Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“I…”
“I’ll make sure you have your own room, and we can explore the city after my shoot on Saturday afternoon.”
“Your shoot?”
“I have to do a photo shoot for this new sports drink that’s about to hit the market.”
“Is it any good?”
“I haven’t tried it. They sent me a case, but it’s still sitting next to the front door in my apartment.”
“So, you’re going to advertise something that might taste like dirty bath water?” The look he gives me makes me laugh. “You at least need to try it, Brodie.”
“After we get done with dinner and take Jeb to the beach, we’ll taste-test it.”
“We can do that.”
“So, will you go with me?”
I don’t know if it’s the hope-filled look in his eyes or my aunt’s voice in the back of my head telling me I should live a little, but I say, “Yes.” It comes out before my brain can really catch up. Darn, did I really just agree to go with him to New York? His smile says I did, and my heart flutters once again.
“I’ll take care of everything. Just let me know your schedule for Friday, and I’ll have my assistant book our flights so we can be together.”
“It will probably be late by the time I get off work.”
“That’s okay. I’ll wait for you.”
I nod. “Do I need a fancy dress for this fundraiser?”
“Yes, it’s black tie.”
“Fun,” I lie, and he laughs.
“Just let me know when you find your dress and I’ll give you the money for it.”
“We’ll figure that out later,” I mutter, knowing there is no way I’m letting him pay for my dress. That feels way too intimate. Plus, my aunt has a closet full of designer dresses, some that she's never even worn. I’m sure I’ll be able to find something.
“It will be fun,” he murmurs softly as the waitress comes over with our food. Normally, I’d say he’s lying. Getting dressed up is one of my least favorite things to do, but I enjoy spending time with him, so I’m actually looking forward to it.
Chapter 8
Brodie
With my hands full, I walk across my living room and back to the kitchen, where I left Reese filling a glass with ice for us and Jeb waiting to see if she accidentally drops some so he can eat it. The dog loves eating ice, maybe even more than the treats he begs for regularly. When I step around the corner, her eyes meet mine, and all I can think about is how pretty she is with her hair still windblown from us walking on the beach with Jeb after dinner and her nose slightly red from the sun before it set while we watched.
“Those are sports drinks?” She frowns at the plain black-labeled bottles I place on the island.
“Yeah. They haven’t shared the packaging yet and don’t want anyone snapping a picture and posting it online before they go public. Plus, one of the flavors is only supposed to be available for a limited time.”
“So, this is a big deal.”
“I guess in the world of sports drinks, it is.”
“Cool.” She hops up onto the counter to sit. “Which one first?”
I tip the bottle over and see the color of the liquid inside through the clear bottom. “How about red?”
“Red, it is.” She holds up her glass, and I open the bottle, pouring some into it for her. She takes a sip and scrunches her nose.
“Bad?”
“It tastes salty, like all sports drinks do to me, but the flavor isn’t bad. It’s kind of like fruit punch.” She hands the glass over to me, and I take a sip.
“It’s not bad. And it doesn’t taste like dirty bathwater.” I watch her smile.
“Which one next?”
“You choose.” She picks up the bottle in the middle and pours some of the bright green liquid into the glass. After she takes a sip, she holds the glass out to me, her expression blank. “Do you like it?”
“Just try it.” I take a sip and gag.
“You’re evil.” I mock glare at her when she laughs. “What the fuck is this?” I smell the glass and almost gag again.
“It tastes like pickle juice.” She takes the glass back and sips more. “I kind of like it.”
“There’s something wrong with you.” I grab the glass and rinse it out. “Hopefully, that’s the flavor they said is only available for a limited time.”
“If it is, kids will love it, even if they only buy it to dare each other to drink it.”
“True.” I laugh while I get more ice and a few extra pieces for Jeb. After tossing them to him, I take the glass back to Ree. She opens another bottle and dumps some crystal blue liquid into the clear cup. When she reaches for it, I shake my head.
“You don’t trust me?” She holds her hand over her heart.