Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 158829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
I try to suppress a giggle, but it slips out.
“I don’t know why you’re laughing.”
“Sorry.”
“For looking at me like I’m going to bite your head off or laughing when I mentioned it?”
“Second one.”
“Apology accepted. Now tell me why,” he demands.
“Umm—maybe because I’m not sure you won’t? You’re freaking steamed. There’s obviously more to this than I know, and that’s okay. But if you’re not up for it, it’s really okay. We can do this another night.”
“Consider it forgotten. Apollo Finch is not fucking ruining this,” he vows, his voice so low it vibrates through me. “I’m out with a beautiful woman, and that’s all that should matter. Will you let me give you an enjoyable night off, Sunshine? You’ve earned it.”
The question hangs in the air.
I swallow, knowing I’ll probably regret this.
But how many times in your life does a man ever go full caveman for you?
So I answer by sliding my hand into his and smiling as his strong calloused fingers grip mine.
14
Luxury Package (Brock)
The stars are twinkling for us again just like they did in Lanai, even if they can’t shine through Chicago’s cloud of light pollution.
I might give them more than a passing glance as we sit in a private room overlooking the lake—if only the vision in front of me wasn’t claiming all of my attention.
I’m convinced Piper Renee was sent to drive me stark raving mad.
Every movement.
Every laugh.
Every soft green-eyed glance and curve of her throat as she samples a high-end food selection she’s never tasted.
“Oh my,” she whispers, falling back in her chair with a mouthful of scallops. “You weren’t kidding. It tastes like butter.”
“Are you still pissed at me for ordering for you?” I throw back, tucking into my salmon.
“God, no. If the food is this delicious, you can be a huge overbearing pigman anytime.”
Pigman? I turn up my nose and let out a loud oink.
That gets me a startled laugh that sounds like music to my ears.
“Way to make zoo noises in a place this fancy.” Piper rolls her eyes but her smile says everything.
“You invited it. Don’t tempt me to try bird calls next.”
Slowly, she meets my eyes. “For the record, I think you’re right.”
“About?”
Her smile fades. “Not to keep bringing it up, but... Jenn and I think this isn’t a traditional smear campaign with nasty reviews. We thought it might be a competitor, but we had no guesses which one. If this Finch guy has a personal grudge, it makes sense why he’d throw so much energy into slamming you with crappy reviews.”
I sigh. I’ve been doing such a good job of not wasting any mental energy on that prick.
“I know,” I say, stuffing food into my mouth. “But we can talk about his shit at work, Piper. Let’s keep it focused on us.”
She smiles at me. “I like that idea.”
“Why did you quit your travel videos? Don’t tell me it’s just the job,” I say, taking a pull off my cocktail.
“But it kind of is. This job took over my life and there’s no time for anything else.”
I roll my eyes. “This is the first long weekend you’ve worked since you started. Don’t pretend you aren’t sitting on a mountain of content from old trips you can post.”
“Yeah, well, that’s pretty hard during the week. And I have other obligations on the weekend.”
“How old is your sister again?” I ask.
“Seventeen, but it’s my turn now. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
“I’ve been everywhere,” I say bluntly.
“So what was your favorite place?”
I pause, rolling the question over in my head.
“Cairo, maybe. The pyramids are impressive. The Australian Outback has its charm, too. My grandfather used to unwind from work on long hunting trips there. Or maybe I’d visit Lanai again since I’ve made a few fond memories there.” I look at her. “The place is a magnet for beautiful women.”
“Ugh, you’re too good at this. I bet you use that answer on all the girls you meet there.”
“Just you,” I growl back honestly. “Are you raising your little sister?”
“Nope. Maisy was always a good kid and she takes care of herself, mostly. She just comes to me when she wants typical boring big sister advice.”
We finish our main course making small talk about her sister’s habits. She barely mentions her father, which piques my interest even more.
The server comes to our table. “Have you two had time to look over the dessert menu?”
“I’ll have the vanilla bean creme brulee with sugar cookies and a double cortado,” I say.
“What about you, ma’am?” The server looks at Piper.
“Oh, no. I’m stuffed.” She holds up both hands.
“Bring her something good. If she doesn’t eat it, whatever.”
“He’s a keeper!” the waitress says with a smile. “Is there anything else you’d like?”
“Do you have a dessert coffee for my lady?”