Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
“Yes,” I said. “Are you?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Why unfortunately?”
Damien shook his head and started to laugh. He leaned back on one foot and crossed his arms, and I could see that charm of his seeping out, just like it did the moment we locked eyes. “There’s only so many weddings you can attend for one person,” he said. “You know, before getting bored of it all.”
For that, I had to laugh.
“Oh, so you agree?” His eyes brightened as those thick brows of his lifted.
“I’ve never met you before, so I’m guessing you are a friend of Danforth’s.”
Damien hummed a yes.
I leaned over the door to get a better look at him. Not only was he gorgeous, but he had a certain appeal that made me want to get closer. That wealthy guy allure, he had it all. The looks, the voice, the smell. I didn’t care who he was, I wanted to just keep sitting there talking to him and watching every move he made.
He put one hand on the roof of my car and then leaned down close over me. “So, you must be a friend of Allison’s.” Damien grinned, and there were those dimples once again. A car came down the street slowly, moving around Damien’s car where he’d left it in the middle of the road. Leave it to one of Danforth’s friends to be arrogant and entitled. Regardless, I was still completely absorbed in Damien’s presence.
“I happen to be her daughter.”
Damien drew a big smile as his brow wavered in thought.
“You don't say?”
I gave him a nod, then I watched as his eyes squinted over mine for a breath.
“Listen, I was supposed to help Danforth out today by double checking the venue, but I’m feeling more like having a drink instead.”
“Are you?” Now we’re talking.
“I am,” he said as his brow arched. “I know a nice little pub down on Fourth Avenue. Care to join me?”
I had to stop myself from leaping through the window. “I don’t know.”
“I get it.” Those dimples of his were popping up once again. “We just met. Can you trust me and all. Right?”
“Yeah,” I answered him with a smile.
“Well, we know mutuals, right? Danforth is a great guy. A little extravagant, but…” he said laughing.
I rolled my eyes. “You got that right.” Why couldn’t I just joke around like normal people? “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yes, you did!”
I drew in a deep breath and sat back a little bit. “I just don’t get why my mom is ready to move on with her life with a guy that’s the total opposite of my dad.”
“Your dad? Is he still around?”
I shrugged. “No. He passed away a while back.”
Damien wasn’t smiling anymore. “I see. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, obviously we need to brighten this day.” He stepped out into the street and put his hands up. “I mean, look at this gloomy day!”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
He came back to me and popped open the door without asking. “Come on, Parvati. Let’s live a little.” He extended his hand, and even though I hesitated, I took hold and got out.
The pub was only a couple of blocks away from the venue. It was a modest little pub, all dressed in dark bricks and leather booths. There was a stage on the back wall, and this evening, a pianist played jazz. We walked in unnoticed, and honestly, it was wonderful. I hadn’t felt so relaxed in the longest time.
“Rum and Coke?” Damien asked me, that grin creeping upward as he flicked his left brow.
I shook my head. “Nope.”
“Hm. I thought I’d figured you out.”
I laughed to myself.
“Guess not.”
He tapped his finger on his chin, then his eyes hit mine like he knew exactly what I’d want. And he was right.
“Cranberry and coconut.”
“How specific!”
He smirked, then he reached for my hand. I took hold and let him lead me to the bar, where we got our drinks a moment later. The song ended, and the audience cheered.
“He’s very good,” Damien said to me as he stared at the pianist.
“You come here a lot?”
“Not a lot. A good amount, though.” Another song began, and Damien reached for my hand again. “Let’s find a quiet spot to be alone.”
How could I refuse? I couldn’t think of the last time a guy paid me so much attention, let alone a wealthy, attractive one. Even if it went against everything I was feeling about my mom’s relationship, I was loving being the center of Damien’s eye right then.
We got into a booth along the wall, a small one with tall seats and barely any light overhead. It was quiet in the pub, except for the music. But it was perfect. No crazy loud cheering after each song, just a respectful clap and then on to the next. The music soothed me as the drinks calmed my nerves, and before long, the whole wedding was out of my mind.