Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
The second it closed, my father asked, “What in the hell is going on? You’re fake-dating his brother the twerp, but you look at Declan like you want to eat him up. If you don’t think people will notice, I’ve got news for you, deary, you’re a terrible actress.”
My mouth dropped open. “I’m sorry?”
Rolling his eyes, my father waved me off. “Please. I have four daughters. I know when one of you is lusting after a boy.”
I choked. “Lusting after a boy? First off, Dad, I don’t lust after anyone. And second, Mr. Hot—I mean, Declan isn’t a boy.”
His brows raised. “Mr. Hot what?”
“Nothing! Never mind.”
“Someone told me they saw you kiss that idiot today. I thought you said the fake-dating was for his mother. Why are you kissing the man in public?” My father shivered as if the thought made him sick.
“I had no choice! I think Declan might suspect something’s up.”
My father closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Harper, but do you remember what that jerk did to you? Why in the world are you helping him out?”
“Dad, aren’t you supposed to be nice to everyone? You’re the mayor, and you’re calling Declan’s brother names in front of him.”
“To hell with that! You’re my daughter. That comes first and foremost.”
I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “Dad, do you remember I got two season tickets for the Giants out of this deal?”
His brows nearly shot up into his hairline. “How did I miss that part? You must have told us when I was having a laughing fit over the whole thing.”
I sighed and shook my head. My father and mother both broke out into breathless laughter when I told them.
“One of these days, your bleeding heart is going to get you into trouble, Harper.”
“I know.”
“Two questions: why are you really doing this, and for how long?”
I exhaled a breath. “I gave him almost two months. I’m already ready to strangle him with my bare hands though. The why…I already told you and Mom.”
“Yes, yes, his mother’s trying to set him up with Crystal Stevens, and Sean is in love with Caroline Stevens, but she’s dating someone. The boy needs to grow a damn pair of balls and stand up to his mother.”
“That’s what I said!”
“So meanwhile, you have to pretend to be with twerp boy while making eyes at Declan?”
I gasped. “I am not making eyes at Declan, Daddy.”
He gave me a look that silently said I needed to rethink that statement.
“I’m not. I’ll admit, he’s hooo…um…cute.”
“Mr. Hot something,” he teased.
Rolling my eyes, I walked to the back room. If I was going to finish everything in time, I needed to get to work. “It’s not a crime to think someone’s cute.”
“No, it’s not, but don’t you think he might wonder why you’re giving him the eyes when you’re dating his brother?”
“For the love! I am not giving him the eyes.”
He raised his hands in self-defense. “If you say so.”
“Yes, I say so. Now, I need you to stop talking about Sean. Especially in front of his brother. What were you thinking?”
“Well, I was being honest. I thought I raised you to do the same.”
Looking at my father, I sighed. “Daddy, don’t do that to me. Besides, don’t you want to see the Giants?”
He narrowed his eyes and looked thoughtful. “Season tickets, you say?”
“Yep.”
The bell above the door rang again, and we both headed out to the front. Declan was walking toward us, that panty-melting smile on his face. “Is now an okay time?”
“For what?” my father asked.
“Nothing,” I replied, as Declan spoke at the same time.
“To help.”
My father folded his arms over his chest. “Help with what?”
“Declan wanted to help me make the bouquets for his parents’ wedding anniversary dinner tonight.”
“After all, my mom did wait until the last minute to order them. It’s the least I could do.”
My father smiled. “Yes, well, she’s lucky her son is dating my daughter, or else I hope the business-savvy Harper would have told her to bugger off.”
“Dad!” I scolded, as Declan laughed.
“I’ll leave you two to work. Do you want me to put the closed sign up on the door?” my father asked, making his way to the front.
I followed behind him and replied, “It’s not time to close just yet.”
Before he slipped out the door, he winked at me. “It doesn’t look busy. I bet you could close up and get to work.” He chuckled, glancing at Declan before looking back at me.
“Are you done?” I whispered.
Dad winked. “Enjoy your evening, sweetheart. Close up shop, you deserve a bit of extra time off.”
I smirked. “I will. Bye, Dad.”
The door shut, and I turned the lock and pulled down the shade. I drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. I could do this. I could spend time with Declan and simply be friends. I won’t think about how hot he is or how soft his lips look. If I start to think naughty things, I’ll simply think about Sean. That will put out any flames.