Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
“I have time.”
I shake my head. “No, actually, you have a game.”
“It’s six o’clock.”
“Good point.” After a few more bites, since I’ll need my energy, I decide it’s time to tell him.
I take a deep breath, looking down at my fingers currently twirling the sheet in my hand.
“I—last night, you were ignoring me—and when I tried to touch you—”
“I didn’t mean to. I was—”
“Stop. You were right. You knew my father was in the bathroom, I understand, but then I started thinking about my father, and how much I don’t know about him and how he’s your family, and I just lost it.”
He nibbles on his lower lip, most likely wondering if what he wants to say will upset me.
“There’s a lot you don’t know—and more that I don’t know. The thing is, I only met my father the day after I met you. The first night,” I clarify.
“I don’t understand.”
“My whole life, I never had a father. And then, one day, my mom shipped me off. She was done. The thing is, it’s always been us. She’s worked her ass off. Single mom. Low-paying job.” I lift my hand to my head. “She’s done everything for me, and I just wasn’t doing what I needed to do, so she got fed up.” And rightfully so. I see that now. I was a mess. “The same day she told me I was leaving, she told me about my father.”
“I can’t imagine that Robert would know about you and not want to be in your life.”
“That’s the thing. I stormed out and then left the next day. I drove to meet him. I was supposed to meet him at the party, but I chickened out. And you know the rest—”
He nods. “And then you came to work for him.”
“Yep. I refused to talk to him. I don’t know why. I still refuse. But that day in the office, I found the paternity test. The date on it. I don’t think he knew about me either.”
“There’s only one way to find out.”
“I know. But I’m not ready.”
“I understand that. I can’t begin to understand what you’re going through, but I do know what it’s like to have no parents.”
“All you have is Molly.”
“Yeah.”
“You must think I’m an asshole for not wanting to talk to him.”
“I don’t, Hellfire. I’d never judge for that. Relationships are unique. It’s not my place to judge.”
We stare at each other for a minute, and then I lean forward, placing a kiss on his lips.
“Thank you.”
52
JOSIE
I smooth my skirt before I step into the room. It's probably not the smartest wardrobe choice, seeing as I’m near the ice, but I wanted to look cute today.
Drive him crazy.
“Hey, Josie.” I turn to see Molly. I really like her. Whenever she’s around me, she’s super nice and always seems to be smiling. Well, that is, if Hudson isn’t around.
She really seems not to like him for some reason.
“Molly.” I smile back. “What’s going on?”
Even though I know she’s nice, I always feel a little awkward when she’s around.
A part of me wonders if she can see through my act and knows I want her brother desperately.
Either way, if she does, she doesn’t act on it, and I continue to play the part of indifference when he’s around.
“What are you doing today?” she asks, and I lift my brow.
Besides trying to “bump” into your brother and seduce him, I have no clue.
“So much. I don’t even know where to start.” I laugh. “I have to come up with a content schedule for the week. Then I’m making graphics and scheduling the posts.”
“I was thinking we should grab lunch, my treat. But you seem busy.” She grimaces.
I hesitate for a second, wondering if I can juggle my day. Everyone gets a lunch break. Just because I don’t always take one doesn’t mean I don’t get one. It could be fun. Plus, I really like Molly.
“Sure, sounds great.” I flatten my skirt with my hand.
“Great. Let’s say noon at the bistro. We can either walk together or meet there.”
“Let’s plan on going together. That is, if I’m done making my cute Canva montages of the players skating for the day.”
Molly laughs. “I can’t imagine Dane is happy about being in these videos. Hudson? Yeah. Dane? Not so much.”
“He really doesn’t have a choice. Plus, he doesn’t even know I’m taking them half the time. I’m stealthy with my camera.” I wink.
“Nice. Okay, well, I should go find that man. I have a list of one million things he needs to do, all of which he will protest. Bet you don’t miss working with him.”
Oh, but I do. Every single minute of the day. “Nope. Have fun with that list,” I respond, biting back the real answer to her question.
Once Molly leaves the room, I head off in search of Laurie.