Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
My parents, along with Felicity’s husband, Ryan, and their four-year-old son, Hank, my older brother Will, his wife, Emma, and his three kids were crowded into the living room. They all turned to me, mouths open with greetings, but froze when Stone entered behind me. Oh, hell. The doorbell brought Felicity in from the kitchen with Gracie at her side, and Gracie let out a squeal, breaking the tension.
“Aunt Senny!! You came!!”
“Hey sweetie! Happy Birthday!”
Stone finally let go of my hand as she ran into my arms, nearly knocking me over with her enthusiasm. After a big hug, her gaze landed on Stone. “Who are you?”
“Gracie… this is Stone.”
“You can call me Nate.” He smiled and knelt down to Gracie’s level. “I came with Serenity so I could wish you a happy birthday. I also brought you something.”
By this time, my parents had stepped over to see what was going on, confusion written all over their faces, and we all watched Stone pull an object from his pocket. He held it out, showing us a black, polished, oval-shaped rock with several gold and white veins running through it.
“What is it?” Gracie asked, her voice hushed.
“It’s a dragon egg. It’s old, so there’s not a real dragon inside, but see all those gold and white streaks?”
“Yeah.”
“Dragons love gold, and it gives the stone special powers.” He handed it to Gracie, and she took it, her eyes sparkling with awe.
“Wow.”
“What do you say, Gracie?” Felicity prompted, glancing back and forth between me and Stone.
“Thanks Nate! I’ve never seen anything like this. Look everybody! A dragon egg!”
My heart swelled in my chest, warmth washing through me. How could I not help falling for him even more? Sheesh! Who knew he’d be so good around kids? Did he have nieces and nephews? He’d never mentioned any siblings, so probably not. And who knew he was into dragons?
While Gracie showed off her stone to everyone in the room, Felicity stepped beside us. “Wow, thank you so much!” Her cheerfulness came out a little forced. “Gracie loves make-believe with princesses, and knights, and dragons, and all that. Did Sen tell you? Oh, I’m Felicity, by the way.” She glanced at me. “Sen forgot to mention she was bringing someone with her.”
“I sent you a text.”
“Really? Oh, well, I didn’t see it.”
Stone put his arm around me. “When she told me about the party, she wasn’t sure she could take the time. But I managed to convince her we should come. I hope that’s all right?”
What was he doing?
“Of course it’s all right. I’m so glad you’re here.” She sent me another we need to talk look.
“Thanks.” He sent her his sexy smile, and she nearly swooned.
My mom chose that moment to step closer, putting her arm around Felicity to get her attention. “Oh… these are our parents, Kristin and Jack. Nate Stone, right?”
“That’s right. A pleasure to meet you.” He held out a hand, his low voice sending shivers down my spine.
“Nice to meet you, too, Nate,” Mom said, taking his hand.
He smiled. After shaking her hand, he shook my dad’s hand, and Felicity introduced her husband, Ryan, then continued to pull him around the room, introducing him to the rest of our family. I watched him closely to see what else he was going to do, or if he’d start to crack under the pressure of meeting so many people, but it didn’t seem to faze him.
My mom came to my side, glancing between me and Stone. She spoke softly, but it was still loud enough that Stone could hear her. “So how long have you two known each other? You didn’t tell me you were dating.”
I opened my mouth to tell her we weren’t dating, when she knocked her shoulder against mine. “Does he know you’re still married?” She raised a brow at me.
My stomach twisted. “Mom! Of course he knows. And we’re not dating. I’m—Stone’s bodyguard.” There, I’d done it. No more misconceptions.
Stone laughed. “Oh, she guards my body, all right.”
I just stared at him, embarrassment flooding through me in waves. He said that, in front of my mother.
“We’ve only started dating. We met through her work. In fact, I’m helping her with an investigation.”
“Oh.” Mom raised her eyebrows, giving him the once-over, taking in his total hotness and handsome features. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and a little awe. “That’s wonderful.” She leaned in to me, barely lowering her voice. “I’ll bet he’s a good kisser.”
“Mom! Jeez.”
“What?” She straightened, smiling at Stone. “You need some happiness in your life. I’m glad you found someone, especially after all you’ve been through. And don’t get me started about Brandon. That man can rot in hell, for all I care.” She leaned in again. “So, was it good?”
A blush stained my cheeks. “Mom! He’s standing right there.”