Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Nyla bumps me with her hip. I return my attention to scooping food. As I focus my gaze before me, I find a smiling Jacob.
I can’t lie. He looks good. He has on a tight-fitted T-shirt and well-worn jeans. His hair is gelled into a stylish mohawk.
I’m digging the lip roll. I hadn’t noticed it before. However, I’m paying more attention this time, and the fact that he’s biting his lip at the moment draws my attention to it.
“Hey.” He winks at me as he looks me over. I’m glad I dressed nicely for this, even if I’m in all black.
The shear top is still modest, and the black jeans look tight but are flattering to my hips as my sister put it. However, I look like a saint next to her.
It’s hard for Nyla not to look sexy. Although, I haven’t for a second missed the skintight liquid-leather leggings she’s wearing with ridiculously high heels. The off-the-shoulder gray sweater dials down the pants a bit, but she looks gorgeous. I stop comparing myself to my sister as Jacob draws my attention.
“You look great.”
“Hi, Jacob. Thanks. You look nice too. What are you doing here?”
“The guys forgot a few trays at the other location. I had to rush them over. You guys seem to have a great crowd going here.”
“Oh, that was sweet of you to bring them over. Are you on shift tonight?”
“No, I’m thinking about sticking around to help out here.”
“Oh, okay.” I bite my lip. I’m still not sure how I feel about Jacob. He’s handsome enough, but I don’t get butterflies from him.
At my age, I should probably give up on butterflies and signs. Although, for me, you have to hold my attention. I’m not sure there’s enough spark for Jacob to do so.
“I’ve been texting you. Do you think we can reschedule for next week? I’ll shoot you over my days off on Monday.” He lifts a brow with a hopeful expression on his face.
“Why not? I’ll let you know when I’m free.”
“Cool, I can’t wait.”
I give him a shy smile that’s wiped away in seconds. My gaze lands across the room and my eyes connect with a sight that boils my blood.
Bethany is bent at the waist, pointing a finger in Bella’s face. It’s clear that Bella is crying. Although I’m not sure why, from the way she’s shrinking back and drawing her body in, I can tell whatever Bethany is saying has something to do with it.
Normally, I’d mind my business when a parent is chastising their child, but something isn’t right. Bella is a good child. I can’t see a reason for Bethany to have to yell at her or correct her to the point of tears.
Not to mention, I saw Bethany hitting the glasses of wine heavily when the big donors were here earlier. I haven’t missed the fact that she’s been avoiding being in the same area as Dante. Which he hasn’t seemed to mind as he’s played the gracious host all day.
Bella’s gaze seems to scan the room. I assume, looking for her father. However, I note the moment she finds me. Her chest rises as if her breath hitches.
Faster than I can blink, she darts around Bethany and bolts for me. I move through the gap between the tables to meet her.
“Lizzy,” she cries out as I squat, and she flings herself into my arms, her little body trembling. I hold her tightly and start to rub circles on her back.
I’ve been spending more time with Bella as I’ve been planning her party. Dante has brought her into the office a few times in the last few weeks. I love the time she has dubbed our playdates.
When I rise with Bella in my arms, Dante towers over me. I look up into his eyes and find a storm brewing. Bethany comes running over and shoves me in the shoulder.
“Get your hands off my daughter,” she shouts.
I bite down on my words and hold on to Bella tighter. I have to chant to myself to keep from waxing this chick’s ass the way she deserves.
Not in front of Bella. Not in front of Bella.
“Bethany, have you lost your damn mind?” Dante says tightly.
“I’m sick of hearing about Daddy’s assistant this and Daddy’s helper that,” she says as if mimicking Bella’s voice.
Bella turns in my arms and leaps into her father’s. “What’s the matter, princess?” Dante coos more gently to his crying daughter.
“I only asked to play with the other kids. She yelled at me.”
“No, I didn’t, you little liar.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Dante snarls.
“She’s lying.”
“Why can’t I play with the poor kids?”
“I didn’t say it like that.”
“Oh, really? Then where did she get that from, uh, Bethany?”
Dante tightens his hold on Bella and steps closer to Bethany as he lowers his voice. “How old are you? Who’s the five-year-old here?”