Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“I guess it’s showtime.” I stretch on my tiptoes to try to sneak a peek, curious about the woman who’s hooked my brother’s heart. The only other woman who’s had him so enamored is Scarlet, and that was one-sided.
“Don’t be an asshole,” Scarlet warns.
“Funny, Joe said the same thing.” Along with begging me not to embarrass him too much.
“Can’t imagine why.” Scarlet smiles through a sip of wine.
“A patient made it for me.” Sara holds up her dainty wrist to show off the string of pink beads encircling it, her blue eyes twinkling. “She was one of our oncology patients who was released just last week. Clean bill of health.”
“Gosh, I don’t know how you do it, working with all those sick kids.” Mom presses a hand over her heart.
“I’ll admit, it’s not easy. But so many of them walk away healthy and happy, and that makes the tough cases a little easier to handle.”
It’s not enough that old-money Sara, who doesn’t have to work a day in her life, is a nurse. She’s in pediatrics.
My mother was right. She’s fucking delightful. Everything about her, from her honeyed voice to her wide smile to the way she locks gazes with you when you’re speaking—as if you’re the only person in the room—is soothing.
Personality aside, she’s classically beautiful, with dimples and delicate features, framed by silky ash-blond hair that reaches halfway down her back. There’s no heavy-handed makeup routine on this one. She gives off a simple but elegant girl-next-door vibe.
And looking at Joe now? At how he can’t peel his gaze off her, can’t stop grinning like an idiot, like he’s got a secret?
I can’t help but smile. I’ve never seen him this happy. “So, Sara, how did you get roped into a date with my schmuck brother?”
Joe tosses a pea at my forehead in answer.
Mom heaves a sigh and Dad shakes his head.
“All he had to do was ask.” Sara winks at him. “My hospital was hosting our annual charity event, and Joe happened to be there.”
“The agency bought a table. Ten grand a pop.”
Dad whistles. “Hope you at least got a good meal for that.”
“It’s top notch. Sara quarterbacks the event, and she’s got great taste.” He reaches over to squeeze her hand.
She flashes a toothy grin. “Between the dinner tickets and the silent auction, we bring in much needed money to support the pediatrics wing. Anyway, Joe and I were introduced, and … here we are.”
“Hear that, Scarlet? An auction for children. Just like what Shane does.” I waggle my brow.
Sara turns to Scarlet. “Is that your boyfriend? Does he run a charity event too?”
“Not exactly.” Scarlet shoots me a warning look mid sip.
“He headlines it,” I offer.
“Headlines?” Sara frowns.
Scarlet spears me with a side glare. “Shane’s a firefighter, and they have this yearly auction for emergency workers in town. It’s totally appalling and outdated, but it raises money for a children’s charity around Christmastime.”
“Don’t forget to mention the calendar,” I mock whisper.
Sara’s eyes widen. “There’s a firefighter calendar?”
“Oh yes, and Shane’s the centerfold. Here, let me show you—”
Scarlet wrestles my phone out of my hand, her cheeks flushing. “Maybe later, huh?” More quietly, she adds, “Asshole.”
“Sara, did you ever find a condo?” my dad asks, changing the subject. “The last time you were here, you were looking for something closer to the hospital.”
“I did. Thanks for asking, George.” She shifts her focus, seeming delighted that he remembered. “It’s a rowhouse. I close on it next weekend, but I want to have a few things remodeled before we move in. Nothing major. One of the bathrooms is dark—all black tile.” She scrunches her nose. “Floral wallpaper that your son isn’t particularly fond of …”
Joe catches my attention, distracting me from the conversation. He cocks his head in question.
“What?” I mouth.
“Well?” he mouths back, subtly nodding toward Sara.
I roll my eyes, but I know what he’s asking. Joe and I have always been tight, and while he despised the idea of his best friend and little sister hooking up at the start, once he got over the awkwardness of the idea, our bond grew even stronger. I’ve met every single girl he’s ever dated, and I’ve never faltered when sharing my opinion. He always complains I’m too harsh, and yet that never stops him from asking. Deep down, I know he cares what I think.
I can see it now, the way he bites his lip. I’ll bet his leg is bouncing beneath the table.
“She’s way too good for you.”
His shoulders sink with relief. “I know.” He lifts his wineglass and reaches across the table to toast me.
I can’t stop myself from asking as I carve into my meat, “So, what’s Bastard Bill up to tonight?”
Mom chokes on her wine, shooting me a glare.
“He’s in Montego Bay.”
“What is it with cheaters and liars going to Jamaica this year?” I mutter.