Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
I shook my head in amusement. “I say a lot worse, Aiden. My readers would tell you that.”
He shook his head. “Nope. Not going there. Not my little Mila. You used to ride on my shoulders and stick your lollipop in my hair to keep it safe and hold on to my ears. You were the cutest damn thing ever.”
I gazed at him fondly. I remembered doing that. He, Maddox, even Uncle Bentley were all wonderful men to grow up around. My uncle Reid was the computer whiz who loved to show us all how to use technology. My brother Reed had worshiped him his entire life, and they remained close to this day. Halton was always around for guidance and wisdom. I had been very lucky to grow up in this family.
“You were always a good sport. Even when my lollys got stuck in your hair.”
He grinned. “A quick soak in the pool got them out.” Then he stood. “Food is ready. Thank God—I am famished.”
Everyone chuckled. Aiden was always famished. So were his sons. It took a huge amount of food to fill them up, and it was always amusing to watch.
I filled a plate and got a cup of coffee, sitting beside Cami. She smiled at me as I sat down. My mom sat on my other side.
“Your dad tells us you’re off to LA in a couple of weeks,” Cami said.
“Yes.”
“How exciting!” she exclaimed.
“It is.” I chewed and swallowed. “A little nerve-racking too.”
“I imagine so.” Cami squeezed my hand. “You’ll do fine. Just remember, they came to you. Your books are amazing, and once the movie comes out, you’ll be even more famous!”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t really want that. I just want to write books.”
“You will. You can do anything you want,” she assured me.
We ate for a while, then I turned to Cami again. “I, ah, actually have a favor to ask you.”
“Sure. What do you need?”
“Well, my usual wardrobe is leggings and loose shirts. Andi suggested that I try to bring some more, ah, professional clothing. And she says I need a couple nice dresses. I was wondering if you could help with that?” Cami had been a fashion designer before she retired. She still made articles of clothing for family, and I needed her advice.
Cami’s eyes glowed, and she clasped her hands. “I would love to!” She sat back, eyeing me. “I have a couple of dresses that would suit you well. And we can go shopping for other pieces.”
“I don’t like restrictive things or anything too tight.”
“No, we can do easy things. Pretty skirts, some nice pants, cool blouses. Mix and match. A couple knockout pieces for anything formal that comes up. LA will be hot, so we’ll stick with all natural fabrics. Bold colors, simple cuts, easy to pack and take care of, but you’ll look like a million bucks! Oh, this will be so fun. I know the perfect shops, and I will run up a couple things. Liv, you have to come with us.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Mom said.
“Um, I don’t want to go overboard.”
Cami laughed. “Don’t worry, Mila. I got you covered.”
After brunch, I wandered to the beach, sitting on the rocks and letting the sound of the lazy waves and the feel of the warm sun relax me. I loved my family and enjoyed the get-togethers, but I was always happy to be alone again. There was no doubt I was the introvert of the family. Bentley’s son Thomas was quiet as well, and so was Maddox’s daughter Shelby, but I was known as the loner. My words and books filled my life. I hated leaving the compound, although my mom and dad dragged me places, and Sammy and Reed made sure I left the house on occasion. When I was with them, I was okay, but on my own with strangers and in strange places, I became tongue-tied and awkward. I often wished I were more like Sammy—outgoing, adventuresome, and confident. But instead, I was quiet, shy, and preferred to observe rather than interact.
I doubted that would ever change.
My phone rang, and I slipped it from my pocket, smiling when I saw the caller was Sammy.
“Hey,” I greeted her. “How’s the ranch?”
“The ranch is spectacular. The owner is not,” she replied. “What a grump.”
“I assume we’re discussing Luke, not Rachel.”
She grunted, the sound furious. “Yes. He drives me crazy. He second-guesses everything, questions all my ideas, disagrees with them, then suddenly does something nice. I can’t keep up.”
I smiled widely, glad she couldn’t see me. “I see. Sounds like someone has a crush and isn’t sure what to do about it.”
“I never said I had a crush. The man is a pain in my ass!”
“I never said you,” I pointed out. “But we can talk about that as well.”