Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Both my brows fly up. “Since when?”
“Since this morning at the donut shop,” she reveals, her hazel eyes twinkling. “A lovely gal named Patricia set me up with her son.”
I wait for her to continue. When she doesn’t, I scowl. “Wait. That’s it? What does he look like? What does he do? How do you know he’s not a stalker or a serial killer?”
“Oh my God,” she groans. “There are literally two policemen in this town. No crime, dummy. I’m sure whoever he is will be a normal, good-looking guy. I’m out of options.”
“You’re twenty-five, Michelle,” I grumble, using her full first name in my most fatherly tone. “Don’t settle for some local loser.”
Her lips press together as disappointment hardens her features. “Again, with the better than everyone attitude. You have to live a little. That’s what this move was all about. Throw caution to the wind. For all I know, I’m going to dinner with a hot fireman who will want to marry me, give me babies, and ride off into the sunset with me.”
The thought of anyone putting babies in my sister makes me want to throw up.
“I just think I should meet him first. Big brother duty and all.”
“I’m a big girl who can handle herself. Save all your daddying for Callan. He’s in rare form lately.”
We both sober up as we think about our little brother. He was always a moody kid, especially when Mom died ten years ago. It only got worse when we lost Dad and I became his legal guardian. Callan moved to Brigs Ferry Bay a few weeks ago with me. His first day at a new school for his senior year started on Monday. He’s been a bear this whole week, which means he’s hating every second of it.
But she’s right.
If anyone can handle herself, it’s Michelle Kincaid. Sweet and adorable most days but can be a raging bitch when the mood calls for it.
“All right,” I say as I grab my wallet and keys to the Rover. “Call me if dinner goes sour. I’ll rescue you.”
She waves goodbye to me and I exit my office, inhaling the scent of sawdust and paint. We really lucked out on this property. Seaside cliff. Within walking distance to the Boardwalk and a short drive to Main Street. Expansive property line and excellent views. Strong bones of the frame of the massive home but just needed to be stripped to the studs and rebuilt. A property like this should have cost us several million, but I got it for a steal at less than eight-hundred grand.
I push out the front door of the B&B and shudder against the cold. My black Range Rover shakes against the harsh wind like it might blow away at any second. Hitting the fob, I start the engine, but I know it’ll never warm by the time I reach the Chamber, which isn’t but a couple miles away or so. Once inside the safety of the vehicle, I shiver and then mash at the buttons, hoping to crank the heat up immediately. I yank on my leather gloves, pull on my seat belt, and then head out.
Traffic is light and soon I’m turning off Red Hake Mountain Road onto First Street. I’m pleased to see the “Future Home of Wolffish Luxury Condos” sign in front of the old textile building. If our B&B does well, I have plans to move into one of the condos to free up space. It was a coincidence that Rhett Laredo and I, both New Yorkers, moved into the same area around the same time. Though Rhett’s a little older than me, we immediately got along well. It’s tough being the newbies in town, but he’s a cool guy and we have similar vested interests.
I get caught at the stoplight at First and Main, so I peek at Blur & Focus on the corner, trying to catch a glimpse of the cutie who owns it. It’s one of the busiest establishments in Brigs Ferry Bay and I love that it’s accommodating to the gay community. My biggest reservation about moving here was that the townspeople might have shit to say about a gay businessman building a B&B in their town. But Kian’s club and bar is a testament to the fact they’re more than accepting of gays than I realized. His business seems to be the heart of the town, pulsing blood to the dead parts around here. Hopefully, with time and new growth like Addison and Adeline’s shop and Rhett’s condos, this place will be at its full potential.
The light finally turns green and I hang a right, heading north on Main. Since Main Street is the most popular street in Brigs Ferry Bay, the traffic is heavier. A few cars, but a lot of foot traffic as people walk along the sidewalks and cross the street. I smirk when I pass the police station. The sign out front is ridiculous.