Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“Don’t give me that look,” Fiona said. “Like I don’t know what I’m talking about because I’m thin. I work hard for it, Evie. We share the same genes, and I gain weight just as quickly as you do, but I get up an hour early so I can squeeze in an additional workout, and I almost never eat carbs even though the taste of bread makes me weep with joy. This isn’t gifted, it’s earned.” She pointed at her body. It was true.
“I know,” I said softly. She put down the salad tongs and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “And my goals shouldn’t be yours. We are twins but we aren’t the same person. You are beautiful, and I wish you could see it and stop comparing yourself to others, especially to me. I always admired your smarts. You had better grades than me no matter how hard I worked, and for a while it really got to me, but then I realized we have different strengths, and that’s okay.”
“Fiona, when did you turn so wise?” I teased, then kissed her cheek.
“I’m so happy you’re here, Evie.” Fiona smiled.
“Me too,” I said softly.
“I’m sorry for leaving you alone to deal with Dad, you know?”
I touched her shoulder. “Let’s not talk about it. That’s the past. I want to focus on the future.”
Relief filled her gorgeous face. “You will love it here, Evie.”
“I’m nervous about tomorrow,” I admitted.
“You will do fine. Xavier is charming and funny if he wants to be.”
The tabloids had made him sound like a misogynistic player, so her words calmed some of my worries.
“Can I help you with anything else?” I asked when I was done slicing the fruit.
She handed me a basket with sliced up bread. “Can you take that to Connor so he can put it on the barbecue for a sec?”
“Bread?” I said with raised eyebrows.
She rolled her eyes.
I moved out into the garden, where Connor was turning steaks with a look as if this was a task that required the utmost concentration. Men and their meat. Dad had always made a big deal out of barbecuing as well.
I went over to Connor. “Fiona sent me to give you this.”
He took the basket with a smile. He was doing that a lot. He seemed easygoing and relaxed. Perfect for someone like Fiona, who was always on edge. Before he could put the first slice on the barbecue, I snatched one up and took a bite. I was starving. The airplane food had been inedible, so I’d only forced down the dry bread rolls with cheddar they’d served with the main meal.
He chuckled. “Xavier will be delighted to have someone at his side who also likes to eat.”
I swallowed and shrugged. Connor with his athlete’s body and Fiona with her model measurements probably wouldn’t even have bought bread if it wasn’t for me.
“What’s he like?” I asked. “Fiona wasn’t very forthcoming with information about him, and the internet didn’t portray a very positive image.”
“He’s a self-centered, arrogant Casanova… and my best friend.”
“Then you should reconsider your life choices,” I said with a laugh.
“Touché.” Connor’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “He isn’t a bad guy. He’s loyal.”
“Not from what I hear. He’s changing girls quicker than others do their underwear.”
“He does.” He pointed the barbecue tongs accusingly in my direction. “I thought Fiona didn’t tell you anything about him.”
“She mentioned that, but nothing else. And it was all over the press as I said.”
“He rucks and fucks. That’s about it,” Connor said with an apologetic smile.
My cheeks heated. “Ruck?” I’d seen the term when I’d read up on rugby, but I had forgotten what it meant.
“It’s when they all cuddle,” Fiona said with a glare at Connor as she sauntered over to us. “Watch your language. My sister isn’t like me. She has sensitive ears.”
I snorted. I was many things but not a delicate flower.
Connor winked at me when Fiona wasn’t looking. Then he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest for a firm kiss. I took the basket with the griddled bread and walked back to the table, not wanting to watch them getting it on. Her words about ass-kneading would haunt me for a while anyway.
I sank down on one of the garden chairs, staring up at Sydney’s cloudless summer sky.
He fucks and rucks.
Oh man, what was I getting myself into? I closed my eyes, jet lag catching up with me. I needed to grab a few hours of sleep.
Soft steps made me open my eyes again.
Fiona took the seat beside me with an understanding expression. “Don’t worry. Xavier won’t make a move on you. You’re not his type.”
I glanced down at my curves and regretted that third piece of bread I’d wolfed down. “Why?”
Fiona delicately put a piece of mango into her mouth—her version of a starter. “Too much work. Xavier prefers his conquests easy and uncomplicated. You are neither.”