Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
He agreed, and I told Serenity we had a deal. “That means I’ll have to stop by the shop sometime during the night tonight and set up a couple of cameras.”
“Does Razor know that?”
“Yes. He’ll meet me there. But don’t worry, he knows to keep quiet about it.”
She huffed out a breath. “I sure hope so. What about the cameras? Do you need to buy them?”
“I have the equipment at the office. We can stop there on our way to the shop and pick them up.” At her raised brows, I continued. “It will be in the middle of the night. We’ll be fine.” She still didn’t look convinced, so I pulled the psychic card. “Besides, I’ll let you touch me. Maybe you’ll get a vision?”
“Fine.” She checked her watch. “Oh, jeez, I’ve got to make my chip dip for the party.”
Leaving me behind, she scurried into the kitchen, so I called Vanetti to verify that Razor was good with the plan. I also told him I’d set up the cameras at Razor’s place tonight.
I had one last thing to ask, but I hesitated, knowing he wouldn’t like it. “One more thing. Just on the off chance, I’m wondering if someone at the office could be feeding Johnny information. I’m not saying someone is, but it could be a possibility.”
Vanetti huffed out a breath. “I hate to believe it, but if anyone knows, it would be Julia. I’ll get her to check it out.”
I hoped Julia was trustworthy, but since they were lovers I kept my mouth shut. “Sounds good. I’m going to a family thing with Serenity tonight, so let me know if Julia finds anything. Otherwise, I’ll get the cameras set up, and we’ll take it from there.” He agreed, and we disconnected.
With nothing left to do, I got ready for the party. Wanting to make a good impression, I ran my electric shaver over my face and changed into the one dress shirt I’d brought, just for the occasion. I didn’t usually give a damn about looking the part, but this was important to Serenity, so I made an exception.
Part of me looked forward to meeting her family. Not that I cared, but the last time I’d been to a family gathering had been a disaster. My dad had remarried while I’d been in the service. His wife had wanted to meet me, but since she was closer to my age than his, it hadn’t gone well. Last I’d heard, they even had a couple of kids, but I’d never been invited back.
I was curious to see what a family who actually cared about each other was like. A small part of me questioned why I bothered, but I shoved that thought away and tucked in my shirt. Grabbing my leather jacket, I headed into the living room to wait.
Chapter 20
Serenity
Ifinished making the cream-cheese-pineapple chip dip my niece loved, and grabbed a bag of chips. After Vanetti offered me this job, I’d packed my bags and delivered Gracie’s gift to Felicity’s house, on the off chance I couldn’t make it. That was before I’d met Stone, or I might not have been so proactive.
I found Stone in the living room, looking at his phone while he waited for me. As I entered the room, he glanced up, and his handsome face sent a thrill through my stomach. Not only that, but warmth rushed through my heart, expanding my chest and pushing outward toward him. Damn. I cared about him, and I couldn’t deny it.
He’d changed into a navy dress shirt, which stretched across his chest, revealing the muscles underneath. His sleeves were rolled up, showing corded muscles and dark hair on his forearms and hands. I’d never realized how sexy arms could be.
He’d shaved the stubble off his chiseled jaw and cheekbones. Usually I liked the rugged look, but without the stubble, it took the edge off the deadly vibe he usually gave off, making him more approachable, but still too hot to believe he was real.
His dark, wavy hair flopped across his forehead, making me yearn to run my fingers through it. Then there were his eyes. Dark pools that held a touch of amusement. He raised a brow, knowing I was staring at him, and enjoying every second of it.
I had to tamp down my urge to throw caution to the wind and kiss that mocking smile right off his face. Sheesh! This was terrible. I needed to pull myself together. I needed to be serene. Ha! I couldn’t even live up to my own name with him anywhere near me.
“Uh… I’ll be right back.” Since he looked so amazing, I knew the shirt I wore needed an upgrade. Rushing into my room, I skimmed through my tops and found the black one I wanted. The long sleeves were a sheer mesh that connected at the crew neck to hug the black camisole underneath. I’d never worn it, but it fit the bill for this moment, looking both sexy and alluring.