Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
She wrinkled her nose. “You find my freckles sexy? They’re annoying.”
“Nope. Totally sexy.”
Color fused her face. “You’re just being sweet.”
“Never. Telling the truth. I find them fascinating.”
She picked up her plate and carried it to the sink. “Then you need to find a better hobby.”
But she was smiling as she left the room.
And there were no nightmares that night.
The next day, I worked in the garage, grateful when we were done ahead of schedule and I could go home. The place was bustling when I got there. Gabby and Charly were working in the living room, waving as I went by. I was shocked when I went to my room, finding my furniture already in the middle of it and my walls ready to be painted. I turned and found Hannah leaning on the door, grinning. “We got it ready.”
“I don’t want you to hurt yourself moving furniture.”
She laughed. “I’m stronger than I look, Chase. I’m fine.” She winked, teasing me. “Don’t worry, I didn’t riffle through your drawers and find the hidden porn stash. I tried, but you must hide it well.”
I gaped, and her eyes widened. “I was kidding, Chase. I’m sorry…”
I started to laugh. She joined me. “You brat.”
I had to sling my arm over her shoulder and pull her in for a hug. “I use the internet now for porn, Cinnamon. I don’t buy magazines.”
Now it was her turn to gape. Then we both laughed, enjoying a moment of levity together.
“Seriously, thank you. I’m shocked how much you have done already.”
“Get into your painting clothes and grab some food. Everyone will eat, and then we’ll split off to divide and conquer.”
I pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Awesome.”
I was tugging my T-shirt down as I walked into the kitchen and met the hazel eyes of a pretty woman who was busy setting out food. I stuck out my hand. “Hi, I’m Chase. You must be a friend of Hannah’s. Thanks for doing this.”
She began to laugh, tossing her braid over her shoulder. She was short and curvy. Her hair was red, but not like Charly’s brilliant hue. It wasn’t as light as Hannah’s either. More of a rusty auburn color. She was older but not much. Her smile was wide and familiar. So were the freckles on her nose and cheeks. “Friends, yes,” she murmured. “But a bit closer. I’m Cherry Gallagher.”
“Hi, Cherry,” I responded. Then I paused. “Wait. Gallagher?”
Hannah walked in. “Oh, good. You met my mom.”
I gaped at her. “Your mom?” I looked between them, seeing the similarity now. “That is your mom?”
They laughed, sounding quite a bit alike in their amusement. “Yes, that is my mom.”
Cherry smiled, the resemblance striking. “I had Hannah young.”
“No shit,” I mumbled.
Dom walked in, carrying a case of beer and another one of pop. He stopped, frozen for a moment, his gaze focused on Cherry, then he shook his head and set down the cans. “I, ah, brought refreshments.”
I looked at Cherry, who stared at Dom. His frank appraisal of her was almost embarrassing. Her return of the same gaze was surprising. Then he held out his hand. “Dom,” he said in his deep baritone. “Dom Salvatore.”
“Hi,” Cherry murmured. “Cherry Gallagher. I’m Hannah’s—”
He cut her off. “Older sister.”
“…mother,” she finished.
He blew out a whistle. “Impossible.”
“I assure you, I am.”
“They don’t make mothers like you where I come from.”
She blushed, and I looked between them, feeling as if I should leave them alone. I glanced at Hannah, who was watching, as fascinated as I was.
Cherry tossed her hair. “Then you’ve lived a sheltered life.”
He grinned, the movement changing his countenance. His eyes crinkled, and he looked younger. Almost relaxed. “I guess I need to expand my horizons.” He crossed his arms. “Maybe you could help me with that—” he paused, rubbing his bottom lip and staring at her “—Cherry Gallagher.”
She lifted her eyebrows. “I wouldn’t hold my breath, Mr. Salvatore.”
He grinned again, playful. “We’ll see about that.”
He was still grinning as she swept past him. “I’ll go tell the girls to come get something to eat.”
He spun on his heel and followed her. “I’ll make sure she finds them.”
I looked at Hannah, who was wide-eyed and shocked. “What was that?”
“I’m not sure. But I think it’s going to be interesting.”
Hannah began to laugh. “I hope he’s prepared. She is stubborn, independent, and knows her mind.”
“Hmm, I wondered where you got that from.”
She laughed and slapped my arm. “Stop it. Help me with the food so we can get back to painting.”
I assisted her as best I could since I had no clue about what she was doing. She knew where everything went. What dishes belonged where. What utensil was needed. I just handed her things. It seemed safer.
“You might want to separate those two,” I muttered as her mom came back in, Dom following. “Or get a hose.”