Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Cillian isn’t. If he was, then the thoughts I’ve had about him are against the law. There’s nothing brotherly about him to me. Oh, gosh. Does he see me as a little sister? Was that why he was so protective and insisted on walking me home? My excitement starts to dwindle.
“All right, I’ll trust you in this. Now pack a bag. You’ll be staying until after the party. Cora said you helped her a great deal with the wedding and thinks you would have some ideas for their son’s party.” That skeptical look returns to my mother’s face. It’s kind of crappy that my brother's new mother-in-law can give me compliments or say sweet things about me easier than my own mother. She wasn’t always that way, but I think my parents' marriage is starting to turn both of them bitter.
“I’ll start packing now.”
“They said they’re sending a car for you. It will be here in an hour. I have plans for brunch, so I won’t be here. Your father is out of the house too, so you need to make sure you’re ready to go when they arrive. Don’t make their driver wait on you.”
“I won’t,” I agree.
She really thinks I can’t do anything on my own. What if I can’t? I’ve spent most of my life in boarding schools where everything was so regulated. It’s been a bit jarring being back home full time, and sometimes I miss school. That’s a feeling I was sure I’d never have, but at least I was free to be myself there.
“Then I’ll see you when you get back, unless we end up making it out to the party.”
I walk over and kiss her on each cheek before she leaves, closing the door behind her. I do a little happy dance because I can’t believe I get to go. What a stroke of luck that Cora thought to even invite me. I wonder if Cillian spoke to her.
This could be my chance to get him to see me as more than a sister-in-law. Maybe I could seduce him. A warm, fuzzy sensation lights up deep inside of me. I know this might not be a forever thing, but I could get my first kiss. One that was from desire and not some forced arrangement. I could have memories I’ll treasure forever.
My phone buzzes and snaps me back to reality. I remember I have an hour to get myself ready. Rushing over, I grab my phone off the floor and see a text from Cillian.
Cillian: Morning, sunshine. Sorry it took me a moment to respond. I was working on a plan.
Cillian: I think it worked. See you soon.
I stare down at the messages and wonder if his texts mean what I think they do. He must have had his mother call mine. That would mean he really wants me there. I wish I wasn’t too shy to ask. I let out a small scream when another text pops up. What is wrong with me?
Cillian: You’re coming
I have a dirty thought about coming, and my cheeks heat. I know that’s not what he meant, but I am a little curious about the text as I read into it more than I should. There is no punctuation on it, so I’m not sure if it’s a question, an FYI, or a demand. Once again, my mind goes dirty, and I’m hoping it’s a demand. Deciding it’s better to lean into it, I send a text back.
Me: I’d love to come
A second after I hit send, I bite my bottom lip nervously. I’m sure his mind isn’t in the gutter like mine, which is totally fine, I reassure myself before I rush to pack with a big, bright smile on my face.
Chapter Four
Cillian
“Are you home alone?” I ask as I look behind Glenda and then back at her.
She’s wearing an oversized sweater with leggings, and I want to pull her against me and see if she feels as soft as she looks. The fact that she never shows skin drives me wild with need, because I want to be the only one to see it. I want her to show me what she doesn’t show anyone, and then I want to keep it all for myself.
God, why am I so crazy for someone who can’t possibly want me? She’s out of my league by a landslide, but I can’t stop how I feel.
“Yeah, my parents are out, River is with his tutor, and you know Felipe is on his honeymoon.” She tucks her hair behind her ear, and I wish I could do that for her.
“Are you ready to go?” I nod to her bag, and she says yes and goes to grab it. “I’ll get that for you.”
When I swoop down, it puts our faces close together, and for half a second I think about closing the distance and kissing her. Instead, I clear my throat and straighten as I put her bag over my shoulder.