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)
“Wow. That’s so cool.” Felicity set down her fork. “So what’s your favorite type of stone?”
“That’s a tricky question. There are three types of stones: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. I tend to like gemstones the most because they’re pretty and have the most value. Gemstones are usually igneous rocks that are mostly found in areas where magma cools and crystallizes, deep in the Earth’s crust.”
My brows rose. Wow. He really did know his rocks.
Felicity nodded. “Gemstones. Like diamonds. Yeah. I like those the best too. What’s the most unusual stone you have in your collection?”
Stone shrugged. “The most unusual? I don’t know. I like black stones the most because they’re so rare. With that in mind, I have one that’s called a Shungite. But I’d really like to get my hands on a black opal. They’re rare… and extremely expensive.”
“I have an opal my brother gave me,” Mom said. “He brought it home from Australia.”
A squeal came from the kid’s table, and Will’s wife, Emma, told her kids they had to finish their food if they wanted any cake. A few minutes later, the kids scattered to play in the yard, and my mom left to get the cake, while we cleaned up the table.
As we threw our paper plates in the garbage, I caught Stone’s arm. “Sorry about all the questions.”
He grinned. “I enjoyed it. Not too many people like to hear about rocks.”
“That’s true, but I don’t think you’re off the hook yet. If I know my brother, he’ll corner you for sure. If you want, we can leave right after Gracie opens her presents.”
“And miss the cake?”
“Well… no. But after that.”
Stone placed his hands on my shoulders. “I’m fine, Sen. Don’t worry about me. We can stay as long as you want.”
My lips twisted at his use of my nickname. “If you say so, Nate. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.”
He chuckled and put his arm around me before we stepped back to the table. I didn’t even try to stop him. It was hard not to believe he meant it. Could my heart get any bigger without bursting out of my chest? I couldn’t stop a goofy grin from spreading over my face. I caught Felicity watching me and tried to wipe it off, but she sent me a raised brow and a knowing dip of her head.
Mom brought out the cake, and we all sang to Gracie. She had to compete with the other kids to blow out her candles, but managed to get them out with the first try.
After eating our cake and ice cream, the presents came next, followed by all the kids running off to play. I went inside to help Felicity clean up. As I washed the plates, I glanced out the window and noticed that my brother had cornered Stone. “Ugh.” I rolled my eyes. “Can’t they just lay off him?”
Felicity glanced up to see them talking and shrugged. “You can’t blame Will after what Brandon pulled. But I wouldn’t worry. Your man is like testosterone in a bottle. I’m a little surprised that Will would even dare.”
I glared at her. “He’s not my man.”
Her brows rose. “Yeah. Right.” Her gaze moved to the window. “Uh-oh.”
“What?” I glanced up to find my dad joining Will.
“They’ve ganged up on him.”
I closed my eyes. “I didn’t want Stone to come, but he insisted.”
“Your text said he was a client.” Her brows dipped. “Is that true? He made it sound like you’ve been dating for at least a little while.”
My shoulders slumped and I let out a sigh. “Yeah, he’s the twenty-four-seven client.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened, and she gazed out at him again. “I don’t think I’d complain about that situation.” She paused. “You two have some serious chemistry though. Have you…?” She raised her eyebrows at me.
“No.”
“You’ve at least kissed him though, right? He seems like he really likes you.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, a blush heating my face.
“Oh, you have!” She gave a small squeal.
“Shut up.” I widened my eyes at her. “It was… I wasn’t thinking.” I didn’t want to tell her about the vision, about how much danger he was in. Or how much danger I was in because of this job. “We just, sort of… kissed.”
“Oh, I get it. It was an accident. You both just turned around at the same time and your lips touched, huh? Kind of like Tommy in second grade?”
“Shut up!” I flicked water at her.
She laughed and flicked me back. After our mini water fight, we finally settled down and got back to the dishes.
“Well, either way, it’s been fun having him here. And that gift was really thoughtful.”
I sighed. “Yeah, I guess. But, did you hear what mom said?”
She chuckled. “Yeah… I did. She obviously sees the same thing that I do.”