Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Gemma observes everything quietly, which makes my skin crawl. Ignoring her scrutiny, I drive toward the police department. I’m jittery, even without the coffee, wondering just how bad of an idea this is.
The station is jam-packed with cars, but I find a spot up front. It’s marked “Chief,” but it won’t matter since this’ll take a second.
“Wait here,” I instruct, shooting my sister a death glare. “This will go faster without you.”
She sticks her tongue out at me. “What if she’s not there? What then?”
I don’t reward her with an answer as I climb out with Sloane’s coffee in hand. If she’s not here, I’ll toss it in the trash. Actually, that’s preferable since I don’t want to humiliate myself.
“Dempsey?”
As I walk inside, I see a familiar face behind the front desk. Kaden grins at me, as though happy to see me. This, at least, doesn’t make me feel like a total tool visiting one of the places I hate the most. I saunter over to him and offer my fist for him to bump. He returns the gesture before nodding at the coffee.
“For Aunt Sloane?”
My cheeks heat. “Yup. She probably doesn’t want it—”
“Are you kidding?” he hisses. “She’s a witch when she has to drink the coffee in the breakroom.”
The other woman behind the desk sniggers along with Kaden. “You’re a lifesaver today, hon.”
She points to where Sloane sits at her desk, head bowed and brows furled together in concentration. A tendril of blond hair has slipped from her immaculate bun and teases along her jawline. My fingers itch to stroke it back into place for her.
“I heard you were in need of saving,” I say in a forced, easy greeting. “Your savior has arrived.”
Sloane jerks her head up, confusion marring her pretty features when she sees me. Then, her eyes skate over to the coffee. A huge grin curls up her tempting lips and she lets out a girly squeak of delight.
“Oh my God! Dempsey, I love you!”
Several men in suits—probably detectives—glance our way. Meanwhile, I’m trying hard not to pull her words deep into my soul and take them as truth—as everything. Sloane rises from her chair and accepts the coffee from me. Our fingers touch, sending thrills of pleasure rippling through me.
“We were already there and this place was on the way,” I explain, my tongue tangling in knots. “I just thought it would be nice.”
Her eyes close as she inhales the aroma. Then she takes a sip before giving me the most rewarding groan of pleasure. My mind immediately goes to scenarios where my tongue has her making those sounds.
Fuck.
I’m losing control.
“Sit for a second,” she says, pointing at the seat across from the desk. “How is everyone?”
Right. Mom’s bestie. She wants the obligatory family checkup.
“Mom’s cleaning silver, Dad’s working, me and Gemma are all signed up for college.”
Her eyebrows lift in surprise. “You’re going to college?”
Her words strike me, feeling every bit like the loser I am. A flare of anger spikes in my chest. Anger at me, at Dad, at her. Mostly just me, though.
“Yup,” I clip out, irritation in my tone. “Shocker, I know.”
“Oh,” she mutters and then curses under her breath. “I’m so sorry. Sometimes things come out worse than I mean them. I just didn’t realize you liked school. I thought maybe you’d do something with your art, is all.”
Her explanation soothes my embarrassment. Maybe she doesn’t think I’m a total tool bag.
“Students can enter this art expo they’re doing,” I tell her with a genuine smile. “So maybe I can kill two birds with one stone.”
Blue eyes bore into me, studying me closely and more intensely than ever before. I want to squirm under her gaze, but despite feeling awkward, I like being here. I like any part of her on me, even if it’s only her eyes.
“I’m really proud of you,” she says and then sips her coffee. “You always had way more potential than you let on.”
“Gee, thanks,” I deadpan.
“Well,” she teases, “it’s the truth. You know I’ll always be straight with you, kid.”
Kid.
Fuck my life.
Clearing my throat, I start to stand, deciding I’ve had enough emotional torture for one morning. Panic glimmers in her gaze and she holds up a hand to stop me.
“Wait, Dempsey, please.” She sighs heavily and rubs at the tension on one side of her neck. I’d love to put my fingers there instead. “You know I never say the right thing. I appreciate you and I know you’re a good guy. Look how well you’ve done with Kaden. He worships you.” She bites on her bottom lip and then looks at me with slightly hooded eyes. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor.”
Oh great.
She wants me to babysit.
“It’ll cost you,” I grit out, not giving a shit about the money. I’ll find something else to trade for. “My services don’t come for free.”