Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
“We’re not in one of your romance books and I am far from a hero.”
She wasn’t so sure of that. The way he’d flown out to look after his sister seemed like something a hero would do.
The way he had taken care of her the other night . . . also rather heroic. Most people would have just left her to cope on her own in the storm.
But not Reuben.
So yeah, she thought he was a hero. Or had hero qualities anyway.
“Now, tell me why you were upset.”
“I was just . . . you were being so nice and sweet. I wasn’t upset. I was happy.”
He sighed. But it didn’t sound impatient. “You’ve got a soft heart, don’t you?”
“You make that sound like a bad thing.”
“In some ways, it is. But you’re lucky. You have me to protect you.”
She rolled her eyes at the arrogance of that statement. While inwardly, she thought Reuben declaring that he’d protect her heart was exactly what a hero would say.
“As much as I want you here, there isn’t any point in flying out when I’m coming home tomorrow night.”
“You are?” She couldn’t keep the happiness out of her voice.
“Yeah, baby,” he said in a husky voice. “And I can’t wait to see you.”
“I . . . I can’t wait to see you either. Oh! Cat was here.”
“What? She was? With Alejandro?” he asked.
“Uh, no. With a bodyguard. A big guy called Rafael.”
“I wonder if Alejandro knew about that excursion.”
“She thinks we’re going to be best friends.”
“Best friends?” There was some alarm in his voice.
“You don’t want that?” She tried to keep the hurt from her voice. Maybe he didn’t think she was good enough for Cat. Or he was trying to protect the other woman in case things didn’t work out between them.
“You are not to get involved in her shenanigans, do you hear me?”
“Um, what?”
“Her pranks. Her recklessness. There’s a reason she has a bodyguard, and it isn’t entirely about Alejandro’s enemies. Cat gets into trouble. All the time. You will not. Hear me?”
“I, uh, I’m not a person who gets into trouble.” She was a rule follower. A people pleaser.
“That’s my good girl. You can be friends with her, but do not let her become a bad influence on you. If she tries to get you to do something dangerous or naughty, you call me.”
Irritation filled her. “You do realize you can’t dictate my friendships, right?”
“I have to go. What time are you leaving tonight?”
“Uh, around six.”
“Wrong answer. You’re leaving at five. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your naughtiness yesterday.”
“I wasn’t naughty,” she protested.
“Yes, you were. And it’s being added to your tab.”
Yikes. She was starting to regret that decision.
“I want you to get ready at my place on Saturday,” he said suddenly.
“What? No. I can’t. I need Cammie to do my hair and makeup.”
“I’ll hire someone to do that for you.”
“No . . . I . . . I’d rather she do it.”
He grunted. “Fine. I will pick you up at seven. Eat something first. The shit they serve at these functions is barely edible. Some of it tastes like you’re eating air and I don’t want you getting lightheaded. Understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I will see you soon.”
He ended the call abruptly.
“I miss you too,” she whispered.
27
Rule Four: Safety
Faith twirled around in front of the mirror. She barely recognized this woman with the shiny hair and flawless makeup. The sexy dark-blue dress.
Nope. This wasn’t her at all.
She looked . . . stunning.
Nothing like boring little Faith from Public, Missouri.
This Faith looked sophisticated and fancy. She didn’t think it was her though.
Sure, she looked fabulous. But she didn’t feel like herself. Although she didn’t really know who she was anymore.
However, she was pretty sure that she’d be happier sitting at home in her favorite yellow onesie, watching cartoons and eating ice cream rather than she was with all this smoky-eye makeup and flawless complexion.
“You look amazing, Faith.” Cammie blinked back tears.
“Hey, are you all right?” Faith asked her friend.
“Oh, yeah, it’s just that when I came to live in New York, I had this silly idea of the life I’d live. You know, fancy outfits, sexy shoes. Lattes and musical theater and dinner out. It’s just . . . it’s not quite that. But it’s fine.” A guilty look crossed her face. “I mean, it’s good. Everything is really good.”
Right.
If anyone should be going to this charity banquet, it was Cammie. She always looked elegant, even in jeans and a T-shirt. Like a runway model. Tall and slim and graceful.
Unlike Faith, who could trip over air.
“Oh my God. What was I thinking with these shoes?” she said, looking down at the heels in dismay. “I can’t wear these. I trip up in flats, so there is no way I can handle high heels.”
“You can’t wear flats with this dress,” Cammie told her. “It’s too long, you’d trip over the hem.”