Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Our parents didn’t push for more information, but Emily pretty much comes and goes as she pleases. She always has a million things going on, so it’s not out of the ordinary for her not to be around. Plus, there are a hundred people on the grounds of the estate right now getting ready for this party.
I peeked outside to see this giant tent thing that had chandeliers hanging in it. Flowers are lining walkways and wrapping around everything. It looks like a flower garden exploded out there or something.
“Makeup artist really covered up that hickey.” Emily’s whole face flushes red.
We’ve both been all dolled up with makeup, hair, and nails. The only thing left is for us to put on our dresses. Mom is still running around checking on everything. The event planner has it handled, but my mom can be a bit OCD when it comes to certain things. Her new husband is one of them, and it’s rather adorable.
“Does my brother want to murder you or bang you?” Emily tosses back after she gets her bearings. What is it with these Scores and them shocking the hell out of you? “I’m guessing bang since there were a few whispers that he picked you up from the party, and someone spotted him kissing you.”
I let out a groan. “Are you going to say anything?”
“It’s true?” Emily almost comes out of her chair. “I was bluffing. I mean I saw how he wouldn’t stop staring at you at dinner, but I…” she trails off, shaking her head.
“It’s nothing. Really.” Asher’s words still linger in my head.
What have I done?
“Nothing? Right.” She snorts a laugh. I’m not sure what to make of her response.
“It isn’t. I mean the man doesn’t even live here.” I actually don’t know where he lives. He’s been in Japan. It was my understanding he was going back there after his father’s birthday. In fact, now that I recall, he was going to be leaving right after. I rub the center of my chest, a weird burning sensation forming there.
“Just interesting. I’ve never seen my brother show affection toward a woman. Unless you count me.”
“Really?” I can’t help but want to hear more. I’m not sure what is happening between Asher and me. Is this some fling? The man is so bossy and practically blackmailed me. With the way he knows how to use that mouth of his, I’d think there was a line of women in the past.
“He’s got mommy issues.” I scrunch my nose. “Our mom isn’t a very nice person. Asher had to deal with her more than I ever did. He grew up with her. She was in and out for me and then suddenly gone.” Emily shrugs as if it’s no big deal.
“So, he thinks all women are like your mom?”
“Probably doesn’t help that socialites are always trying to get their claws into him. You’ll see.”
“I’ll see?”
“Tonight. Just watch and wait. You’ll see them try to circle him like he’s prey.” Oh, that sounds lovely.
“He’s never dated someone?” Emily turns to face me at my question with a smirk on her lips.
“Are you digging for information?”
“No!” Now it’s me whose face is turning red.
“Has there been more than a few kisses between the two of you?” She leans in, her eyes wide again.
“How come I’ve got to cough up information but you’re not handing any out?” She huffs a breath.
“Fine, but you better not say anything.” Oh, this must be some Score sibling thing because I’ve never seen Emily interested in anyone. The boys at school would fall at her feet and kiss them if she’d let them. I motion with my hand, pretending to zip my lips and throw the key away.
“You don’t know him, but he’s a family friend.” She licks her lips. “I’ve been in love with him forever, but he doesn’t know I exist.”
“That hickey says otherwise,” I point out. Emily reaches up and touches the spot on her neck.
“Lapse of judgment. He can stick it up his ass. He’s been ignoring me for years, and then he thinks he can show up and boss me around. I think not.” She folds her arms across her chest in irritation. “Your turn.”
“He kissed me,” I admit.
“I already knew that part. I mean, I don’t want all the details.” She pretends to gag. “I more want to know if my brother is in deep.”
“He hasn’t been in deep.”
“Ahh! Molly!” Emily bursts into laughter. “I can’t believe you made a sex joke. I didn’t know you had it in you.” I have to admit that it feels nice to have someone to share all of this with.
“I’m not a total prude.”
“I know. Sometimes I steal your books.” I roll my eyes at her.
“We shared a bed, and like I said, he’s kissed me.” I lick my lips. “A lot and maybe all over?” I add. I leave out the part about her brother coming all over me. I’m still not sure what to make of that. I thought maybe it was an accident in the heat of the moment, but I’m not so sure that’s true.