Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 15397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 77(@200wpm)___ 62(@250wpm)___ 51(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 77(@200wpm)___ 62(@250wpm)___ 51(@300wpm)
His eyes flick to my glass then back to me, and I wonder if he’s already onto me. The man notices everything and it’s probably why he’s so good in business. He’s always two steps ahead. It’s comforting but at the same time it can be fun to try and get ahead of him every now and then.
I bring the glass to my mouth and pretend to take a sip. I don’t think he’s buying it, but at that moment I see my stepmother moving towards us the same time he does. I watch as he tenses all over again, making me wonder if something is wrong. I know he doesn't care for my stepmother or father, but he doesn't hide it like he used to. Normally he’s dismissive, but right now he’s angry.
“Daniel,” Linda says and gives him a curt nod.
She doesn't even try to do the air kisses with him anymore. I hoped the past few days would have helped break the ice since I spent most of my time telling her how wonderful Daniel is. She tried to talk me out of marrying him, telling me it would tarnish my name and our family’s legacy. It cut deep when she added in that it had already happened enough by me existing.
She’s said hateful things over the years, but that was the absolute worst. I’m starting to wonder why I even try, and now it’s getting harder to bite my tongue; more so when it comes to my Daniel. His arm around me tightens, making me remember this is about having a family.
“We’re seated over there.” Linda motions to a table where I see my father sitting with Carmela. I have to fight my eye roll and sarcastic comments. “Come, they’ve just served the salad. It’s rude to be late, and this is all you’re allowed to eat if you're going to fit into that wedding dress.” She walks away from us towards the table and Daniel lunges after her.
“I’ll fucking—” he starts, and I place a hand on his chest.
“Daniel,” I hiss and force him to look at me.
“I swear if that—”
I cut him off the only way I know how—by putting my lips on his.
He growls against my mouth and kisses me back, and by the time I’m satisfied he won’t go charging after her I’m breathless and needy. I reach up to wipe away the lipstick I left on him, but he stops me by grabbing my hand and lacing my fingers with his.
“She gets that one.” His eyes lock with mine. “I’ll do anything for you, Blakely, but I won’t listen to someone disrespect you. That’s a hard line.”
I nod in agreement because that’s a battle I won’t win with him and he’s right. How do things keep getting worse? No matter what I do, nothing changes.
He leads me over to the table and holds out my chair for me while I sit down. I open my mouth to say hello to my father, who didn’t even bother to get up, but he beats me to it.
“You’re late,” he blurts out.
“Your observation skills are getting better, John,” Daniel says as he grabs the back of my chair and scoots me closer to him. It makes a loud scratching sound as it drags along the floor, and I’d laugh, but Linda’s face stops me. “I’m sure they’ll still take our check,” Daniel adds as he drapes his arm over the back of my chair and leans back casually.
“You want something else to drink, dream girl?” he asks, giving me all of his attention.
“I’m good.” I pick up the water on the table and take a sip.
The table is quiet for a moment before Carmela starts speaking. I sigh as I lean into Daniel and eat my salad. His thumb strokes my neck back and forth as the table moves into easy conversation. Daniel makes idle chat with Benjamin, who is sitting to his left. He’s an older man I know he’s worked with in the past and I’m glad he has someone to talk to.
“So I heard,” Carmela whispers loudly to get my attention.
“I think it’s a sign,” Linda adds as she takes a sip of her wine.
Carmela nods in agreement, and I don’t know why she cares if I’m with Daniel or not. It could be the fact that my husband is a catch and hers is an all-round asshole who shows his true colors after he has a few too many.
“It’s a sign we need a wedding to celebrate with everyone,” I say with cheer in my voice.
“Really? I didn’t get an invite.” Carmela’s comment is snotty and it grates my skin.
“It’s a very small ceremony with just family. It’s on Christmas Day, and I wouldn’t want to intrude on anyone else’s holiday plans.” I level her with a look as irritation gets the best of me, but Carmela only takes it as a challenge.