Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 105846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105846 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
A quick glance at the clock tells me Summer is due for her bath and meds, plus the therapy she refused to leave the studio for earlier today, but years of experience as her father also tell me she’s not going anywhere as long as Norah is still here. “All right, ladies, I think it’s about quitting time for today. We’ll pick back up next week.”
“Alreadyyy?” Summer whines.
“It’s getting late, Sum. You need a bath and meds, and I’m sure Norah’s ready to go home since it’s Friday night.” I turn to Norah directly. “If you’ll just wash out all the brushes and sponges and make sure everything’s sealed, you can take off when you’re done.”
Norah nods. “Of course. That’s great, thanks. Perfect, actually.”
I hate that I do it, but I can’t stop myself from asking, “Big plans for tonight?”
“Big? No,” she answers through a little snort. “I wouldn’t say big. But I’m thinking Josie and I might grab a bite or something. You know, celebrate my transition from being a freeloader and all.”
“Good.” I allow myself a half smile. “And I did talk to Breezy a couple of days ago, so she’s got you on the payroll. Probably won’t get a check until next Friday, though, if that’s okay. Just the way the pay schedule works.”
She waves me off with a chuckle and a shrug. “That’s fine. I’m used to having no money.”
Surprisingly, that makes me feel bad. Having no money is not how I read Norah Ellis the day I met her. Not at all. Maybe when I go up to the house, I can text Breezy and see if this first check can be fast-tracked? It’s certainly worth a shot.
I start to head over to the sink to wash my hands, but Norah’s voice grabs my attention before I get there.
“Bennett?”
I turn to face her.
“I just wanted to say thanks for the job,” she says, and her eyes soften to the warmest shade of brown. “Truly. I so appreciate you taking a chance on me. This is the best thing I’ve ever done and the happiest I’ve ever felt. Seriously.”
“You’re the best!” Summer interjects, saving me from having to say anything I might get a little too carried away with. For as good of an assistant as Norah is turning out to be, she’s still a terrible idea in every other way.
I’ve changed my life too much to consider any other possibility.
The old Bennett was pathetically loose with women. I spent a lot of time in bars, clubs, and fast cars, and my primary goals were booze and hot sex. It was an ugly look, to be honest, and in no way works with my priorities now. There’s a reason I avoid women, Norah included, and it’s the same as why I avoid my old life and have practically removed myself from the art scene. Maybe it’s a part of my creative psyche, but when I let things in, I tend to let them consume me.
The beautiful Norah Ellis wouldn’t leave any scraps.
After a quick wash of my hands in the slop sink, I spin Summer’s chair to the door as she shouts her goodbyes to Norah. My skin tingles with electricity and worry and uncertainty as I make our way to the golf cart, get her and her special chair strapped in, and then head for the house.
Summer talks my ear off the entire way.
“Norah is so cool.”
“Norah is so fun.”
“Norah is so pretty.”
“Norah is so smart.”
My daughter is in love, just as I knew she would be, and I don’t bother trying to correct her.
If only I’d realized how much she wasn’t the only one in danger.
21
Norah
Friday night and I’m at the only bar in town.
After we grabbed a bite to eat at the pizza joint on Main Street, I tried to convince Josie to have a drink with me, but she outright refused. It’s safe to say the rejection has everything to do with the handsome bartender—and owner of this joint—who greeted me when I arrived a few minutes ago.
“How’s the new job going?” Clay asks as he sets a glass of Pinot Noir down in front of me. “Hope Ben is treating you well.”
I’m not surprised Clay knows Bennett hired me for the assistant’s position. Bennett Bishop is a very private person, but from what I’ve witnessed since I arrived in Red Bridge, Clay Harris is one of his closest friends.
And considering how my first interaction with Bennett went, it’s a surprise that I don’t even have to lie. “The first three days were great. I honestly can’t put into words how thankful I am for the opportunity.”
“Good. That’s good.” He considers me for a few beats, and I hold my breath, waiting for him to move the subject to my sister. With the way he was hot on her heels that night we came into the bar after Thomas showed up in town, I’d be naïve not to expect it.