Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Still focusing on the dishes, Rhys said, “It’s just the two of you?”
“Yes, my dad passed away two years ago.” A pause as I struggled past the clenching pain that always struck me whenever I mentioned it. “Car accident.”
At this, he stilled then looked at me fully. A strange sort of heat filled me. I’d missed having his full focus. “Fuck, Charli. That’s awful. I’m sorry.”
I swallowed down the lump of emotion that got caught in my throat at his empathic tone. “Mom’s still not entirely over it. Well, I don’t think you ever really get over losing someone so suddenly like that. I know I won’t.” My voice wobbled. I should’ve avoided bringing up what happened to Dad. I could never talk about him without crying.
Rhys side-stepped closer. We were standing side by side, and he gave my arm a bump with his. “Hey,” he murmured low. “I’d give you a hug right now, but I’ve been washing dishes all day in this stifling kitchen, and I’m disgusting.”
The idea of a hug from Rhys was a little overwhelming. That would be like being cocooned in the arms of a strong, cuddly but solid bear. A bear I found very attractive.
I chuckled lightly. “No, I’m the same. I get it. I definitely need a shower when I get home.” The hotel kitchen was large, but it was also full of people, ovens, pots, and hot pans going constantly. Not to mention, it was the middle of summer, and the Irish didn’t appear to have come around to the concept of air conditioning yet. Well, at least not here in the kitchen. I’d bet the rooms upstairs had it. My work uniform was practically glued to me at this point.
We fell into silence for a minute or two, quietly resuming our work. Then Rhys said, “Sorry I’ve been so quiet today. My head’s a bit …” he trailed off before finishing, “I’ve some stuff going on.”
“With the home renovations?” I asked. I wasn’t going to try and get the truth out of him again. Somehow, it felt better going with the lie. It left him with some dignity. And if he ever wanted to tell me the real reason he was staying with my cousins, I was always willing to listen.
Rhys sighed. “Yeah, with the home renovations.”
“You know what’s great for stress?” I asked, and Rhys arched an eyebrow, which caused my cheeks to flare. Okay, so maybe I could’ve asked the question a little differently. I cleared my throat and soldiered on, “A Fallout marathon. I’m guessing my cousins have a PlayStation somewhere in the house?”
Rhys smiled. “Derek has one in his bedroom. And there’s an Xbox in the playroom downstairs.”
My eyes widened. “The playroom?”
His grin held amusement. “I guess it’s weird to still call it that since they definitely aren’t kids anymore, but it’s the room where they had all their toys growing up.”
“Are you telling me my cousins grew up with a room just for toys?” I asked, incredulous.
“Yep, must’ve been nice,” Rhys said, almost wistfully.
“Now, I’m pissed my mom never brought me to visit when I was younger. I would’ve gone crazy for a playroom.”
“Well, I’ll take you up on the Fallout marathon this weekend if you want. I’m not working.”
“Me neither, but what about Aidan’s birthday party?”
Rhys shrugged. “We can do both.”
“So, you don’t agree with Derek that Nuala and I are far too innocent and pure for Aidan’s wild partying ways?”
“Hey, even I’m too innocent and pure for that,” Rhys said, chuckling. “But a party’s a party, and I’m sure Nuala wouldn’t want to miss it. Plus, I doubt she’d go without you.”
“I guess I better start brushing up on my self-defence moves to fight off all those boozed up, horny guys Derek mentioned,” I joked, and something passed over Rhys’ features, something that made my face feel warm.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe. I mean … you and Nuala. I’ll look out for you both.”
I blinked, my heart giving a quick thud at the protectiveness in his words. It created a low sizzle, a handful of butterflies coming to life in my belly.
I nudged Rhys’ arm, just like he’d nudged mine a few minutes ago. I liked the contact, the feel of his skin on mine, even if only briefly. “Thanks. That’s very kind of you.”
Rhys’ smile was soft, a little self-conscious, too. “It’s no trouble.”
We resumed working, the earlier tension and silence dissipated entirely. Those butterflies were still there, though, and I worried the effect Rhys had on me might be a problem because I was barely even looking forward to Aidan’s party. I was mostly excited to hang out with Rhys and play my favourite video game together with him.
It was official. I had a crush, and there didn’t seem to be any immediate cure.