Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
I already know the answer to her question. Of course I’ll be attending. What better way to get to know my new team than join them on their weekend retreat? “I’d love to go, and don’t foresee any scheduling issues for next weekend.”
“Excellent. I’ll let Jennifer know, and I’m sure she’ll want to discuss it more in greater detail next week. Welcome to the Premier family, Miss Henderson. Expect an email confirming our offer to arrive in your inbox within the hour.”
“Thank you. I look forward to starting.”
When she signs off, I’m left with an overwhelming feeling of anticipation and gratitude. I feel like I’m truly starting to pave my own journey in my new city. Up next is going to be to secure my own place to live. As much as I like hanging with my brother all the time and as generous as his offer is to let me stay here indefinitely, I’m ready to have my own place again. One where Brock can come and go as he pleases.
One without family ears just a few thin walls away.
The past is the past, and all I see now is the future.
A future with Brock.
Saturday night proves to be anything but typical. As I swipe an extra layer of mascara across my lashes, I can’t help the nerves that bubble in my gut. Sure, I was anxious to tell my brother I was dating his best friend, but now I have to tell my dad I’m dating one of his players. Not just any player either. Brock Williams, legendary playboy. The fact that I’ll be sharing this news with my father, a legendary playboy in his own right, doesn’t go unnoticed. In fact, I think it’s what contributes to my anxiety over tonight’s dinner. Plus, we’ll be in public, which means the likelihood of being photographed and ousted to the rest of the world is pretty great.
Any chance of continuing our quiet existence will most likely be out the window this evening.
A knock sounds on my door moments before I hear it open and close. As I secure the tube of mascara, I catch movement in the doorway of my bathroom. Brock leans against the doorjamb, his eyes taking a lazy perusal of me from head to toe. “Jesus, Sunshine, you’re stunning.”
I glance down at the simple black wrap dress. It’s not the most seductive or revealing dresses, but it makes me feel pretty. Add in the heat I see pooled in his blue eyes and I know I made the right choice for this evening. “Thank you,” I reply, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck by lowering my chin shyly.
He steps forward, resting his hands on my forearms and pressing his lips to my own. “Are you about ready?”
“I am,” I reply with a sigh, checking my appearance one last time in the mirror.
Brock takes my hand and leads me through my bedroom. I get my first glance at how delicious he looks in his black trousers and a red button-down. He’s not wearing a tie and has the top button opened. The sleeves are rolled up a bit, exposing tanned skin and corded forearms.
Talk about arm porn.
We find Caleb sitting in the living room, watching coverage of a college game. “You sure you don’t want me to go too?” he asks the moment we descend the stairs.
“No, thank you. We can handle it,” I reply, glancing at Brock, who gives me a reassuring grin.
“All right, but holler if you need me. I’m gonna head over to Jones’s place in a bit to watch the fight on pay-per-view. If you guys get done early and want to come hang out, you’re welcome.”
I bend down and give my brother a quick kiss on his cheek. “I’m sure we can think of something else to do, Caleb. You know, with having the house to ourselves and all.”
A look of horror crosses his face as he practically jumps up from the chair, one that makes Brock crack up. “Baking cookies. That’s what I’m going to think you’re doing, okay?”
Brock slaps my brother on the back. “Oh, there is definitely a cookie involved in what I have planned, man.”
Caleb punches Brock in the arm before turning his attention back to the television. “I hope you can’t get it up later.”
Brock laughs. “Are you kidding me? Have you seen how hot your sister is? Getting it up is never a problem.”
Caleb groans and closes his eyes, as if in physical pain. “Get out of here before I rethink my entire stance on letting you live here, Williams.”
“Good night, Caleb,” I sing, taking Brock’s offered hand and walking toward the door.
“Night,” he grumbles, muttering something about horrible best friends who sleep with his sister.
The night air is perfect as we head to Brock’s car. He opens the door for me, but before I can slip inside, I’m spun against the side and kissed soundly. “There. Now we can go,” he whispers the moment he lets me come up for air.