Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“Thank you, Jesus, she didn’t run.” Cindy’s thankful cry douses my haze, and I break away, winded.
My neck and face burn with mortification to find the entire Powers family standing in the shadows, watching us.
“What the hell are you all doing?” Major growls.
“I came in search of you. Everyone else followed,” she chirps.
“We’re fine,” he grates out.
“We can see that,” Major’s grandmother practically sings.
Jim, Grandpa, Drake, and Sam, however, look lethal.
“We’ll talk about it when we get home.” Major catches on to the angry atmosphere.
“Yes, we fucking will. But for now, I think we could all use a drink,” Jim asserts irritably.
“And cake.” Cindy takes his hand, and it’s easy to see her sending him a message.
“I love cake.” I bounce, trying to help appease the situation.
All the men relax a bit as I take Major’s hand, mimicking Cindy. She shoots me a grateful look.
I don’t make it two steps before Major’s arms wrap around my middle and he lowers his mouth to my ear. “Later tonight, after this is all done, we’re discussing what else you love besides cake.”
Leave it to me and my big mouth to blab something monumental at the most inappropriate time.
“And for the record, when I get to peel you out of this dress tonight, it won’t be for a quickie, as you put it.”
A shiver runs down my spine. Maybe this night wasn’t ruined after all.
My stomach twists and I pick nervously at my nails. No one has said a word since I relayed my brief conversation with Darla earlier. Major slides me into his lap, taking my hand and running his thumb over my knuckles.
Cindy breaks the silence. “Well, technically, I guess they were high school sweethearts. And you took JaKoby’s death hard. But it’s far-fetched to say you were engaged.”
“You think?” Major mutters.
“Seriously, what are they playing at? Don and Paula running into Mom and Dad, Darla at The Edge, all of them asking questions about you. Then showing up, uninvited, and Darla ambushing Jewls with some bullshit story?” Sam’s voice shakes with anger.
I’m uncertain it’s my place, but years of training kick in and I take the chance. “I think Major needs to talk to her.”
All heads whip in my direction and Major’s body goes solid, a low rumbling from his throat. Ace, Talon, and Ford stand straighter, their faces hard as stone. They apparently don’t welcome my idea, either.
“Hear me out. I’ve seen a lot of relationships in all different stages of dissolving. Infidelity, drugs, alcohol, abuse—you name it. But it’s rare to see a reaction as opposite as yours and hers tonight. Since I don’t know the history, this is purely a speculative assessment. Darla didn’t approach you on her own, but she came directly to me, knowing I was your date. She led into this tale, then strolled into that ballroom with the confidence of a woman in charge. There’s a reason she’s sought your family and then you tonight. Plus, she stated openly she still loves you.”
“She’s delusional.”
I twist my hand in his, bringing it deeper into my lap. “Maybe she is, but let’s find out.”
“Not interested.”
“Jewls is exceptional at her job and reading people. Maybe you should consider it.” Harley compliments me and I flash her an appreciative grin.
“I know she’s exceptional, but dredging up any shit with that family isn’t smart. I didn’t hold back when I told her to stay the fuck out of my life.”
“Just think about it.”
“We’ll support whatever you decide.” Jim blows out a breath. “But for now, let’s drop the subject.”
“I agree. Who wants another drink?” Drake offers, heading toward the kitchen.
An unspoken communication passes between the four best friends, and it’s Ford who jerks his chin, relaxing his stance and moving in the same direction as Drake. “I’m in.”
“Me too.” Talon follows.
I wait for Major to lead. It’s his choice. I’m dying to know the story, but this is the last night with his family and there’s a dark cloud hanging over what started as a great weekend.
“Jewls and I are headed to bed.” He stands, setting me on my feet.
“You sure?”
“Babe, I know you think I need to be with family, but we need to talk.”
I nod, saying my goodnights. Harley reaches over to squeeze my hand as I pass. “Good luck.”
When Major shuts his door, I hesitate between the bed and the bathroom. Our whispers of foreplay all night don’t fit the mood. The flames of desire have died. “Major—” I twist and bounce off his chest, wobbling in the thin heels.
He stops me from going down.
“I hate to fucking say this, but my plans for you tonight have to wait.”
My heart sinks a little. “I understand. We need to talk.”
“Give me one grace. Let me peel you out of this dress.”
His hands smooth up my back, and I nod when he reaches the zipper. His mouth touches mine, sucking on my bottom lip before pulling it between his teeth. Slowly, he unzips the dress while kissing me lazily. The cool air coats my back, and with each swipe of his tongue, my mind grows dizzy.