Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Connor’s eyes flicker to the rearview mirror. “’Cause your bro just got fired, and we have to move out, stat.”
Synchronized squeals of “What?” erupt from the back seat.
The front entrance to the hotel is buzzing with activity—cars pulling in and out, bellhops loading luggage onto carts, servers carrying trays with mimosas. No expense has been spared for these next two days while Wolf wines and dines a slew of who’s who, reporters, and pretty people who will look good on camera.
And in the thick of it all is Belinda, greeting people with her fake but convincing smile. She’s swapped her hot pink golfing outfit from this morning for a sultry coral suit.
“Don’t worry. I’ll have things sorted by Saturday, one way or another,” I promise Britt as Connor pulls up to the door.
We hop out as a flock of attendants moves in.
“Welcome to Mermaid Beach!”
“Will you be needing help with your bags?”
“Can I offer you a refreshment?”
Britt and Dani fumble over their words, making me laugh. Neither of them has stayed in a luxury hotel before, but they smoothly accept the flutes and cheers each other with a giggle.
I could warn the staff that they’re not legal yet, but I won’t.
I don’t fucking work here anymore.
Belinda’s heels click as she approaches.
My shoulders stiffen as I prepare for a confrontation. I haven’t talked to her since we squared off last night.
“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” She peers down her nose at Connor, which is a skill, considering he’s a good six inches taller than she is.
“Lunch break.” His blue gaze dips down into her displayed cleavage. “You’re looking well.”
With a sharp warning glare, Belinda turns her attention back to me. “These are guests of yours?”
“My sister and her friend.” If she even thinks of revoking these golden tickets—
“Welcome to the Wolf Hotel. Please, follow Sammy inside, and he’ll make sure you get all checked in.” She gestures toward the bellhop.
“Call me later?” Britt moves in for a hug.
“Yup. Have fun and stay out of trouble.” I jut my chin toward Dani. “You too.” It’s a moot warning. Dani lives her life on the straight and narrow.
With excited grins, they skip inside.
“What, you thought I would bar their entry?” Belinda muses.
“The thought did cross my mind.”
“Why? To give you a reason to cause another scene? You’re becoming so good at it. No, that wouldn’t reflect well on the hotel, and some of us care about this place.”
“That’s all some of you care about,” I throw back.
“Shouldn’t you be getting back to work, Connor?” She scans his uniform.
He takes the hint. “Guess so. Ronan?” He holds up his keys, waggling them once in the air before tossing them to me. “Treat Darla nice.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll come get you after work.”
“See you in your office later, B.” With a wink and an air-kiss, Connor strolls away.
Belinda checks around us to see if anyone overheard. “To think, you had it all, and you threw everything away.”
“I didn’t throw anything away. I know where my priorities are. You should reevaluate yours. When was the last time you saw family? Or went out with a friend?” I drop my voice. “Or didn’t choose your fucks based on who’s most convenient?”
Her eyes flash with anger.
But I didn’t come here to argue with her. “My other golden ticket guests are on their way. I hope you’ll show them the same courtesy.” I slide on my sunglasses.
Belinda hums. “The ex-girlfriend.”
“And her friends, for a bachelorette party. Oh, perfect. Here they are.” I nod toward the approaching white limo. The sooner I can be done here, the sooner I can see Sloane again.
Everything after that … we’ll figure out.
The girls spill out in a fit of laughter but are quickly distracted by the hotel’s grandeur and a nearby tray of mimosas.
“At least they’ll photograph well for the hotel. If they can stay sober enough.” Belinda strolls forward to greet them.
“Ronan!” Carrie rushes in and ropes her arms around my neck, nearly choking me. If I had to guess, she’s had a few cocktails on the flight down.
With a chuckle, I peel her off. She looks the same as she did the last time I saw her. “Congratulations.” I tug on the bride sash hanging crookedly over her torso. Tasha and two girls I don’t recognize wear ones marking them as bridesmaids.
“Thank you!” she squeals. “Did you ever meet Hank?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“He went to Grayson High too, but he was a few years older. He played football. Wait, did you play football? You guys would have gotten along. Well, maybe you still will! God, you look good.” She pauses in her mile-a-minute rambling to ogle my face first before she moves on to my body. “Tasha has been talking nonstop about you since you guys reconnected. It makes me so happy. Honestly, she was such an idiot for breaking up with you. I tell her that every day—”