Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 132097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
I giggle lightly.
“Better a book brat than a money brat, I suppose.” Although this whole conversation digs into the nagging thought that never quite leaves my head.
The hateful little voice that whispers, you’ll never live up to your full potential.
Mom always said I could be anything if I just put my mind to it—including thin.
Instead, I’m a plus-size college dropout who can’t even afford all the shiny new books on her wish list.
No part of that screams ‘American dream,’ much less ‘billionaire trophy wife.’
“I was the money brat,” he concedes.
“And you haven’t changed a bit.”
“Flattering. You really think that, don’t you?” His lips curl up mischievously. “It’s not like I have you looking for Stephenie Meyer, do I?”
“Wait, what? She’s here? Why didn’t you tell me?” I whip around in my chair, giving the room a once-over.
When he laughs, I realize he’s repeating the same dumb prank he pulled on me the summer I was thirteen.
He almost got me drowned.
Ethan told me the huge yacht parked next to Leonidas’ boat in Portland belonged to Stephen King. I was in my horror stage where I read Pet Cemetery and The Shining religiously, so yeah, I was a little excited.
Dumb little Hattie plunged right into the water and tried to swim over.
Stupid, I know.
But at the time, I was so fricking excited I couldn’t contain myself. All I wanted was to be close to the King of horror and score an autograph.
Only, it turns out swimming while you’re fully clothed in chilly harbor water wasn’t nearly as easy as I thought.
The freezing shock had me on the verge of being dragged under when Ethan jumped in to save me.
I scowl at him, pursing my lips.
“I still haven’t forgiven you for that. I could’ve gotten killed or at least wound up with a bad case of hypothermia. The water was freezing.”
“I saved you, didn’t I?” he throws back. “You were never in any real danger with me around.”
“And I wouldn’t have been in danger at all if you hadn’t lied to me.”
He rolls his eyes, but his mouth does that little twitchy thing again, like he’s chewing on his guilt.
I want to choke this man.
Ideally with both hands.
“I didn’t know you’d jump in, Pages. Can’t hold that against me.”
Out of habit, I push my glasses up before remembering I’m not wearing them.
For special nights out, I go with contacts, and glasses definitely feel out of place here. But the gesture is so ingrained in my psyche I’ll always do it.
“So that makes lying okay, huh?” I cluck my tongue, wondering why I bother searching his eyes for a shred of humanity.
Same old Ethan, just as awful and unserious as ever.
He looks at me calmly, waiting.
“You haven’t changed at all,” I mutter.
Sure, he plunged into the water to rescue me that day, but he’s acting like that deserves a medal. It’s more like the bare minimum of acceptable behavior.
So he didn’t let me die.
Well done.
Let’s rename a street in his honor.
“Have we been here long enough yet? I’m going to find Margot.” I push back from the table and my half-eaten fish before he can answer. His face shifts back to being blank and bored. “I think your people have seen us talking enough.”
I don’t give him a chance to reply before I walk away.
I’ve done my duty for this stupid engagement.
Now it’s time to drown in champagne worth more than this insanely expensive dress.
With dinner winding down, other guests are up and walking around. I’m about halfway across the room when a man puts his hand on my arm.
“Hattie Sage!” he says it so brightly it’s like we’re old friends.
I take a step back and look at him.
He’s roughly my age, maybe a few years older, with icy-blond hair that’s maybe slightly too long around his face and hazel eyes. His smile glows, so blindingly charming my heart does a flip.
“…do I know you?” I ask.
He sticks out his hand.
“If you don’t, you will soon enough. I’m Cooper. Cooper Daley. I worked with Leonidas Blackthorn.”
“Oh, wow, I didn’t know.” I shake his hand. “So nice to meet you.”
“Not as nice as it is for me, I promise you.” Still clenching my hand, he looks down my dress so blatantly, I almost stumble back. An appreciative smile curves his mouth. “So you’re the young lady who’s tied down old Ethan, huh?”
“Uh, yes. We’re engaged,” I manage, spitting the last word for protection.
Super charming. You’re killing it, lady.
“I can’t believe it, but I’ll say this for him—the man has exquisite taste.” His eyes spark.
Something warm and confused erupts in the base of my stomach.
It’s been so long since any guy looked at me so hungry, even if it’s a little too much.
A far cry from Ethan, who only looks at me when he’s hunting more weakness.