Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 169305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 847(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 169305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 847(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
“And coaching?” His fingers curled over mine in his lap as the car rolled along the pebbled path to the front door. “Would you still consider coaching me? You’re wonderful at it.”
His compliment licked my skin like a ray of sun.
“I suppose you need the practice.”
“Brat.” He brought the back of my hand to his lips, giving it a lingering kiss. “Stay close to me, okay?”
Eileen stood at the doorway in an impeccable burgundy dress and matching coat, her hands gloved and clasped before her.
I swallowed, slipping my hand from his. “Okay.”
Staying close to Zach proved impossible as the day progressed.
I resorted to sweating out my frustrations in the basement gym while Eileen dragged him venue hopping across Southamptons.
She hadn’t wasted any time when we stumbled out of the car. Her smile had vanished when she noticed me, but she bounced back quickly, perky and polite.
“Miss Ballantine, what a darling surprise.” She glanced at Zach as we made our way inside. “I thought you’d bring Natalie, if anything.”
You and me both.
I’d only agreed to come to keep track of the case.
Zach regularly communicated with the dream team via teleconference. I couldn’t risk missing any news. Not with victory over Vera so close.
Zach opened the door for us. “Farrow is my right hand.”
I almost cackled out a laugh, breathing out so only he could hear me, “All puns intended?”
Our shoulders brushed in the hall. We trailed about two feet behind Eileen.
He smirked, his pinky touching mine ever so briefly. “That depends on whether you found it funny or cringy.”
I loosened my shoulders, thawing. “A bit of both.”
“In that case, yes. Pun intended.”
We embarked on a courtesy tour of the fourteen-bedroom mansion, during which Zach shamelessly assigned me the bedroom next to his and Eileen one in the furthest corner.
While his staff took our luggage to our rooms, Eileen announced their appointment with a wedding planner to scout venues.
Of course, I snatched up the chance to redeem myself.
I spun to him. “You should go.”
The more I thought about it, the more resolute I became. Zach needed an Eileen. I wouldn’t be around forever.
Once I cured him and we parted ways, it would reassure me if he had someone steady and unwavering in his life.
Zach’s eyes ping-ponged between us, the corner of his lips curling down at the idea.
“Really, Zach.” I smiled, nodding. “You should go. I’ll be fine.”
And by fine, I meant stewing in green, gooey jealousy I had no right to feel.
I sweated my ass off on the stepper. The machine buzzed when I hit the sixty-minute mark. I hopped off, snatching a water bottle from the holder and chugging the entire thing.
During my shower, I thought of all the ways I’d laugh in Vera’s face when this ended. For two years, I’d imagined this moment a thousand different ways.
But today, for some reason, the thought of taking things from Vera no longer thrilled me.
The thought of giving things to Zach did.
I slipped into sweatpants and a sweater and padded downstairs when shards of a conversation between Zach and Eileen seeped into my ears.
I halted, pressing my back to the wall to stay hidden.
“…just think that we should honor your mother’s wishes in attending the dinner.” Eileen poured herself a glass of chardonnay on one of the double islands. “It takes six months to secure reservations at The Winstonian.”
“It could take an eternity, and I still wouldn’t want to dine there. Besides, I’m not hungry.” Zach spoke in his signature detached tone. “I have paperwork to sift through. You should go, though. You’ll have fun.”
If it were me, I would’ve picked a fight by now. Which was exactly why Eileen suited him better.
“I hear the food is divine.” She set her glass down, the picture of patience. “It would be such a waste to give up the reservation. Plus, doesn’t your friend Romeo co-own the place? I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate you wasting a two-person table.”
My heart lodged in my throat as I waited for his answer.
Selfishly, I wanted him to stay home. To turn his back on her.
In fact, for one outlandish moment, I wanted to yell, “I’m better for you. Why won’t you choose me?”
Instead, I said nothing, my entire body rigid in the silence.
“Fine.” He checked his wristwatch. “We’ll go.”
I closed my eyes, inhaling a ragged breath.
“Great.” Eileen dumped her wine in the sink. “I’ll call your driver and put on something sexy. It’ll be a good idea to draw attention. Show people we’re a power couple. This could be great for our careers.”
Her heels tap-tapped on the hardwood, moving in my direction. I bolted up the stairs to my room, closing the door behind me. Eileen’s voice flooded inside from the hall.
“…taking me to dinner now.” She sighed into her phone, like she’d just come back from a five-mile run. “I had to work my magic, but I made it happen.”