Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75723 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75723 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Today was the day, and I was up at the butt crack of dawn to get ready, even though there was nothing for me to do. I had my regular cleaning company come in last night and do a thorough clean, not that there was much that wasn’t spotless, because they’re insanely good at what they do. I was going to go over meal plans with my chef but then decided to give him control of the kitchen and not be a commanding, nosy bastard. I’ll just keep an eye out for extra beard seasoning.
I wandered around the house while I tried to pretend I wasn’t doing exactly that, working when I could and working out my shoulder when I couldn’t focus on that anymore. I had no idea noon would take so long to get here.
Hans took Everleigh’s convertible to pick everyone up from the airport. He dropped her off when she left and then brought it back here, and she insisted on Hans bringing it today as well instead of getting a cab.
“Heather, don’t unleash him yet,” Everleigh says cautiously. “This place is like a castle. If he gets loose and makes a break for it, we might never catch him.”
“He’s just rattled by the flight,” Heather insists.
They brought the cat.
The cat that broke into their home.
They freaking brought it.
I had no idea it was coming, and no, I’m not put out. I don’t mind one bit because cats are great. All animals are great. I should really take Everleigh’s advice and get a dog. It would probably be good for me.
“We brought the cat,” Heather turns to me and announces like it isn’t obvious. “I hope that’s okay. He’s a member of the family now, and we didn’t want to just leave him. He might jump ship on us, and I’m getting attached to his feral ass.”
She looks so much like Everleigh that it’s obvious they’re sisters. They have the same heart-shaped face, coral lips, and light blue eyes, as well as the same high cheekbones and thick lashes. Heather has a bright green toque covering her head, and long pink hair flows from it. I remember what Everleigh said before.
She catches me looking, and I feel like both a creep and an asshole, but she just smiles warmly and points to her hair. “It’s a wig. Probably the only time I’m ever going to want to rock one because they’re itchy and annoying, but I always wanted to dye my hair pink. And now, we’re kind of semi-rich, so I can afford good wigs. I bought this one before, but I have some really good, real-hair ones on order. Thanks for the extra cash.” She walks over and sticks out her hand. “Good to finally meet you, D.”
Only Hans calls me D, but I’m going to let this one slide because Heather is awesome and kind, and even though she’s sick and her skin is on the pale side, she’s still smiling, and she’s radiating charm and warmth. I like her. I like her a lot. She’s like her sister that way too. Tough but warm. They both have those kick life’s ass vibes about them. Tiny but mighty—that cliché totally suits them.
I go to shake her hand, but at the last second, she tricks me, throwing herself into my arms. I barely have time to catch her. It’s a lucky thing my shoulder gives me a break and lets my arm be strong enough to support her. If I dropped Everleigh’s sister when she sneak attacked and hugged me, it would definitely make a bad first impression.
The cat yowls from its carrier again, and Heather backs up a few paces. “This is my mom,” she says. “Mom, Everleigh’s hot husband, Darius. Now, we had better get this guy upstairs to our room and let him out before he blows a gasket. He’s barely past the feral stage, and it was hell getting him in there. It took four cans of tuna, a set of oven mitts, and full-on layers of clothing to half lure and half shove him in. He’s probably going to need a bath since he’s likely covered in tuna. Yeah, that’s the smell coming from the cage.”
“I can show you where it is. Your room, I mean. Uh, and I can also call in some kind of professional if you want to bathe him so he doesn’t rip you apart.”
“Like a swat team?” Heather jokes.
“I was thinking more like a vet so they can sedate him.”
“Sedate him?” Heather’s mouth drops.
“Sedation,” I confirm. “Just that.”
“I think we’ll be okay.” Everleigh’s mom, who is an older, elegant, stunning version of her girls with long blonde hair and the same gorgeous eyes and petite build, picks the cage up. “We’ll manage, even if we have to dress in layers again.”