Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
“No problem. See you at the club.” Their weekly man meeting to sit around and catch up. Kennedy says it’s more like where they go to bitch, gossip, and have a drink.
“Yep,” Luke replies.
We head out the door and round the corner, then Asher is backing me up until my back meets the wall, and his mouth is descending on mine. Right as I’m lifting up to meet him, he says, “Promise me you’re okay with everything Luke just said.”
“I promise I’m okay with everything he had to say. I promise I’m not looking at my past when all I can see is my future standing right in front of me.” The words no sooner leave my lips than Asher is kissing me, full on, hot and heavy, with lips and tongue, and low moans are all that surround us. This man, he’s the absolute best thing to ever happen to me, and I’m going to hold on to him with both hands and never let go.
20
LENNIE
“Kennedy, what do you think about renting my house when your lease is up on your apartment?” We’re all hanging around the pool, Asher’s friends, all eight of them, who welcomed me with open arms when they arrived. I met a few before now, obviously Jagger, who’s working on the electrical, Luke being my boss, and last night, Asher took me to Johnny’s club for a drink to relax after a long week at work. Plus his parents and their significant others, and then there are Kennedy and Briar. These two hold a special place in my heart. Briar has taken to me as if I’ve known her since the moment she entered the world. Kennedy has a flare about her that draws you to her, with her infectious laugh and always keeping the glass half full when I can see there are times when she’s ready to toss the towel in and have a good cry.
“Did Asher put you up to this?” He warned me she may give me push-back.
“Actually, no. I did tell him about my idea. You know he’d love to have you closer to him, but honestly, the way things are going between your brother and me, it makes no sense to keep two houses. Your brother’s is the optimal place to live in, believe me. He offered to move into my place, but what sense does that make when there’s a pool here and extra room?” I shrug my shoulders and take a sip of the fruity concoction Asher’s stepmom brought over. The dynamics between everyone are like watching the Johnson family when they’re around. A hodgepodge of personalities, a mix of laughter, sometimes bickering, but all in all, it’s full of love.
“I’m not sure. It would depend on the cost, if I can get out of my lease early, and so many other factors.” I’m waiting for her to tell me what the deal breakers would be, but she doesn’t elaborate.
“Well, so here’s the deal. My aunt Estelle left the house to me. It’s paid, free and clear. It helped me when I felt like the world would swallow me whole. When I moved to Whispering Oaks, all I thought about was starting fresh. Never in a million years did I think I’d meet Asher, especially fresh out of a divorce.” Asher has kind of given his people the lay of the land when it comes to my past. Obviously, Jagger got a front row seat. The others have not, thankfully. “Anyways, I don’t know your price range, and I’m not looking to get rich, just enough to cover some of the expenses I can recoup a little and to cover the property taxes is all I’d ask for. I know you have Briar to think about, and the last thing you want to do is uproot her.” Kennedy looks at me like I’ve hit the nail on the head.
“How do you know that’s my number one worry?” Her eyes move from mine to Briar, who is being tossed in the pool by Trent. There are several adults here. Kennedy could take a much-needed break and close her eyes, but I doubt she’ll ever relax. I know I wouldn’t in her shoes.
“Maybe Asher hasn’t told you everything, and that’s okay. I raised my sister from the time my parents brought her home till the day she turned eighteen. I also legally adopted her when our parents kicked the bucket.” I make a noise and then drag my thumb along my neck.
“I’m so sorry.” She’s quick to apologize.
“No, it’s for the better. They weren’t great to begin with. The best thing they did was bring Minnie into the world. I’m just glad they didn’t have any more babies before they succumbed to their drug use and selfishness.” I take a long sip of my drink. The alcohol is starting to go to my head, and before long, I’ll either need food or a nap, or maybe both. “Anyways, what I’m trying to say in a roundabout way is I get it. Minnie and I stayed in a lot of not-so-great places. Things got better as the years went on. I’d love to help you, and I promise I’m not trying to lay it on thick. The offer is yours if you want it. If not, I’ll keep it as is, and it can sit empty until one or more of the many adopted family members come down here to use it.”