Total pages in book: 146
Estimated words: 137077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
“What the hell?” I mutter, unable to stop the words before they fall past my lips. “The sweet little girl I hung out with yesterday at Cole’s and who was helpful, kind, and hilarious today did that?” I point toward the stairs where Grace disappeared like he must be talking about a different kid.
Maybe she has an evil twin?
Cameron looks toward where Grace disappeared to, nodding. “Yeah, my daughter is amazing. Of that, there’s no doubt. But she’s also not for the weak.” The tiniest of smiles, so small I’m not sure it even qualifies as one, lifts his lips and he looks like he’s quite pleased with who Grace is. Which makes sense since it sounds like she’s a chip off the old block. When I don’t quit on the spot, he drops the defensive placement of his arms, seeming relieved that I’m not bailing after only three hours of work with her.
“Apparently, neither am I. You’ll be glad to know that Cole gave me quite the talking to about treating you right.”
I knew I was right about Cole. Terrifying, but kind. Like a Care Bear trapped inside the Grim Reaper, a Scare Bear, if you will. He would probably kill me if I told him that, so I vow to keep that to myself. Or… I could tell Grace and let her tell Cole. He wouldn’t hurt a hair on Grace’s head, that much is for sure.
“I appreciate that, Cameron, but it’s not necessary. I’m a tough cookie. I can take a hard interview and deal with a difficult parent.” I arch a brow, waiting to see how he handles the softball I just threw into the air.
He tilts his head, peering at me curiously, and I can almost feel him calculating my existence like I’m the sum of numbers on a spreadsheet. “You are not what I first suspected.”
“Better?” I tease, mirroring his head tilt with my own and batting my lashes. After his obviously negative judgments yesterday, I feel like I’ve earned a few kudos from the man. I did keep his daughter alive for both an afternoon and an evening and didn’t even poison him a little bit with salmonella-chicken.
“Better.” From such an exacting man, it seems like high praise, and instead of saying ‘I told you so’, I simply grin. Granted, it’s a shit-eating grin, so what I’m thinking is pretty obvious, but I don’t actually say it, which still counts as not rubbing his nose in my awesomeness. At least in my book. “In his defense, Cole mostly wants to make sure I don’t run you off because he appreciates your help with Emmett. I don’t know if you recognize what a big deal it is that he handed over his baby to you.”
“Of course I do,” I exclaim, recoiling. “It’s a big deal for any parent.”
“Yeah, but Cole’s… well, Cole.”
He seems to think that’s explanation enough, and in a way, it is. I’ve dealt with lots of parents, but Cole is one of the more intense ones I’ve worked with. “And you’re… you,” I challenge. “Family ties run deep and all.”
“Touché.”
He doesn’t seem offended, but rather, flabbergasted by my willingness to go toe-to-toe with him, which makes me wonder if he’s used to everyone cowering before him like he’s some monstrous meanie. If so, he’s got another thing coming with me. I don’t cower, nor do I show weakness. I stand straight and face monsters head-on.
I lean back against the island, matching his pose, and smile. “To be clear, you’re not even in the top five of the most difficult parents I’ve had the misfortune of working with.”
He frowns at that. “I’m not sure if I should up my game or track those people down.”
Was that a joke?
Surely not. I try reading his face for any sign that it is one, but he’s pokerfaced as usual.
“No worries. Cole’s got it handled,” I say without thinking. When his brows slam down, I add, “Long story.”
Cole already gave me the rundown on Austin and assured me there’s nothing to worry about. He and Beth have all older kids with them right now, which is good because they’re usually more self-sufficient, especially if they’ve been in the system for a bit, and nothing Cole found gave him any immediate concerns about the kids, which was my main worry. He also promised to do frequent check-ins to make sure nothing changes there, which I appreciate. However, he did have considerable issue with Austin’s behavior toward me, but I assured him that I could handle Austin’s bullshit. I’ve been doing it for years at this point. Cole said Austin is playing me, which I already knew because Austin is a greedy, manipulative jerk. Always has been, always will be, but as long as he keeps his distance, I’ll be fine. Being here helps with that… until he finds me again.