Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“Of course it is,” I say in a soothing voice. “And I hope from the bottom of my heart that your aunt gets better soon. But maybe this whole thing was just a nothing-burger. After all, life is quiet here in Allentown, and you know what happens then. People start seeing UFOs, not to mention monsters and aliens in their bathtubs.”
“No way, girl!” Mandy giggles. “I don’t see a monster in my bathtub. I see it in my bathroom mirror every morning because I’ve gained ten pounds recently, and I swear, I have no idea where the weight came from!”
I let out a silent sigh of relief because at least I’ve distracted my friend from the current topic. Even better, I’ve planted a seed in my buddy’s mind. I’ve cast doubt on the veracity of her Aunt Emily’s tale, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to keep Killian’s secret safe.
Plus, in my heart of hearts, I know this is the right thing to do because it’s obvious that Killian values his privacy. I’ve known my dad’s best friend since forever, and yet the rumors didn’t start circulating until Killian hit the dating scene. That means that he made an effort to keep things under wraps in order to preserve his privacy, not to mention sanity.
But now, I want to hear the story from Killian’s lips. The bell to the store tinkles at that moment, and who but Killian strides in, looking very handsome. He’s always been tall, but it seems that his dark head almost touches the ceiling today. Not only that, but he’s clad casually in a black jacket that highlights his broad shoulders and wide chest, as well as blue jeans that emphasize the long length of his legs. I’ve always known that Killian is drop-dead gorgeous, but for some reason, I’m seeing him with new eyes now. The older man resembles a movie star with those patrician features and charming smile, and I wonder why I didn’t realize it sooner.
“Hey,” he says in greeting, striding over to where I sit. “How are you, sweetheart?”
At that moment, none other than Wissam, the proprietor, comes bustling over.
“Mr. Jerome!” he greets in an unctuous tone while doing a half-bow. “So nice to see you again! How can I help you?”
I look at Killian with surprise because I had no idea that my dad’s best friend shops at a gentlemen’s clothing store. I guess it makes sense because he has to buy clothes from somewhere, but I figured it was on-line from Amazon, or maybe the Gap or BR. It never occurred to me that Killian might patronize a fancy men’s boutique.
“Thanks Wissam, but I’m just browsing today. Plus, I have my personal stylist with me, so we’re in good hands,” Killian says with a sideways grin at me. “Wissam, meet Leah Hughes. You know Jimmy Hughes, right? This is his daughter.”
Wissam practically claps his hands with delight.
“Of course I know Jimmy! Please give Mr. Hughes my greetings, and of course, you’re welcome here, Miss Hughes. Can I get you tea or coffee as you browse my humble establishment?”
I shake my head, shocked that my dad shops here as well.
“Um, no thanks. I’m good.”
“I’m good too,” Killian growls. “Thanks anyways, Wissam.”
“Of course!” the proprietor chirps. “Let me know if you need help. I’m always at your assistance.”
Then, the store owner scurries away, and Killian and I are left to ourselves. Wissam’s Haberdashery isn’t huge. It’s maybe only nine hundred square feet, but it’s done up in rich mahogany wood with lush carpets, and packed to the gills with men’s clothing and accessories. It’s kind of like a Ralph Lauren on steroids, what with the fancy watch case in one corner, and a selection of hats in another.
“I didn’t know you shopped here,” I say, eyeing a colorful selection of scarves. “I didn’t know my dad did either. I was pretty sure that Jimmy only shops at Target and Amazon for clothes.”
Killian chuckles while gently guiding me to the back of the store where we have some privacy. In fact, there are so many racks of clothing and accessories that they create a wall of sorts, hushed and quiet.
“There’s a lot about me that you don’t know,” Killian says in a wry voice. “There’s a lot you don’t know about your father too.”
I shoot him a sharp look while pretending to browse through some blazers.
“Really? I guess so, although I don’t want to know that much about my dad, to be honest. He is my dad after all, so let Jimmy keep his secrets. But I want to know about you, Killian. How did you get to where you are, brandishing your … uh, well, your you-know-whats,” I end in a lame voice.
Killian shoots me a sideways grin while pretending to browse through a tray of ties.