Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Get a grip.
“Hey, what is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Marcus says, coming to sit across from me on the island.
I try to smile but it comes out like a grimace. “I left Jace in a meeting with his brothers and I’m becoming paranoid about my assignment.”
Marcus and Charlotte look at me with concern. “If it’s too much, talk to Amelia.” Marcus’s forehead is creased with worry.
I shake my head. “I can’t. This is my one big chance to prove that I can do more than gossip articles. I’m just tired from the weekend, I guess.”
“I thought it was a weekend away,” Charlotte says.
It does sound ridiculous to be tired after what was a romantic getaway. Luana Bay was perfect until our blurry picture appeared online. It brought home the hole I’d dug myself into. Just sex indeed. Who was I kidding? You couldn’t not have feelings for Jace. He’s everything a woman would want in a man. Or rather exactly what I want in a man. My brother clears his throat. They are still waiting for a response.
“It was and it was awesome.” I didn’t plan on telling them anything but I find the whole story pouring out of me.
Marcus stares at me wordlessly when I finish.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I tell him. “Like you don’t know me anymore. I didn’t plan on having feelings for him.”
“It’s not that,” he says softly. “It’s just hit me that my little sister is a grown woman. A woman who can make the decision to keep things purely physical with a man. That’s hard to swallow, sis.”
“I shouldn’t have told you,” I say, instantly guilty. I should have known that it would be awkward for Marcus.
“It’s okay and I like that you can talk to me, us, about anything,” he says. “Women think that they can pull that off but not many can. I could have told you for free that you’re too sensitive to do that kind of thing.”
“I agree,” Charlotte says softly.
“I’m not sensitive.”
Who am I lying to? These are the two people who know me the most.
“What am I going to do?” I ask, despair creeping into my voice.
“Break it off with Jace Anderson,” Marcus says.
My eyes widen and I look at him like he’s crazy. I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out.
“It’s the only way, hon,” Charlotte says. “If you guys have feelings for each other, it’s not fair to continue with the affair. It’s not fair to Jace.”
She’s right but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. I don’t need Marcus and Charlotte to spell out to me how hurt Jace will be when he discovers that I’m a journalist and not a personal assistant. But losing him now? My heart constricts, already breaking from the imminent loss.
“You’re right,” I say. “I’ll tell him tomorrow.”
I’m close to crying. I drain my cold coffee and stand. I have a sudden urge to go home.
“Stay for dinner,” Charlotte says.
I shake my head. “I’m too tired. I just want to go home and sleep.”
“Let me pack you some pasta to eat at home,” Charlotte says.
“That will be great, thanks.”
“Come to the party we’re throwing for one of our celebrity clients. They are a rock group and it's bound to be a wild party,” Charlotte says. “It will do you good to let your hair lose. Ask Chris to come with you.”
I smile weakly. “Okay. Sounds like fun.” Chris will love it. He loves those sorts of parties.
Chapter 17: Jace
I run my fingers through my hair, tired of listening to Dylan go over the importance of having a free clinic again. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss equipment and upgrades that we need but as always Dylan found a way of bringing up the free clinic. I must admit that I’d hoped he’d let it go since he hadn’t brought it up in a while. No such luck. “Why don’t we discuss this with Mom and Dad over dinner tonight?” I suggest.
“Good idea,” Alec quickly says and stands up. I’m guessing that he’s tired too and wants to go home to his family. I want to spend time with Olivia before she goes home, even if it’s here at the office. I stand too and Dylan follows suit though he doesn’t look too happy about it.
“Fine,” he says. “It would be nice if you two backed me. You like the concept, don’t you?”
I nod. “Of course. I like giving back too but it can’t affect our paying clients. That’s always been my issue.”
He nods. “I get that.”
I walk them out, expecting to see Olivia at her desk. She’s not there. Disappointment crushes me. My brothers leave and I return to my office to check my phone. She didn’t call or text goodbye. My lungs constrict. Idiot. I can’t believe that I’m so affected by Olivia leaving without seeing goodbye. I’m a fool because dammit it hurts. She knew that I was going to my parents’ house for dinner and we won’t see each other until tomorrow.