Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“Same with Major,” I agree. “I’m totally chopped liver for the afternoon.”
Cindy shakes her head. “I hardly believe that, but I think we should use their distraction to our advantage.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Up first, Bellinis. Then see where the afternoon takes us.” She links her arm through mine.
“You are speaking my language.”
13
Major
Drake stares at me with an unreadable expression. I take a swig of my beer, waiting him out. Whatever’s on his mind will eventually make its way out of his mouth.
“I don’t understand it, but after the last few days, I can’t deny it either.” He shakes his head.
“What is that?”
“How a moody ass like you can get a woman like Jewls to fall in love with him.”
“Has to be his sparkling personality.” Talon chuckles at his own joke, gaining grins from Ace and Ford.
“I’m going with the ink and muscles. Women dig the bad-boy vibe,” Sam throws in. “Probably the same as how Ace persuaded Harley.”
“Nah, Ace had history on his side. Then he went and got shot. That sealed the deal. He used her sympathetic heart to coerce her into marrying him.” Drake barely dodges Ace’s side punch.
“This is where all the men are.” Dad walks in with Doug.
Talon whistles, gesturing to their black tuxes. “Looking dapper, gents.”
Dad pours two glasses of the twelve-year-old Macallan whisky the guys gifted him and hands a glass to Doug.
“Can I get some of that?” Sam shoves his glass forward, and Dad eyes it with disgust.
“No.”
“Twenty-seven years old and still no respect.” Sam tsks.
“Learn to appreciate the fine taste instead of guzzling like a fraternity boy, and we’ll talk.”
“Be waiting a long time for that to happen.” I glance between the twins.
“Like I said, don’t get it,” Drake repeats with apparent disappointment.
“I assume you mean how your brother is with a girl as lovely as Julianna?” Dad asks with a raised brow.
His use of her formal name rubs me wrong. It feels intimate in a way. He picks up on my discomfort and shoots me a knowing look.
“I assume it’s because you take after your old man.”
“Look at Dad getting cocky in his old age,” Drake goads him.
“Cocky or not, you two should take lessons. I’m not able to hold off your mom’s matchmaking efforts forever.”
“Ouch, burn,” Talon jokes.
“Wouldn’t be so quick. These ladies have their sights on you two as well.” Doug motions between Talon and Ford.
“This is all your fault.” Ford jerks his chin at Ace.
Ace shrugs coolly, not giving a shit.
“You can call off the dogs for me. I’ve got my eyes on a honey.”
All heads swing to Talon, who’s leaning against the counter with his arms crossed casually.
“A honey?” I question. “Did you just refer to this chick as a honey?”
“She’s sweet.”
“Casanovas? People in Nashville actually think you guys have game? Another of life’s mysteries,” Sam gripes.
I don’t take my eyes off Talon, trying to assess if he’s serious. Or is this a ploy to get himself out of the crosshairs of meddling moms? He hasn’t mentioned anything to us. Ford, Ace, and I all look at each other at the same time with this same conclusion.
He’s dead fucking serious.
Before anyone can probe further, Doug clears his throat and gets our attention. “Ford tell you men what’s happening?”
We nod. Ford told us last week that Doug was considering his retirement options. He came to Ford to ensure that Ford wasn’t interested in taking over his company before deciding. He knew the answer but wanted to give his only son the opportunity.
Ford declined.
“Celia and I spoke to Carson and Addie, and they both want to pursue other interests. Seeing as none of my children are intent on taking over the business, we’ve decided to sell.”
“Congratulations, Doug.” Ace raises a toast.
“Thanks. There are two companies that have been sniffing around for a while. This summer, I’ll begin the process and negotiations.”
“How long do you think it’ll take?” I ask.
“The business has a multi-layered structure, and I’m not breaking it up. It’s an all-or-nothing deal. The legal complexities alone could take over a year. I’ll stick around for the transition.”
“Then what is the plan? You don’t seem like the type of man to play golf every day.”
He smirks, sipping his drink. “You’re right. We will travel some. Celia’s always wanted to spend time in Europe, but my work hasn’t allowed for it. I’ll take her wherever she wants to go.”
At the mention of Europe, my mind goes to Jewls and Harley. They had been planning a vacation and Mediterranean cruise before Ace proposed.
“It’s what comes after the travel that affects you men,” Doug continues, and we’re all prepared.
“They’re moving to Nashville,” Ford announces, even though he already warned us this was coming.
“Full time?” Drake asks.
“Yes, we’re ready for a change. When I said the girls are pursuing their passions—who knows where that could take them? There’s a reason I branched out years ago and brought my business to the Nashville area. We love it there. And since Ford has made it clear that’s where he’s laying roots, seems logical to be close.”