Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
MOM: Don’t forget, honey.
MOM: It’s 3:00 p.m. Call me.
I press her number, looking out my window as I try not to grin like a fucking teenager at the sound of Alexandrea singing in the shower.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Mom, what’s up?” I look over at the clock hanging above my stove.
“Oh, Brett, honey, I was going to have you pick up some of that whiskey you and your dad and brother like, but Jett is bringing it.” She sounds busy, like she’s holding the phone with her shoulder because I can barely hear her.
“Mom, what are you talking about? And I can barely hear you.”
“Oh, wait. Okay, is that better?” Her voice comes in clear.
“Yes, much.” I grin. My mom is one of my favorite people. At sixty-eight, she might be in better shape than me.
“Now, what’s up?” I ask her, hearing the shower turn off.
“What do you mean? Oh, you can put those flowers on the dining room table,” she says to someone. “Are you on your way?”
“Mom, just stop moving and talking to other people and tell me what’s happening.” I roll my neck, hearing it crack.
“What do you mean? Tell me you’re on your way and did not forget dinner. Jett and Raven are almost here.” Her voice instantly sounds concerned. I search my brain and have zero recollection about any dinner.
“Brett.” She sounds horrified. “I told you last week about dinner. We’re celebrating you becoming the head dean and being nominated for the Nobel Prize, and also Jett and Raven’s return home.”
“I don’t remember any of that. If it’s tonight, I can’t make it.” I walk into my room, only to hear her say something to my dad. Then she comes in real clear.
“Brett Thomas Powers, if you think you are not coming to dinner tonight, you are sadly mistaken. Your brother and his new wife are back and—”
“Mom, I have to stop you. I’m busy. I have work—”
“I have to stop you. I will drive over to your house and get you. Please don’t make me do that.” Her voice has a finality to it. I watch Alex through the crack of my bathroom door, drying herself off.
“Jesus, Mom. Fine, I’ll be there. But I’m bringing someone, so set another plate.” Dead silence greets me, and I can imagine her head dancing with questions. As for my own? I’m wondering what the hell I’m doing, but fuck it.
“Really?” she says.
“Yes.”
“Well… We have plenty of food and—”
“Okay, let me go if you want us to come.” I laugh as I hear her whispering to my dad.
“Bye, Mom.” I press End and toss my phone on the table. Walking into my bedroom, I find Alex brushing her long hair, her body wrapped in my oversized towel.
“So, change of plans.” I start the water, kicking off my board shorts as I enter the shower.
“We’re having dinner with my parents and my brother along with his new wife.” I wash myself quickly.
“What?” she shrieks.
“Dinner. I guess I forgot about it,” I call out, unable to stop grinning at her horror.
“I can’t go to dinner. I have no clothes…” I don’t hear much more as I rinse the soap from my hair, turn off the shower, and step out to her beautiful, angry face.
“You’re joking, right?” she puffs out, holding the towel tight.
“I wish I was.” I grin, reaching for the towel wrapped around her.
“But… I have no clothes,” she repeats as I lightly run the towel over my chest and up and down my hair.
“We’ll stop by a store on the way and get you a dress.” After tossing the towel in my hamper, I reach for her.
“I can’t meet your family—” I cut her off as my lips take hers, our tongues tasting, tangling. She must have just brushed her teeth because she tastes like peppermint, the slight sting on my own tongue making me groan and deepen it before I raise my face to look down at her. Her lips are deep red and swollen. Her face is already turning a golden tan and her cheeks are pink, but it’s her emerald eyes that make my heart burn.
Deep forest green. With long black lashes, she’s stunning, but it’s more than that.
“You did good today.” She just feels right in my arms. It’s almost unnerving because I like being with her. Usually, I’m trying to get them out of my house, not insisting they meet my family. I pull back and walk into my room as I jerk open a drawer for some jeans.
“Brett?” She peeks out of the bathroom, her face looking unsure.
“It’s dinner, that’s it,” I say, pulling on a T-shirt.
She purses her lips as if she’s deciding whether she’ll come. “Did you take Skylar to your parents?”
“No,” I state, watching as she slips into her panties and then straightens.