Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Now, I can add worrying he will blackmail me into marrying him to my list of troubles.
“Taylor?”
I grip the receiver harder. “I’m here. At least I’m in Florida and not home where I have to deal with it in person.” And I’m in no rush to come back. But my hands are sweaty, and the idea of an engagement ring in Chandler’s hands makes me lightheaded and sick. If only it were for April, but I know better than to think he’d marry his assistant.
“I have to go,” Holly tells me. “My lunch period is over, but I’ll call you later to talk things through?”
“Yeah. And thanks for letting me know.”
“I’m sorry,” she says before whispering goodbye and disconnecting the call.
I put the phone on the table in front of me and stare at the device.
“Hey.” Jack sits down and takes my hand. “Is everything okay at home?”
I swallow hard and nod. “Yes. It’s just …” I want to tell him everything, but I haven’t figured out a solution yet.
It’s not his problem but from what I know of Jack in the short time we’ve been together, he’ll make it his problem. And the last thing I want is for him to deal with Chandler, and heaven forbid, find himself in the man’s crosshairs.
“I have an ex who’s a little too persistent,” I tell him, skirting the real issue. “My sister ran into him and he was pushy, that’s all. It’s fine. I’m just sorry she had to deal with him.” God, I hate lying.
But I know Chandler and if he finds out about Jack, he’ll find a way to get to him in some way. Jack loves his job and his family. I don’t want Chandler interfering with his work or going after anyone in his family. Keeping silent is the only way to keep the two men apart. It’s the least I can do for Jack, who’s been so good to me.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Jack
The club opens soon. Lucas, Tristan, and I are in the VIP section where later, we’ll be looking down on the guests enjoying themselves beneath the intelligent lighting in a variety of colors and loud techno music. Earlier in the day, we discussed who would fire our new bartender. Apparently, Tristan noticed her overpouring. He checked the credit card receipts and saw outrageous tips for the size of the bill. Obviously, she’s not just over-pouring, she’s giving out free drinks. Our alcohol bills have gone up as well.
We know it’s not our usual employees. Mak and the rest of the servers have been with us since the beginning. Nothing was off until the new girl started. Since Tristan found the proof, Lucas and I voted he would be the one to let her go.
Now we’re relaxed and bullshitting before opening.
“How’s it going with Charleston girl?” Lucas asks.
I chuckle. “Her name is Taylor and things are going well.” If you consider another freak-out after a phone call going well.
At least this time I got some information. Something’s going on with her ex that upset her. She obviously didn’t want to delve deeper, and I was caught up in the idea of Taylor and an ex. The thought of another man putting his hands on her makes me want to punch someone. Or him. But she’s still holding something back, and I’m hoping that soon she’ll trust me enough to let me in.
Lucas gestures to one of our servers, asking for his usual before turning back to me. “When are you going to bring her around to meet us?” he asks.
“Speaking of us meeting her, are you all free tomorrow?” Tristan leans back in his chair. “My buddy hooked us up with a Sunseeker Predator 82,” he says of the yacht we discussed the other day. “Luxury at its finest.” He tips back a single-hop IPA and takes a sip.
“Rainey and I are in,” Lucas says. “She wouldn’t miss a day on the water.”
I nod. “I’m sure we are too. Hang on.” I pick up my phone from the table and send Taylor a text. Yachting tomorrow. Does that work for you?
*happy face emoji* I’m good! Excited.
Great, will follow up with details.
“We’re in, too,” I tell Tristan.
My phone buzzes with another text and I glance down. Remember your promise to turn around if I don’t feel well.
Her reminder gives me the perfect opening to tell them about Taylor and the baby.
I clear my throat and they both look over. Tristan raises his eyebrows as if to ask, What’s up?
I lean one arm on the table and draw a deep breath. “So, about tomorrow. If the waves are rough, we might have a problem.”
The server hands Lucas his whiskey. “Does Taylor get seasick?” he asks.
I take my first gulp of tequila. “I don’t know about normally, but she’s pregnant so she might.”