Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“You can have next Friday off,” I say, so he’ll have one less thing to worry about.
A smile brightens his face again, and he lets out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Don’t worry too much about the meeting. You and Josh will make great parents.”
“You’re the best boss in New York,” he says as he gets up.
“Only in New York?” I joke with my PA.
Rolling his eyes, Easton heads out the door, leaving me to check the new requests.
Chapter 2
Lillian
Wow. Miracles still happen.
I can’t stop smiling as I sit down at an open table. I’ve been coming to this Starbucks for three years, and the barista, Eddie, always remembers the regulars' names. Everyone’s but mine.
I’ve been called Julian, Gillian, Ian – everything but Lillian.
But today, he finally got it right.
I can’t help but steal a glance at the handsome man who was standing behind me in line. When I accidentally dropped my phone and we both crouched down to pick it up, I got an up-close view of his dark blond hair and perfect features. The man is a dead ringer for Jensen Ackles. If it weren’t for his bright blue eyes, I’d be willing to bet good money that I just came face-to-face with Jensen himself.
It was enough to weaken my knees and make my stomach buzz with sudden attraction.
I’m not the only one staring. Every woman in the near vicinity has their eyes on him.
My gaze follows the impressive man as he walks past the window and disappears from my sight.
Damn, he’s one fine specimen. All broad shoulders with an immaculate suit that’s clearly been tailored to his muscled body.
Plus, he has a strong…no…dominant aura vibrating from him. He’s probably used to being a leader and having people do his bidding.
Still, it was kind of him to pick up my phone.
Taking a sip of my beverage, I let out a satisfied sigh as I continue to stare out of the window.
I hear two women seated near me laughing and feel a flicker of loneliness.
Even though I have family, friends, and a job I enjoy, I always feel alone because none of the people in my life make an effort to keep in contact with me. If I don’t reach out first, I never hear from them.
My mother will contact me eventually, but it won’t be out of concern. It will be because she feels offended I haven’t called her.
It sucks being the one who always has to text and call first, but I do it because I don’t want to be totally alone in this godforsaken world.
Life has taught me if I’m out of sight, I’m out of mind. Forgettable. That’s the word I’d use to describe myself. Not out of self-pity but because of how people make me feel.
I suppress a sigh and enjoy a sip of my latte as I glance at the two women to my left. They look like they could be best friends…or sisters. The smiles on their faces make the corners of my mouth curve up.
“If you don’t tell me about last night, I’m going to pour my hot chocolate over your head,” the platinum blonde threatens with a playful expression.
“Okay…so…I wore the red dress we decided on,” the brunette replies before letting out a little shriek. “Everyone’s eyes were on me. Especially Jeff’s. He had a sour look on his face all night long.”
“Eat your heart out, Jeff,” the platinum blonde mutters. “Serves him right for trying his luck with you while he’s married. Such a sleazeball move. I pity his wife.” She leans forward. “Let’s get to the juicy part. What was your date like?”
The brunette sets her cup down and gives her friend an elated look. “Jess, the man was drop-dead gorgeous and so polite. He had everyone he talked to eating out of his hand.” She raises her eyebrows. “I might be in love.”
The platinum blonde, Jess, lets out a chuckle while shaking her head at her friend. “I told you hiring a date is worth the enormous amount you have to pay. Was I right, or was I right?”
The brunette relaxes back in her chair. “You were right. It was worth every penny.” She tilts her head and thinks for a moment, then adds, “These days, when I go on a date, I never know what I’m going to get. It was nice having a conversation with a man, knowing I was in full control and safe.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “And it didn’t hurt that he was handsome and gave me all his attention. It was nice to feel special.”
“Now you understand why I always hire my dates for special events from The Perfect Gentleman,” Jess says.
The Perfect Gentleman. Hmm…
I’m so engrossed in the conversation between the two women that before I know it, my latte is finished.