Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 72969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72969 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
She left some clothes folded neatly at the foot of the door.
I think I may have found the perfect woman.
Screw the fact that she’s only eighteen and she’s married to my sister’s fiancé.
There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say.
She left sweats and a sweatshirt, probably a good idea since Vinnie and I may not have the same waist size. Also a pair of slippers.
I put on the clothes, which fit nicely, and slide my feet into the slippers.
They’re a little snug, but they’ll be fine. Maybe I can throw my clothes in the laundry and they’ll be clean by the time I leave later tonight when Vinnie and Raven get home. Plus that’ll buy me some time with Daniela.
I walk to the next room, where the door is open.
Daniela is sitting with Belinda on her bed, playing a card game.
“Hey,” I say.
“Good, you found the clothes,” Daniela says. “Do they fit all right?”
“Yeah, they’re great.” I flash her a smile. “Thanks. Do you think I could throw my dirty ones in the laundry? That way I won’t have to wear Vinnie’s clothes home.”
“Oh yeah, I don’t see why not.” Daniela says. “I’ll take care of it for you.”
“I’m capable of doing my own laundry.”
“The staff is off duty now, so if you insist.” She smiles.
“Just show me the way, and I’ll take care of it.”
She points. “Down the hallway to your right. That’s the laundry room for this wing.”
“Got it.”
I head back into the guestroom, grab my dirty clothes, and then follow Daniela’s instructions to the laundry room. I shove the clothes in the washer, add some detergent, and start the shortest cycle I can find. Then I head back to Belinda’s room.
“What are you guys playing?” I ask.
“Just War,” Daniela says. “Belinda and I like to play it sometimes.”
“Would you like to play a game with us?” Belinda asks.
“Sure.”
“Great!” Belinda taps on her chin. “How about Monopoly?”
Monopoly.
Just hearing the word brings back memories I don’t need right now.
I haven’t played Monopoly since…
No, not going to go there. Not right now when I have Daniela and Belinda to think of.
“Since you’ve already got a deck of cards out,” I say, “how about some good old-fashioned Texas Hold’em?”
Belinda’s eyes go wide at that. “Oh my God, yes. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play poker.”
Daniela bites her lip. “I’m not sure how Vinnie would feel about it if we taught you how to play poker.”
“It’s not like we’re going to play for money,” I say.
Belinda’s face falls. “Then where’s the fun?”
“Okay,” I say. “We can play for snacks. I’m sure there’s something in the kitchen.”
Daniela relents. “I suppose that does sound kind of fun. Come on, Belinda. And you too, Hawk. We can play at the kitchen table.”
We head down the hallway toward the main part of the house and into the giant kitchen.
Belinda goes into the pantry and brings out a big tub of cheese balls. “My favorite,” she says.
“Cheese balls and ice cream,” Daniela says smiling. “This girl can’t get enough of either.”
“Because I was never allowed to have them…”
She doesn’t finish, and Daniela smiles and brings the cheese balls over to the table. “All right, now let’s play.” She hands the deck to me. “Hawk, you shuffle.”
I give the cards a shuffle and then hand them to Belinda on my left. “You cut the deck, Belinda.”
Belinda wrinkles her forehead. “And that means…what exactly?”
Daniela grins as she settles into her seat. “It just means you take the cards, split the pile somewhere in the middle, and put the bottom half on top. Like this.” She reaches over and demonstrates. “It keeps things fair.”
Belinda nods seriously, like she’s just been entrusted with a sacred duty. “Okay. Got it.” She cuts the deck and hands the stack back to me.
I give her a nod. “Perfect cut. You’re officially ready for Vegas.”
She giggles, her cheeks turning pink. “Do they play for cheese balls in Vegas?”
Daniela laughs. “Only at the really classy tables.”
We all chuckle, and I start dealing the cards, two to each player. Belinda scoops up hers like she’s guarding national secrets.
“I hope I win this hand,” she mutters.
Daniela arches a brow. “What are you going to do with all your winnings?”
Belinda doesn’t miss a beat. “Build a cheese ball empire.” She pops one in her mouth and grins like she’s already conquered the world.
I deal the flop—seven of spades, king of diamonds, ace of clubs—and glance up just in time to catch Daniela licking orange dust from her fingertips.
She’s not trying to be seductive. That’s the worst part. She’s just distracted, focused on the cards, absentminded as she swipes her thumb across her bottom lip and sucks the cheese powder off with a soft pop.
And I’m gone.
My pulse kicks up, and I look away fast, hoping Belinda doesn’t notice the heat creeping up my neck.