Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
I didn’t want to get excited about it. I didn’t want the butterflies he gave me or the sweaty palms and the racing heartbeat. I didn’t want any of it, but the second I saw him walk past the window up to the door, I was hit with all of it. Without knocking, he stepped inside, and I tried to busy myself with the flowers, ignoring the easy smile that marked his handsome face.
“Weston!” Kay gasped at the sight of her son. “I didn’t know you were coming by.”
“It’s your birthday.” Wes walked over and gave her a big hug. “I had to come by and see ya. Besides, I was in the area.”
“Well, it’s very sweet of you.”
“It looks like quite the shindig over here.”
His eyes found mine, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world stopped. I quickly looked away, hoping he wouldn’t notice the blush creeping up my cheeks, and I busied myself even more with the flowers. I pretended not to notice as they exchanged pleasantries, but every word he spoke, every smile he gave, only made me more envious of Kay.
She not only had my father, but she had Wes—the man who haunted my dreams since the night we met in that stupid hotel. When I couldn’t stand it a moment longer, I turned and started for the kitchen. I was almost in the clear when Weston called out to me, “Hey, Toni. Didn’t realize you were going to be here today.”
“I’m not staying. I just came by to give your mom a hand.”
“I see.” His eyes skirted over me. “You been doing okay?”
“Yeah, I’ve been busy, but good. How ‘bout yourself?”
“Can’t complain.” His face was void of expression as he announced, “Mom mentioned that you’ve got yourself a new fella.”
“Of course she did.” I glanced over at Kay, expecting to give her a reprimanding glare, but she was too busy chatting with the caterer to pay me any mind. “It doesn’t really matter. I don’t think anything will come of it. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”
“Nah.”
“Oh, that’s surprising.” I crossed my arms. “I figured you would have your pick of women.”
“Never said I didn’t.” He cocked his brow. “Just don’t see any point in wasting my time going after something I don’t want.”
“I see.”
His eyes were still locked on mine when his mother stepped between us and announced, “I have a great idea!”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“It’s a beautiful, sunshiny day. Why don’t you both go put on your swimsuits and spend a little time out by the pool? It’ll be great. I can bring some food and drinks out, and you two can have a little time to catch up while I tend to the party.”
“I don’t know, Mom. I need to be gettin’ back.”
“Don’t be silly. You just got here,” she argued. “Besides, it’s my birthday, and I want a chance to spend a little time with my son.”
“I don’t have a suit.”
“There’s one in the guest room. Second drawer on the left.” Kay turned her attention to me as she said, “You have a couple of your old suits in your room, don’t you, dear?”
“I believe so.”
“Great. Then, it’s settled.” She basically shooed us away as she said, “I’ll send some refreshments out in a bit.”
Weston looked over to me and shook his head in defeat. Hoping to make light of the situation, I smiled and said, “At least it’s pretty out, and the pool is heated.”
He gave me a nod, then started down the hall to the guest room. I took that as my cue to go get changed. I went to my room and started sorting through my various old swimsuits. Most of them were bikinis that were at least one size too small and not appropriate to wear, especially with guests around. I didn’t really care for it, but I decided that the one-piece was my best option.
I quickly changed, then grabbed a couple of towels from the linen closet. I made my way outside, and my stomach did a nosedive when I saw that Weston was already there and sprawled out on a lounge chair. There were a couple of drinks and a plate of cheese and crackers sitting on the table. But I had no interest in the food or drinks.
My mind was totally on Weston.
He was watching me. I could feel the heat of his stare as I walked over and sat down on the lounger next to him. I tossed one of the towels at his feet as I told him, “Thought you might want one.”
“Yeah, thanks,” he replied, flashing me a warm smile as he kicked it to the side. “Not exactly how I planned to spend the day.”
“Yeah, I’d just planned to stop by for a few minutes.”
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to make the best of it.” He cocked his brow. “Why don’t you tell me about this new boyfriend of yours.”