Total pages in book: 173
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
A kick?
Sure it did.
Still, it was kind of him to try and make her feel better.
“Right, I’m going to order pizza. Maggie, what’re your favorite toppings?” Ian asked, walking in.
“Don’t worry about pizza for me.”
All three men went on high alert, watching her strangely.
Um. What was that about?
“I think we’ve already discussed skipping meals,” Jameson said sternly.
“As in, you’re not to do it,” Ian barked. “You’re eating dinner.”
Okay, his sweetness level just dropped to around fifty percent.
“Chill, you guys. I didn’t say I wasn’t going to eat.” Sheesh, if only they were aware of how many meals she’d missed over the last few years. Actually, on second thought, it was better that they didn’t know.
Moving to the fridge, she pulled out the chocolate torte. “This is my sort of dinner. Who wants to join me?”
19
“Istill don’t think that chocolate torte is an acceptable dinner,” Ian grumbled, eyeing the dessert that sat in front of her.
She’d grabbed some spoons and put the entire thing out. Only Jack had picked up a spoon, the other two had opted to make themselves some sandwiches.
Boring.
She didn’t like the way Ian was staring at her torte. “I really think you should eat something healthy first.” He leaned out to grab the dessert.
Getting to her feet, she bent over it protectively, brandishing her spoon as a weapon. “My torte. Mine. You touch it, you die. I’ll scoop out your insides and give them to my cat.”
She made a mental note to buy a cat.
Ian frowned while Jameson gave her a shocked look. Jack just laughed.
“So vicious.” Jack helped her sit back as she felt her cheeks grow red.
“Um, it’s possible I just over-reacted a tad.”
“Ya think?” Ian asked dryly.
Jameson was still staring at her like he’d never seen her before.
Great. Way to make a good impression, Maggie. And on the guy who looks like a romance cover model come to life.
Shit. That’s why he looked familiar. He reminded her of a cover model on one of her favorite romance books.
All right, she knew that they were actual people, but she’d never met one. Until now. She sighed.
“Um, are you all right, Maggie?” Jameson asked.
“Your hair is so pretty.” She straightened. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?” Groaning, she went to slam her head on the table, just stopping before she smashed into the torte.
“If it helps, I like how vicious you are,” Jack whispered.
It didn’t.
Oh, who was she kidding? Yes, it did.
“I wasn’t vicious. I was just . . . defending my territory.”
“You’re both going to be ill,” Ian predicted as they ate some more.
“He’s just jealous because he can’t eat this without having to work out in the gym for four hours. He’s getting old,” Jack whispered.
“I’m the same age as you,” Ian protested.
“And yet . . . I look like this and you look like that. Sad how life ages some people. See, it’s all about your inner temperament. Who you are on the inside.”
Ian just glared at Jack.
“My point exactly,” Jack said.
She ate another spoonful to hide her grin. A low groan of pleasure escaped her. And, once again, all three men were staring at her.
“What? It’s good. Sorry. I’ll try to be quiet.”
“I like the noises you make,” Jack replied with a wink. “Be as loud as you want.”
Both Jameson and Ian scowled at Jack.
Jack took another spoonful of torte and let out a loud groan of pleasure.
Okay. Whoa. Her entire body lit up from the inside out. That was sexy as hell.
Suddenly, Jameson stood. “I have to go.”
She blinked. “Oh, of course. I’ll walk you out.”
“No need,” Jameson replied.
“You won’t,” Ian snapped at the same time. Jeez, his sweetness level was dropping quickly.
“Uh.”
“Thank you for the hospitality,” Jameson said in a weirdly formal voice.
“Um, sure,” she replied, confused.
Hospitality? What did he mean? When she’d burned the potatoes? Or dropped the cake? Or when he’d had to clean up after her?
“Good night.”
He walked out before she could say anything more. Her shoulders sagged.
“Don’t worry about Jameson. He has trouble processing big feelings. And small ones. Tiny ones.” Jack grinned, holding up his little finger.
She had no idea what he was talking about. Ian had just taken a mouthful as Jack spoke and he started choking.
“Oh no! Ian!” Getting up, she started patting his back. “Jack, help me! He’s choking.”
“Oh, he’s fine. If he can make noise, he can breathe.”
“Jack!” She gaped at him in horror. “Don’t worry, Ian, I’ll help. Here, stand.”
She managed to get him standing. Boy, did he weigh a lot. Then she attempted to reach her arms around him to give him the Heimlich maneuver.
Unfortunately, her arms didn’t reach around him even though she gave it a good go, pressing herself against his back.
“I can’t do it! Jack!”
“I’m fine,” Ian said hoarsely. “You can . . . you can let me go, Maggie.”