Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53605 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53605 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
So, I need to gird my loins and buckle up my chastity belt because his scent is making my knees wobble.
“So, can we toast?” my dad asks, eyeing everyone before grabbing the champagne bottle from the ice filled bar sink in the expansive island. “James, glasses?”
He nods toward the four flutes on the counter and James holds them out as Dad pops the cork, Sheila lets out an excited squeal and I head for the bathroom.
“Where you going?” James sneers, grabbing my arm as I try to pass. “I don’t like when you walk away.”
“Just need a minute.” I look to see Dad and Sheila holding up their glasses, waiting; so I grit my teeth and hiss an exhale through them as James hands me a glass, then grabs one for himself, tugging me next to him in a side hug that makes my heart leap frog around in my chest.
“Here’s to love,” James says as he raises his glass. “And to family. I always wanted a little sister.”
Dad and Sheila do a little ‘here here’ then everyone puts their glass to their lips and takes a drink.
Except me. I do the pretend drink. Letting the bubbly liquid tickle my tight lips then set it down on the counter with a solid nod and an ‘mmmmm’ sound before wiggling against the man that’s got me clamped against his side and ducking toward the half bath in the hallway.
Splashing water on her face, I try to cool my cheeks that are burning like wildfire. After using the bathroom, I look at myself in the mirror. Even though the hoodie hides my figure, soon, I’ll look as pregnant as I feel. I remind myself of my doc appointment this afternoon that I forgot to cancel so I wouldn’t get charged a no-show fee. I’ll have to call an Uber now.
When I emerge from the bathroom, everyone is seated around the table. My stomach flutters when I see James piling food on a plate for me. “Ah, here you are,” Sheila says when I take my seat next to James. “Time flies and we have to leave but since breakfast was a bust, I threw a little frozen lasagna in the oven. I want to have a family meal together before we leave. Even if it’s just a few bites.”
I smile and nod at her, bringing a bit of the cheesy pasta to my lips.
“So, honey,” Dad says, clearing his throat. “We have to catch our flight but Sheila wants to ask you something…”
“Since I am taking a position with the corporate décor department, I’ll be gone with your dad for six months. I didn’t have time to plan for anyone to watch the house, but since…” She gives me a warm pity-smile then finishes. “Well, since you might need a new place to live, why don’t you stay here? Free, of course. It would help us out and it’s a win win, I think.”
“Wow.” That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Six months here alone, I’ll have time to get myself organized, have the baby, and tell my father.
Not necessarily in that order.
“Uh, yeah,” I stutter, swallow the hot bite in my mouth as James raises his eyebrows, taking another sip from his champagne glass, challenging me with those chocolate chip-colored eyes and panty dropping lips. “Yeah, wow, that would work out great, I think. Dad?”
My father nods, looking happier than he has in years and guilt pangs in my heart at the bomb I’m going to have to drop on him very soon.
“I think our new little family is getting off on the right foot.”
“Here, here.” James raises his glass, emptying it on a hard exhale, then announces. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye on her, Tanner, don’t worry about that. I sold my condo and the deal fell through on my new place, but I figured I was going to be on the road so much these next couple months, no rush to buy.” He shrugs. “I was gonna crash at Rodney’s place, but I like it here, and the company is getting better all the time. I’ve not only gained a sister, but a roommate. You good with that, Mom?”
Sheila claps on an excited squeal. “So perfect! You didn’t tell me you sold your condo. That’s great. Did you get the asking price?”
“Over.” James keeps his eyes on me. “Putting everything in storage except clothes and what I’ll need to crash here when I’m in town. The moving company has everything pretty much packed up.”
“Uhhh.” I groan, darting my eyes from James to the floor, shoving my hands into the pockets of my hoodie and fighting off the desire swirling in my core.
Dad and Shiela hug, kiss and forget we are here. James leans down, brushes his lips on my cheek, then reaches around to the back of my neck with a possessive sort of squeeze.