Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Thanks, Joshua. This really means a lot to me.”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “Anytime.”
Chapter 40
How I See You
Kelex
“Cat, if True isn’t going, I don’t think you should. He said those kids aren’t cool,” I say into the phone.
I woke feeling recharged this morning. As much as I wanted to kiss Shawna last night, I could see she wasn’t ready. I racked my brain all night trying to think of who could’ve answered my phone that night.
I’ve been through so much since then I couldn’t tell you what was going on at that time. My life is so different now. Now I have three kids, including a teenager and a preteen. A preteen who’s hell-bent on driving me insane this morning.
“Come on, Josh, please,” Cat whines into the phone.
“Cat, I said no.”
“Ugh, you used to be so cool.”
“You used to be little and cute. What happened?” I snap back.
She scoffs into the phone. “No, you didn’t. Next time someone stops us and asks if we’re okay because you have three little Black kids with you, I’m telling them you took us,” she taunts.
I frown. I hate when that shit happens. People are crazy. However, I know she would never.
“I could drop you with a nice family you feel is more suitable now and save you the trouble, brat.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she gasps.
I chuckle. “I wouldn’t because I love you. That’s why you can’t go. I’d lose it if something happened to you. Maybe next time, if the crowd is better.”
“Fine. How long are you going to be away this time? Why didn’t you take us with you?”
“It was short notice. I’ll be a few days, but you text me if you need me. Be good for Rosy. Achilles said he’s going to stop by to hang with you guys.”
“I wish he didn’t move away. I miss just going next door.”
“I think he misses you guys too. Listen, I need to go, sweetheart. Stay out of trouble and no fighting with your brother.”
“Okay, fine.”
She hangs up and I turn my attention to Shawna, who just walked into the kitchen looking drop-dead gorgeous. No makeup, simple jeans and a T-shirt, but you would think she walked in dressed for a ball the way my heart is racing.
“You made me breakfast?” she asks with a smile.
“Yeah, come sit with me.”
“I didn’t think you’d be here this morning.”
“I told you, I’m here for you. I’m taking a few days from work and the nanny has the kids.”
Her brows shoot up into her hairline. Oh, yeah, I haven’t gotten around to how much my life has changed. I guess I should come on out with it.
“Remember True and Cat?” I say as I place the plate of eggs and bacon in front of her.
“Yeah, the little sweethearts who lived up the block from you.”
“Their mother passed away—”
“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry to hear that. Are they okay?”
“They have their good days and their bad. I’m their guardian. They live with me. Them and their little sister. It’s an adjustment, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You are like the most awesome guy on the planet,” she says and beams at me.
“Not sure if I’d go that far.”
“How old are they now?”
“Fourteen, twelve, and six.” I shrug.
“Six? You have a baby and two teens. Are you still traveling and things?”
“Yeah, they come with me most of the time. I have a team of tutors and nannies.”
“Ven never told me any of that.”
I blush a little. “Because she doesn’t know. She’s met them at the foundation, but I didn’t have full custody then. She’s had a lot going on in the last eight months. I didn’t want to worry her with this.”
She looks down at the table. “Oh.”
I want to kick myself. Of course, Skittles had a lot going on. She’s been dealing with a psycho kidnapping her cousin. The same cousin sitting across from me.
“I want to take them to Greece. You should come with us,” I say to change the subject.
“I’d like to meet them. Maybe I could help out sometime.”
“We’ll make that happen. They’ll love you.”
She looks up and smiles at me. I can’t stop staring at her. It’s like I’m looking at Skittles, but there are subtle things that make Shawna unique.
Her lips are a bit fuller and so damn sexy. Her eyes, though sad, are a pretty brown and her hair frames her face in thick dark layers. She’s a bit lighter than Skittles but still has a gorgeous brown complexion.
And that body, she has to be fucking kidding me with questioning how hot she is. She’s tall, thick, and curvy, yet I still tower over her. I noticed that last night as I held her in the foyer.
“What?” she asks as I can’t look away.
“I still can’t get over how beautiful you are,” I murmur.