Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Let me know if you need anything else.” She nods and smiles.
I like her. She has kind eyes.
“Thank you. This looks amazing.” I go to show her out, but she holds up her hand, stopping me and quietly, closes the door behind her.
“Good God.” I groan. What the hell am I doing? I take a deep breath and sit down, pouring myself some coffee as I think.
The goal was to lose my virginity.
Check.
And then some. Again, I groan and almost cover my face, remembering Jett walking in on Brody going down on me last night… the look in his eyes as he rolled up his sleeves. I thought I would die of humiliation, but then he grabbed my ankles, lowered himself, sucked on my clit.
Jesus, Brody was barely out the door, and I was coming. I take a sip of the dark roast coffee and wonder if it’s just coincidence that the coffee is black. Maybe Patty forgot to bring cream and sugar, but she looks pretty efficient, considering all the goodies she brought.
Bagels, croissants, with what looks like homemade jam. Pineapples and mangoes, along with cream cheese and lox.
If I didn’t have Brody hanging over my head, I’d really enjoy this. Who doesn’t love living first class every day? I take another sip of coffee, grab my phone, and push on Brody’s number.
It barely rings once and he picks up. “Raven, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? That was horrifying. I already called and apologized to Mr. Powers.” And I almost choke on my coffee.
“Brody? Tell me you didn’t.” My cheeks heat up again.
“I did. I had to. He caught us… you know.” And I almost roll my eyes.
“Wait, did you actually talk to him?”
“Yes. He thanked me and said you needed a little time to be alone, but that you would call me in a couple days. He was actually pretty cool about it. I mean, I had heard all these stories about him being th—”
“Brody. Just stop.” I have to interrupt him. This is so wrong. “Look.” I close my eyes, then say, “We need to not see each other anymore. I love you, but as a friend.”
“What? Raven, I know last night was—”
“It’s not about last night. I mean, it is, but it’s not.” Cheeks on fire, I take a deep breath and rub my forehead. “I’m not the right girl for you, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you. I hope we can stay friends.”
There. I did it. I reach for my coffee, then decide I’ll probably choke again, so I put it down and pick up a silver fork to play with.
“I… Raven, are you sure?” He sounds sad, but not as sad as I anticipated. Again, I wonder if he’s secretly as relieved as I am.
“Positive. You’re amazing, Brody, you really are.”
“I’ll always be there for you. All you need to do is ask.” He blows out some air. “Wow, okay. Well, my dad is going to be disappointed.” He laughs, but it’s forced. “Honestly, you were always out of my league, Raven.”
“Brody, that’s not true.” Great, I feel like crap.
“It’s true, and you know it. And if I’m honest, I need to work on my head. I’m kind of confused about stuff.” He sighs. “I’m gonna go. Take care, Raven.”
“Okay, bye, Brody.” But he’s already hung up.
Grabbing my coffee, I walk to the edge of the balcony and toss it over, then sit and pour a fresh cup. I pull my legs up and let Jett’s scent lull me into a better frame of mind. Leaning forward, I grab a croissant. A light knock makes me stuff my mouth with half the buttery deliciousness before I go to answer it.
“Yes?” I clear my throat as I swallow and peek out again. The driver, Iain, stands with three black lacquer boxes.
“I’ll be back in a couple of hours for you.” When he hands them to me, I smile at him, but he doesn’t return it. Hmm, maybe he likes my mom, but he’d have to be actually insane. She doesn’t discriminate when it comes to who she’s a bitch to.
It’s pretty much everyone, unless she thinks she needs you. Which is why Maria has always had job security. She needed Maria to raise me, and Maria is smart enough to never let her forget it.
“Thank you,” I say to his back. Whatever, he doesn’t have to like me.
Kicking the door shut, I bring my boxes out onto the balcony and set them on the lounger. I stuff the rest of the croissant into my mouth, wipe my hands, and open the small box first.
It’s lipstick. Red. Yves Saint Laurent. I think I already have it, but it says special edition so… maybe not.
I flip open the next box and gasp. Fucking Jimmy Choo heeled sandals covered in crystals that wrap up the ankle, literally to die for. My fingers caress the hundreds of tiny crystals and I check the size: thirty-six. He had to have looked at my boots. How else would he know?