Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Having your parent and grandparent get along is definitely a perk; however, having them finally heal something that’s been broken between them is even better.
At least in my falls asleep to Hallmark Christmas movies opinion.
After he’s finished, Ig slips his keys in his pocket and returns the short distance to me. “You take pictures?”
“Of course.”
“Show them to me after lunch?”
“Or perhaps during?” I adjust the crooked forty-two pendant that’s around my neck. “Unless this surprise of yours prevents that from being possible?”
“Alexeyev,” calls out a raspy yet feminine voice, shifting our attention to the right. “Over here.”
There’s no stopping the immediate response that’s conjured by the gorgeous, Latina woman sporting a black mini dress and leather boots. “Your surprise better not be introducing me to the newest girlfriend to join the club because that sir could’ve waited until I had a decent helping of the Who-Hash they serve in the eatery.”
Surprise and amusement clash against one another in the gaze I’m shot. “There’s an eatery?”
“Yeah, and it’s a Dr. Seuss themed eatery, meaning it’s going to be a great immersion therapy session for Bella.” Narrowing my stare is done to avoid focusing on the female who is now ruffling her dark hair. “And if you’re making me miss a possible milestone moment with her to play Tour Guide Barbie outside the barn, you will be not be invited into my dream house post game, if you’re catching the biscuit I’m dropping down.”
“So…many…metaphors…” Ig quietly mutters, struggling not to chuckle. Unfortunately for me, there’s no time for a secondary rebuttal before introductions are made. “Nedi Fernandez meet Joey. Joey meet Nedi Fernandez.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you in person,” the other woman says at the same time she extends her hand for the shaking, “and not just in paperwork.”
“Paperwork?” There’s no hiding the perplexity the statement sparks. “What paperwork?”
“Joeski,” my boyfriend states in what can only be described as a cautious tone, “Fernandez is a PI.”
Horror doesn’t hesitate to bitch slap me in the face. “Were you investigating me?! Why?!”
“I-”
“Do you not trust my background check? Do you think I faked it?!”
“I-”
“Do you think I’m a danger to your child or am putting her in danger because my medical condition?!”
“I-”
“Do you think just because we’re fucking now that I’m not fit to be in Bella’s life, anymore?! That I can’t have sex with you and still be good at my job?!”
“What?!” Bemusement instantly bulldozes itself into his gaze. “Net! Konechno, net! YA by nikogda tak ne podumal!”
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re saying, but it doesn’t sound happy,” Nedi sassily points out, hands finding their way to her leather jacket pockets.
“Whistle on the play,” my boyfriend practically growls while making the fighting penalty hand motion. “Two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct.” I drop my jaw to bite back when he points a stern finger in my direction. “It’s a minor, baby. Don’t make it fucking major.”
His hockey worded warning that my attitude needs a bit of a check prompts me to press my lips tightly together rather than continue to spiral out loud.
I know I’m not perfect.
And maybe that was a little too naughty list aggressive but what can I say?
The idea of not being good enough for the only people I really wanna be good enough for hurts.
And in his defense…he really did only start yelling at me when I yelled at him first.
See.
This is exactly why de-escalation is something I aim for!
After he can see I’ve regained my composure, Ig reveals, “I hired Nedi to find your older sister, Jovani.”
My gaping expression only becomes more so.
“She’s waiting inside,” Nedi smoothly announces. “Back room. Far corner. Entire section closed off just for this meeting.” Her gaze cuts to his. “Charged to me, which I will be adding to my final invoice.”
“I assumed as much.”
Nedi returns her attention to me and smiles warmer than expected. “She’s expecting you. And is very excited.”
“Excited?” leaves my lips at an almost inaudible volume.
“It was a pleasure doing business with you, Alexeyev…” She spins on her heels to stroll away. “Don’t forget to recommend me to your friends.”
“I might lose friends at her price point,” my boyfriend playfully mumbles while moving to be directly in front of me. Once he has my stare locked in his, he lovingly grabs both of my hands. “I know this is probably a lot of presh, so I won’t push you to go in there, and toats fuckin’ get it, if going in there is not the play you wanna make, but if you do wanna go in, I’ll absolutely be there for the assist. I won’t make you faceoff alone.”
One question races off of my tongue, not allowing any time to think of others. “Why did you do this?”
“You know…” his pale gaze momentarily drops to his feet, “over the past few months…you’ve changed so many lives. You’ve made me a better father. A better son. A better captain. Fuck, a better man.” The firmness of his hold increases. “You’ve gone coast to coast to make sure Bella stays connected to me, my parents, her Russian roots…that she’s understood and supported and respected as well as able to give respect. You’ve somehow managed to get me and my father not only in the same room willingly but talking and laughing. You’ve been there for me and the boys and the Slayers whether it was full strength, or we were on the PK. You’ve stepped to the circle every chance you’ve had and I just…” an unexpected heavy sigh fills the cold February air, “wanted to do something to show you I’d go to the wall for you…just like you’ve gone to the wall for me.”