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)
I smile as I lift my camera and take a few photos of him. He has on a skully cap, so his dark roots are the only thing I can see. His peacoat accents his height and frames his face as his collar comes to his chin.
I gasp when he turns his gaze to me. The look in his eyes is so intense. There’s a danger there I don’t think I’ve ever picked up on before.
Through my lens, I can see his eyes are completely gray. I lower my camera, feeling like I’m intruding on his thoughts. Now I can’t help wondering who was on his call. Whoever it was brought on a change in him.
“Sorry,” I murmur.
“Would you like one with a smile?”
“Um, no, it’s okay.”
“Shawn.”
A shiver runs through me. He’s gotten into the habit of calling me the nickname. It always drops from his lips like warm honey.
I lift my head. “Yes.”
“Take as many pictures of me as you like. Where do you want me?”
My thoughts go to something dirty, but my phone rings, pulling my attention. The spell and moment are broken as I see it’s Ven.
Guilt settles in my stomach. I don’t know how to tell her I’m dating her best friend. A part of me can’t help fearing she won’t be okay with it.
I’m not ready to give him up. I’ve been falling more and more in love with him. If Ven told me she didn’t like this, I’d be heartbroken, but I’d walk away. My cousin is only ever out to protect me, so her words and advice mean everything.
I take a deep breath and pick up the call. “Hey, Ven. What’s up?”
“Ugh, someone I can talk to,” she breathes. “Why is it so hard to plan a wedding? I’ll tell you why.
“My father is making this super difficult and my fiancé shrugs and tells me to do whatever I want. Men,” she huffs.
I giggle into the phone. “It will work out.”
“We should just elope in Vegas.”
“Your father would kill you,” I snort.
“Will you be back to go dress shopping with me? You got the dates, right?”
“I’ll be there.”
She goes silent for a moment. “Shawnnie, how are you? Is there anything I can do?”
“I’m fine, Ven. Thank you for asking.”
“I love you. I only want to see you happy.”
Tears fill my eyes. I close them as Josh walks up behind me and wraps his strong arms around me, kissing the top of my head. Guilt punches me in the chest, but I get the feeling he’s not ready to tell her either.
“Ah, crap. My father drove me so crazy I forgot my cake appointment. Listen, I have to jet. Love you, babes. Call me if you need to talk. Later,” she sings and hangs up.
I turn in Josh’s arms. He kisses my nose. As if reading my mind, he speaks to my thoughts.
“We’ll tell her. When the time is right. She has a lot going on.”
“Yeah, I know.”
He lifts my chin with his fingertips. “Come on, it’s getting cold out here. I need to check on the kids and wait for my grandfather’s call. Let’s head back.”
I lift on my toes and kiss him. He palms my ass and holds me to him. I break the kiss and lower back on my feet.
“I love you,” I whisper.
His face lights up and he leans in to rub his nose to mine. “I was thinking the same thing. I love you too.”
Kelex
I can’t help watching Shawna in her sleep. How can you fall in love with someone while all they’re doing is breathing? I brush a lock of hair from her forehead, knowing I’m completely gone for this woman.
The scar on her forehead comes into view, making me think of Ven. It’s crazy that they have almost identical scars. Shawna’s has healed more and looks faded, whereas Skittles’s scar looks like Luke patched her up.
I wish I had been there to advise against that option. I’ve only noticed Shawna’s scar when she sleeps or when we’re having sex. Neither is an ideal time to ask where it came from.
“You’re still perfect,” I murmur as I brush my thumb across the scar. “I love you so much it hurts.”
It’s her heart. She spent an hour on the phone with the girls tonight because they wanted to hang out with her and hadn’t seen her in a few weeks. I love that they love her.
I frown in thought. My heart begins to race. I have this deep fear that I could lose them all.
My phone lights up the dimly lit room. I turn and grab it to go into the other room. I’ve been waiting for this call.
“Hello, Pappoús,” I croon into the phone.
“Tzósoua mou, you sound happy. Does this mean you’ve found someone?”
“I have.”
“Good. When will you bring her to Crete?”