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)
Her eyes narrowed, and a sly smile spread over her lips, but she shrugged like I was an idiot and muttered, “Well… if you haven’t kissed him, then something’s wrong with you.”
“Okay, everybody,” Felicity said, saving me from further embarrassment. “Let’s get this party started.”
Felicity explained where the food was, and how to proceed. While everyone hurried outside to the deck, and the grilled hamburgers and hot-dogs, I darted a glance at Stone.
He caught me looking and grinned. “I like your mom.”
I rolled my eyes. “I guess you heard all that?”
He snorted. “Of course. And she’s right.” Grinning, he leaned close to me. “But luckily, I know there’s nothing wrong with you.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” I shook my head. “You want a hamburger?”
“Sure. And I want some of that chip dip you made. Is it a special recipe?”
“Yes… it’s actually a family favorite. My Grandma used to make it.”
He took my hand again, his touch sending little butterflies through my stomach, and I didn’t even fight him as we followed everyone outside like we were a real couple. Warmth spread over me, filling a big hole in my heart. But was this all an act? Just a fun way to tease me? Or was that sparkle in his eyes just for me?
Soon our plates were full of food. I was hoping to sit somewhere safe, preferably with the kids at their table, but my sister motioned for us to take the spots beside her, and we sat down to eat.
We’d only taken a couple of bites before the questions started.
“So, Nate,” my father began. “What do you do for a living?”
I’d never known a boisterous group of people could get so quiet. All of the adults glanced toward Stone, waiting with bated breath.
“I’m the security specialist for a large corporation.”
“Oh. You mean like cybersecurity?”
Stone smiled. “I’ve got a tech specialist for that. My main concern is the security of the building and grounds, as well as the personnel.”
“Wow. Must be a high-class corporation.”
Stone nodded, but didn’t give my dad the company name he was fishing for. “I keep threats at bay, but if they come in, I’m the guy who handles them.”
My dad’s brows rose. “Oh… that’s interesting. What kind of degree do you need for that?”
Stone shrugged. “I got my training in the military. Now I work in the civilian sector. It’s less messy, and there’s no politics involved, so it’s a win-win.”
That shut everyone up, but it also begged for more information.
“So tell us how you two met.” My mom motioned between us. “Serenity’s kept you a secret. I didn’t even know she was dating.”
Stone met my gaze, a twinkle in his eyes. I opened my mouth to answer, but he beat me to it. “We met on the job. I guess you all know about Serenity’s business?” He waited for their nods. “My boss hired her and introduced us.” He met my gaze again. “What she does is quite remarkable.”
He placed his hand over mine, and a sudden lump got stuck in my throat.
“That was all my idea,” Dad crowed.
“No it wasn’t,” Mom said.
“Sure it was. After we found out what she could do, it only made sense to start her own business, especially when she said she wanted to help people. I told her it wouldn’t hurt to make a little money at the same time. And I was right.”
“You always think you’re right,” Mom said. “But as I remember it, I think Serenity came up with that herself. She has a lot of initiative.” She glanced at Stone, pride shining in her eyes.
“Are all of you seriously forgetting Serenity’s childhood dream of being Sherlock Holmes?” Felicity asked, her eyes wide. “If it wasn’t for Bran— uh… her ex… she would have been a PI a long time ago.”
“Sure, but don’t forget her new psychic ability,” my brother Will said. “That sealed the deal. Of course it’s not all fun and games.” He met Stone’s gaze. “Just make sure you’re not hiding any secrets when you hug her.”
“You mean like the time you were eating my homemade chocolates out of the pantry?” Mom glared at Will, then turned to Stone. “I was saving those for Christmas, and I had to get Sen to tell me what had happened to them.”
Will’s eyes widened. “You’re the one who told her?”
“Yeah. She paid me in chocolates.” I shrugged. “What else was I supposed to do?”
“So, Nate.” Felicity jumped in. “Where did you find the stone you gave Gracie?”
“You mean the dragon egg?” Stone glanced at Gracie, who sat at the smaller table with her brother and cousins. She looked up at him and smiled. He winked before continuing. “I’ve always liked rocks.” He shrugged. “It might have something to do with my name.”
Everyone laughed and gave him their undivided attention. “I didn’t know my grand-dad well, but he was always showing me his rock collection. Naturally, I started one of my own. When I was in the Middle East, I came across a few that I brought home. Gracie’s was one of them. It’s a black onyx, and I had it polished; that’s why it’s so smooth.”