Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
As if time is running out, I move quickly to it and grab the cool handle. I close my eyes and say a silent prayer as I swing it open with bated breath.
Every muscle in my body releases like it’s been held tense since the last time I laid eyes on her. Standing before me is my dark-haired beauty, my soul mate, exactly as I remember her. She turns around at the sound of my entrance, and her dark eyes widen as she takes me in.
My own eyes sweep down her tight black dress, and I feast on every inch of her. She’s as perfect as I remember, and I take a step toward her before the dream can fade away. I have to touch her, make sure she’s real before this all goes up in smoke.
“I-Isaac,” she whispers, and the sound of my name on her lips is like a healing balm on my damaged body.
A door opening to the right has me turning my head when I see a man come out of the bathroom.
“We better get back before people start to talk,” he says to Jillian before seeing me standing there. “Oh hey, I’m Chris Kabler.” He smiles brightly at me as he introduces himself then walks over to stand next to Jillian. My Jillian.
I watch in horror as he begins to put his arm around her. I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but I’m about to rip this castle apart, stone by stone.
Three
JILLIAN
I lean into Chris because otherwise I might fall over. He holds his hand out, but Isaac doesn't take it. “Okay.” He lets out a small laugh. In the short time I’ve gotten to know Chris, I’ve seen he’s good with people. Even with me, it felt easy to talk to him.
The conversation flowed easily, but there was no spark between us, and I’m pretty sure he felt the same way. I think we’ve been using each other tonight so we didn't have to fend off anyone else hitting on us because there was no way to miss how women were looking at him.
Isaac has come in and made it awkward, but Chris doesn't falter as he keeps smiling. He really is going to make a good politician one day. “I take it you two know each other?” he tries again, glancing between Isaac and me, trying to read the situation.
“He’s my ex-husband's brother,” I manage to say when the silence starts to grow again. Isaac’s nostrils flare at the mention of his brother. I take it they still aren't on good terms.
What the hell is he doing here after all this time? I reach up and touch my neck as my heart races. A million possibilities bloom in my mind, the main one being Rae.
“Paul?” Chris doesn't hide his distaste for my ex. “Do you need a minute or…” He trails off, asking if he should stay, letting me know he’ll follow my lead. To be honest I’m not sure what to say. I’m still leaning into Chris, afraid my knees might give out. How many times have I dreamed of Isaac showing up again?
“We need a minute,” Isaac gets out through clenched teeth. Whatever reason he’s here tonight, it’s clear it’s over something he’s angry about. It only makes my heart pound harder.
Isaac looks edgier than I remember, and there’s no softness to his eyes. In fact, they don’t look as bright as they once did. I know because I’m reminded of it every day when I look into Rae’s eyes. Chris doesn't move as he waits for me to say something.
“I really think we should all get back to the party,” I say, trying to buy time. Time for what, I have no idea. This isn't something I can really run from. He’s Rae’s father, and I wouldn’t keep him from her if he wants to be involved in her life. Maybe that’s why he’s here, and why he’s angry.
“All right,” Chris agrees.
We’d only stepped into my wing to get away from the crowd of people for a moment. He needed to use the bathroom, and I wanted to change out of my heels because they’d been killing my feet.
Chris tries to move us past him, but Isaac’s hand flies out to grab Chris by the upper arm. We stop dead, and Chris looks into Isaac’s eyes. “Don’t.” His tone is low and filled with warning.
Eve was right when she said she thought Chris was a good one. At least from what I’ve seen. That said, I did marry Paul and sleep with Isaac within moments of meeting him. Maybe I’m not the best judge of character.
Tonight I hadn't agreed to a date, but I did say it was okay for her to introduce us. Eve can be relentless when she wants to make something happen.