of her hips as she’d confidently strode over to him.
Her sexy walk hadn’t been intentional. He’d seen too many women using their wiles on a man, and Derek’s sister, to his surprise, seemed unaware of her appeal. Modeling had obviously given her the tools to strut a runway, but her earlier blush had given away more of her true self. And wasn’t that a refreshing surprise?