Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 443(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
“He bought you a dress?” my mother leans in and whispers because she can’t contain her excitement at what most likely appears to be a prince. I can hear the awe in her voice as she says it, and I don’t have the heart to tell her he’s nothing more than someone to pass the time with while I’m in New York.
She likes him.
Shit.
“I’ll wait in the car while you get ready.” He steps back outside, but my mother is quick to grab his wrist.
“No, come in. I’ll make us a cup of coffee while Alina gets ready.” He offers her one of his charming smiles, and she’s absolutely besotted. It irritates me. My mother is my home, my safe place, the person I love the most and would do anything for. I don’t like how easily he charms her.
“I had plans,” I deadpan.
“You did not. You don’t leave until tomorrow, and we’ve spent the whole day together. I’m tired anyway, so I can spare you for a night. Go and get ready.” She grabs the bag from the woman, puts it into my hand, and pushes me toward the staircase.
I want to wipe the smug expression off Will’s face but roll my eyes instead, giving in to the bet that I’d previously laid down. I don’t know what he’s doing in my hometown or how he knows about any particular event here, but I have no choice but to play into it. I really did this to myself.
When I’m in my room, I unzip the heavy garment bag and find a box at the bottom. In it is a pair of strappy black heels. How he knew my size, I have no idea. But I’m coming to discover that Will is a multi-layered man.
Pulling out the black dress, I see it’s a wrap dress that can basically cater to any size. But it also goes around my neck, giving it an elegant look. Sliding off my sweats, I put on the dress and tie it around my waist so the bow is to the side. When I look in the mirror, I realize my panty line is visible. Since I only had a shower an hour ago, I slide them down and kick them off.
I admire myself in the mirror. It is a beautiful dress. I’ve never had anyone buy me a dress before, but I kind of like it. This is a dress I would buy myself. It’s flattering but also unnerving to realize how much attention Will must pay to me to know my tastes, even down to the subtle jewelry.
When I walk to the bathroom, I can hear my mother laughing at something Will said, and I shake my head. He’s an asshole, no doubt. But he’s also charming and very clearly a man who is used to getting what he wants.
I didn’t bring much makeup, so I use what I have, applying foundation and curling my lashes before I add mascara. Luckily, I always carry lip liner in my purse and I swipe it on before I fix my hair. I put it up in a high bun and brush back the flyaways. Considering the short notice, I think I look put together enough, and it only took me twenty minutes.
I call that a win. Heading out of my room with my black purse, I walk down the stairs and find Will leaning over the kitchen counter, his ass to me, as my mother tells him a story about my father.
It’s strange to have a man fill the space in the kitchen again. Especially Will. And I don’t know how I feel about hearing my mother sigh over memories of my father. It’s a part of her heart that never entirely closed, and that terrifies me.
I clear my throat. “I’m ready.”
Will straightens up and turns to face me. “That was fast,” he says, his eyes roaming over me. I like how he’s looking at me right now. Considering he’s seen every nook and cranny of my body, he appreciates even the clothes I wear. And it’s nice.
“Oh, honey, you look beautiful,” my mother gushes. “Have the best night. And if you don’t come home tonight, I’ll see you in the morning.” She kisses my cheek.
“That’s a bit presumptuous. He doesn’t need encouragement,” I say to her.
“Well, at least he won’t be playing his games and playing with himself tonight, right?” she says, her dry humor making an appearance.
Will’s jaw unhinges, and it’s absolutely priceless. I laugh, and eventually so does Will.
“I don’t know if I should ask what you’ve told your mother about me,” he says, exasperated.
My mother turns to Will. “Only good things, of course. It was lovely to meet you, Will. Make sure you don’t become a stranger.” She presses a kiss to his cheek, and it shocks me at how welcoming my mother is. She has not one ounce of skepticism about him, yet for anyone I dated years ago, she was always cautious and worried. How do I tell her Will is the most dangerous of them all?