Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 154890 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154890 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
“You’re talking about that night, aren’t you?”
“And the girl who looked like me. Do you have a type?”
“Yes. Girls who do as they’re told.”
“You lie,” I say with a chuckle, actually feeling a blush move across my skin. My gaze falls to the table again. If we’re just having sex, what’s with the banquet? I paint on a bright smile again, unable to ignore the thoughts beginning to swim through my head. This is what Whit does. He takes care of those he cares for. No matter what he says, this isn’t going to be just sex. He’s going to see me as one of those he needs to take care of.
I won’t let that happen—I refuse to become one of his responsibilities.
“You’ve gone quiet.” My head jerks up at his words. “And not the good kind of quiet. You’re not worried, are you?”
Yes. Very worried. Thanks, fluttering heart, for pointing out what a bad bet I am. He can’t be responsible for me. I won’t let him. “What would I be worried about?”
“We had sex without protection, and now you’re thinking of the women I’ve slept with.”
I shake my head. “I know you wouldn’t put me at risk.” That realization should’ve been my first warning sign. “Do all of your siblings come to you for advice?” I rush on, desperate to change the subject.
“Mainly the younger ones.” His fingers twitch on the napkin. “When Dad died, that side of things just sort of fell to me.”
Along with a million others, I’d guess. “Death leaves such a hole.”
We both fall quiet to our respective thoughts, our own missing loved ones before he seems to shrug off the memories. “I’m nearly through it now. Lavender is out of her teens as of this month, so maybe she’ll grow up a bit. Or pigs might fly. Anyway, she’ll be finished with university soon and out in the big, wide world. In theory,” he adds under his breath. “Which just leaves the baby of the family, Primrose. And then I’m all done.”
He sounds more like a dad and less like a daddy.
“Do you want some water?” Heat spreads across my cheeks as I reach for the fancy ice cap filtered water, which is sitting in a pool of its own condensation. But it’s not my table, so I shouldn’t complain. I guess someone doesn’t like their water room temperature, judging by the ice dancing in my water glass as I fill it up.
“Juice, please.” I pass over the OJ as he murmurs his thanks, taking the fancy glass carafe from my hands. I think for a moment he doesn’t want me to pour when he leans back, setting the bottle to the credenza. I watch as he tops up his champagne and places that out of reach, too.
Okay, a little weird.
“Is Dan the baby?”
“No. He’s next to Heather. Older than Lavender and Primrose. He’s had a bit of a rough time.”
“Don’t they ever go to your mom when they need advice?”
“When it suits them,” he says a little darkly.
“Death really does change the family dynamic. It must be hard on you.” The weight of the family balanced on your shoulders, siblings squawking like baby birds.
“I think the harder thing has been the change in our lifestyles.”
“How do you mean?”
“VirTu,” he answers simply. He runs his finger down his glass, pressing a line through the condensation. “Money changes everything, attitudes first and foremost.”
“But it’s your money.”
“And I’ve spoiled them with it,” he adds with an unhappy laugh. “Brin, El, and Heather are okay. They’d already made their own way in the world before I… well, before I had all this.” He makes a gesture with his hand to indicate the space, a testament to his success. His money, yeah, but by the sound of things, he thinks the way his younger siblings behave is down to him. His responsibility.
“You worry about them.”
“It’s hard not to,” he admits softly, “especially when you know Dan is off trying to find himself after a stint in rehab.”
“Oh, Whit. I’m sorry.” I don’t say anymore as his body language refutes my sympathy.
“The girls.” He sighs. “What happened the other night with Lavender is the least of it. Primrose is all right so far, just a bit overindulged.”
“But they’re not kids.” Reaching out, I press my hand over his. “They’re old enough to make their own decisions.”
“It would be easier if they didn’t.” Though he smiles, I know he means it. I guess I can see why control is his thing.
“I don’t want to overstep, but your mom is so lovely. Can’t she step in?”
“That’s probably my fault, too.” As he leans back in his chair, his hand slides out from under mine. “She was a mess when Dad died. You know what it’s like,” he says as his gaze slides to mine.