Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“That’s admirable,” he said with a charming smile.
“Thank you.” It was the first time someone had acknowledged what she did in a positive manner—unlike her parents, who dismissed her work as a passing phase, which hurt. “That’s…nice to hear.” She heard the gratitude in her voice, and she glanced away from Drew’s intense gaze.
She didn’t want to reveal so much to a man she’d just met. He was perceptive enough as it was. But she couldn’t deny there was a warmth and ease with Drew, and she found their connection both exhilarating and unnerving. She’d never felt so relaxed and comfortable with a man so quickly.
He gently touched her chin with his thumb and forefinger, startling her as he rubbed his thumb over a faint, fine scar on the left side.
“What happened here?” he asked, his voice a low, curious murmur as his fingertip brushed across her skin.
The barely-there scar was such an odd thing to notice, let alone comment on, which told her just how observant he was. He paid attention to even the smallest of details instead of talking about himself all the time.
“When I was six, I tripped and fell face-first against the corner of a coffee table, split my chin open, and needed stitches.” A smile tipped the corner of her mouth where he was still touching, both at the memory and in appreciation of his attention.
“And you still have a very faint scar,” he mused, seemingly charmed by that slight flaw she’d all but forgotten about.
“My mother wanted me to see a plastic surgeon,” she admitted. “As a kid, I freaked out whenever she mentioned it because of how painful the shot and stitches had been. No way did I want surgery on it. Then, as I grew older, it became a little act of rebellion not to have it removed.”
Chuckling, he returned his hand to her lower back. “An act of rebellion?” He raised an inquisitive brow.
“Yeah,” she acknowledged and added, “Though it doesn’t happen very often.”
He studied her for a long moment. “Just when it’s over something that really matters to you.”
There it was again, that intuitive understanding. “You need to stop getting into my head,” she said, though she was smiling.
“I can’t help myself.” He leaned his head closer, until his lips were near her ear. “I find you very intriguing, Georgia Brooks.”
She shivered and exhaled a deep breath, and when he pulled back and she saw the genuine attraction in his gaze, she allowed herself to be bolder than usual. “I could say the same for you.”
The song came to an end, and the warm palm at her back tightened as if he wasn’t quite ready to let her go just yet, even though the band announced they were taking a short break. “In that case, how would you like to—”
“Georgia!”
The demanding sound of Elliott calling her name jarred her out of the moment and cut off whatever Drew had been about to say.
He slowly released her and took a step back. Losing his touch was the last thing she wanted and frustration at Elliott’s persistence flared inside her.
“I’ve been looking all over for you,” Elliott said, sounding annoyed as he reached the two of them.
Georgia forced herself to remain calm and shifted her gaze to Elliott, who openly glared at Drew. “I was just enjoying a dance with Drew, who I assume you know?”
Elliott’s lips thinned. “Yes, I know who Drew is.”
Drew seemed unfazed by the other man’s attitude. “Good to see you, Eastman,” he said pleasantly.
Elliott didn’t return the sentiment, and instead ignored Drew completely. “Your parents are asking me where you’ve disappeared to.”
“I’m an adult, Elliott,” she said, irritated that he was questioning her whereabouts. “I don’t need my parents’ permission to do anything. Or yours, either, for that matter.”
Drew stood by, silently amused, if his raised lips were anything to go by.
Anger flashed in Elliott’s eyes. He clearly didn’t appreciate being chastised in public, but he’d brought it on himself by acting as though he had a right to dictate her actions.
“It’s time to go back to our table,” Elliott said.
She crossed her arms over her chest and stood her ground. “I’m not done talking to Drew, so I’d appreciate it if you’d give us some privacy, please.”
Elliott hesitated, obviously wanting to argue, but after an uncomfortable moment, he whirled around and strode back to the table. She’d like to think that was the end of things, but when he sat back down, he chose a chair with a clear view of her and Drew.
Ignoring Elliott’s stare, she refocused her attention on the man in front of her. Drew appeared calm and composed despite Elliott’s odd animosity toward him.
“I’m so sorry about that. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Elliott could be possessive, but his reaction to Drew was over the top, even for him.