Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“It’s Monday night,” I rasp.
They all stare at me.
A lump forms in my throat and my eyes sting.
“You guys have kids, jobs, obligations, and yet you’re here.”
“We also have babysitters and flexibility. This is important and exciting,” Ember replies.
“Tell us everything,” Harley urges.
I take a deep breath and unload the last few days’ worth of meetings, facility tours, and product testing. With each word, my voice takes on a dreamy tone.
“… Todd, his team, and I will work together to get the first batches ready. It all went perfectly.”
At the mention of Todd, Ford grumbles loud enough for others to hear.
“Who’s Todd?” Major asks with an arched eyebrow.
“He’s the project lead and my go-to contact. We’ll be working closely.”
“How close?” This time, the question is aimed at Ford.
Dad’s howl of laughter causes me to jump.
“Nothing funny.” Ford shoots him a dirty look.
“Son, you made your point clear today. Don’t think that man has a death wish.”
“What happened?” Jewls chirps.
“Ford acted like a Neanderthal over a man who is clearly not interested.”
“He was interested,” he amends.
“Remember how I said it all went perfectly?”
Heads nod.
“Oh boy, I feel an alpha intervention.” Charlie is a little too excited. “Should have seen this coming.”
“I’d classify it more as a grown-man hissy fit. Everything was perfect until Ford met Todd. He pulled the overprotective brute act.”
“Babe, I’ve never had a hissy fit in my life.” Ford adjusts me in his lap. “Just needed to clear up a few things where Todd is concerned.”
I roll my eyes. “This is why you don’t take your boyfriend on your business engagements.”
“It was entertaining for sure,” Mom pipes in.
Maybe it was a mistake to take the whole family on the facility tour. “Don’t encourage him.”
“What is your role now?” Cruz inquires.
“Once my ingredients are delivered, I’ll be hands-on for the next few weeks.”
“What about the salon?”
“I’ll be making some changes there. It’s impossible to be in two places at once, and the salon will always be my baby. I’ll need someone to take over responsibilities.”
“Shelby?”
I shake my head. “She’s a terrific stylist and asset to the salon, but she’s admittedly uninterested in administrative tasks. Inventory, invoices, marketing—all of it is part of the job.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” Alex asks.
I share a glance with my parents and Ford, feeling their encouragement. “I do, but I haven’t spoken to her yet.”
My gaze goes directly to Shayla. “But she’d be perfect for the job.”
Her eyes bulge and head rolls. “Me?”
“Yes.”
“I have a job. Actually, I’m about to have two when Jewls finishes training me at Tom’s.”
“That will be this week,” Jewls throws in begrudgingly.
“I don’t need a full-time commitment,” I clarify. “And you can set your hours.”
“It’s a perfect match,” Harley gushes.
“Pipe down, Perky Princess.” Shayla quips at her cousin.
“Give it up, Shayla. We all know you hate your position. It’s not you. You’re a social butterfly, and sitting behind a desk is slowly draining you.”
Shayla side-eyes Harley, then focuses on me. “Do I have to deal with customers?”
“Yes.”
“I loathe menial tasks.”
“You’ll spice them up.”
“Does this position come with free manicures?”
“That can be arranged.”
“I guess I can hear you out. Part-time is bearable.” She draws it out as if she’s doing me a favor.
“Come by Thursday and let’s talk.” I fight my smile, knowing her blasé attitude is just a ruse.
“Any other life-altering announcements we need to cover?” Harley wiggles her eyebrows.
My stomach pitches, taking my mood with it, and I shoot her a guise of panic.
“Oh yeah, how’d the house- “
“Nothing else,” I cut off Jewls, trying to telepathically send both her and Harley a message.
Shut your mouths, my brain screams.
Harley purses her lips, but no such luck with Jewls.
“You didn’t like any of them?”
“Nope, now who wants cake?” I try to scoot away from Ford, who isn’t having it.
“Like what, Rowan?” He anchors my hips in place.
“Nothing.”
I don’t dare make eye contact, knowing he’ll see right through me. My cheeks flame, feeling the attention on us.
“Baby, you hiding something?”
“Nope.” The squeak in my voice is a dead giveaway.
“This should be good,” Nate remarks. “Always love to see them squirm.”
The room is quiet… too quiet… everyone waiting for me to crack.
Which doesn’t take long.
“Fine, I don’t know if I liked them because they weren’t available for viewing. The realtor canceled.”
At the term realtor, there’s a low whistle from Talon. My mom tips her head and squints her eyes in puzzlement. “Realtor?”
“Yes, I wanted to take you and Dad with me to view three townhomes that recently became available. But the realtor canceled.”
“Did they already sell?”
“She didn’t say, and my texts have gone unanswered.”
The silence resumes until Ember lets out a trill squeak and slaps her hand over her mouth. Robbie gathers her in his arms, but his gaze is pointed at Ford, his bright blue eyes lit with entertainment and something else.