Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
When I finish the call, it seems like the storm has passed, leaving an unexpected camaraderie. Tony's sincere charm is a hard shell to crack but ever so authentic. My brothers seem a little more at ease, their initial frosty reception transforming into something more genuine. There’s a vibrancy to this visit that leaves me feeling connected to Tony in a warm, inclusive kind of way.
“Well,” I say, unable to hide my satisfaction as Elliot nods, conceding to some amiable respect for Tony. “I think we’ve all survived this meet and greet with reasonable success.”
Tony meets my eyes with a soft smile. “Absolutely.” His voice is confident, subtly underscoring that there’s nothing he wouldn’t attempt for me.
Elliot claps Tony’s shoulder, the gesture a bit too hard, but his intention friendly. “Guess we’ll see you around, Tony. Just remember what I said about that ditch.”
“I’ll keep my survival instincts sharp,” Tony assures, drawing a laugh from Henry, who’s clearly warming to him.
And just like that, an unexpected bridge has been built, linking two significant parts of my life together. Knowing Tony can hold his own and charm even the most stubborn giants is just one more thing that affirms what I’m beginning to anticipate about us.
As we walk out to the parking lot hand-in-hand, Elliot and Henry say their goodbyes with promises to visit Trick or Treat soon. The encounter feels as satisfying as solving a jigsaw puzzle, each piece aligning in place.
“Think it went well?” Tony asks as we lean against his car, resonating with that familiar, confident humor I’ve grown fond of.
“Well, you’re not in the ditch, so I’d say it went splendidly,” I return with a wink, grateful for his patience and good nature.
He laughs, pulling me into his arms. "And your brothers seem great."
I giggle, the sound melding into the comforting rustle of leaves around us. “They are when they want to be. The rest of the time, they’re a pain in my rear.”
“That’s my job from now on,” he teases and wraps his arms around me as I giggle at the funny look on his face.
Chapter 8
Tony
The glowing jack-o'-lanterns flicker cheerfully along the bar at Trick or Treat, casting warm, inviting shadows, as I prepare for another bustling Friday night. It's been a whirlwind of a week with my little kitty. Every moment we’ve spent together has been filled with laughter, adventure, and those little instances of connection with Kat that make everything feel spectacularly right.
She’s a bright spark that lights up my world, and as I focus on tonight’s events, I can’t help but think how much I’m looking forward to seeing her again.
My anticipation is especially high tonight because her brothers are visiting the bar. I'm hoping to cement the tentative peace we established at the towing company. It’s important that they not only see how much I care about Kat but trust me with her as well.
The bar is alive with the sound of chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the gentle hum of jazz music punctuating the usual bustle. As the evening unfolds, I spot Kat walking in with Elliot and Henry. While the brothers survey the place like it’s a curious museum exhibit, Kat comes over and kisses me.
“Hey, kitten.” I lean my forehead against hers and smile. “I missed you today.”
“I missed you, too.” She wraps her arm around my waist and snuggles close as I turn to greet her brothers with a wave, motioning to seats I saved for them at the bar. “Welcome to Trick or Treat.”
Henry beams, looking intrigued by the place’s festive ambiance, while Elliot maintains a reserved expression. I notice the inner storm brewing in his guarded eyes and wonder what the fuck happened to turn him back into an asshole.
Despite the lively atmosphere, a thread of tension fills the air around us. We exchange brief pleasantries over cold beers before I casually suggest heading to my office, under the pretense of giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the bar.
“Good idea,” Elliot grunts, gesturing to Henry, who follows us curiously as we weave through the throng toward the office at the back. Kat trails behind, her hand brushing reassuringly against mine, grounding me with a touch that feels both familiar and electric.
Once we’re settled in the office, I catch Elliot’s intense gaze, his brow furrowed like he’s about to cross a line of no return.
Before I can fully brace myself, Elliot pivots to face Kat with a serious expression. “Kat, I need to know something.” He pauses, his voice deep with concern as he glares at me over her head. “Did you know Tony used to be in the mafia?”
The words hang in the air like a sudden crack of thunder, jagged and shocking. My heart sinks as I glance at Kat, trying to gauge her reaction. Her eyes widen slightly at the accusation, the revelation landing somewhere between a surprise and a challenge to her trust in me.