Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
“How was lunch?” she shrieked, planting her hands on her hips. “Is that all you have to say to me after disappearing for an entire night with that…that…thug?”
I set my book to the side with a sigh, then shifted positions so that I was sitting cross-legged—and she didn’t have quite as much of a height advantage. “I told you who was picking me up, Mom. That thug, as you called him, was Eli.”
“Elias Prescott III is in a gang?” she asked, her eyes wide.
“The Hounds of Hellfire aren’t a gang, Mother. They’re a motorcycle club,” I corrected, my voice thick with irritation. “One with members like Eli, who’s a lawyer. And two doctors who I haven’t met yet. I don’t think that thug accurately describes men who’ve earned medical degrees and juris doctorates. Do you?”
“Well, I never,” she huffed, twisting her hands together. “A senator’s son in a motorcycle club? That’s ridiculous.”
“Eli is more than his father’s son.” And I was more than my mother’s daughter, but I didn’t voice that thought because the only thing that would accomplish was making her even more angry.
“Now you’re being ridiculous,” she chided. “That boy grew up with all the advantages anyone could ask for, and he walked away from it for a motorcycle club of all things?”
Eli had left his family behind way before he prospected for the Hounds, but that was his story to tell. Not mine. And my parents had to earn the right to hear it—something I worried would never happen with their deeply ingrained biases against everyone they saw as beneath them.
“That boy is a thirty-three-year-old man,” I pointed out.
“Well, hopefully he comes to his senses now that he’s dating a nice girl like you.” She smoothed the material of her skirt. “A summer wedding next year with a senator in attendance would do wonders for your father’s next mayoral campaign.”
I narrowed my eyes and shook my head. “It’s way too soon to be talking about getting married.”
“Not if you’re spending the entire night out with him,” she chided, wagging her finger. “Remember…men won’t want to buy the cow if you’re giving them the milk for free.”
Was it any wonder that I’d still been a virgin when I got advice like that from her since I was twelve?
As soon as she trotted back out of my room, I grabbed my cell and typed out a text. I had no idea if Eli would see it anytime soon, but I was desperate.
Me
I really wish I’d waited for you at the clubhouse. No matter how long you’re gone.
It was a while before he responded, but at least I’d been able to avoid my mother and finish my book during that time.
Eli
Head to my house, and I’ll meet you there soon.
His offer was a big deal, especially coming from the man who’d told me that he’d never brought a woman there before.
Me
I don’t remember how to get there and wouldn’t be able to get in.
He sent me a pin with the address, followed by another text.
Eli
Door has an electronic lock. Added a code for you. 0720 followed by the # symbol.
That was a number I could easily remember since it was my birthday. I didn’t know how he knew when it was, same as I never found out how he got my phone number. But I was impressed by the thought he’d put into choosing a code that meant something to me.
Me
Thank you.
Those two words weren’t enough to express my gratitude, so I’d just have to come up with a better way when I saw him. Preferably one that involved me stripping that sexy suit from his even sexier body.
After tossing a few things into a weekender bag, I grabbed my purse, keys, and phone. Then I headed out the door, calling, “I’m going to see the man you’re hoping will propose soon, Mom.”
“If you spend the night again, be sure to set an alarm so you can put on your face before he wakes up.”
Since I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen her without makeup, I wasn’t surprised by the suggestion. But I was stunned that she didn’t lecture me about being home at a decent hour—probably because she was holding out hope that Eli would reconcile with his parents and give her something to brag about at the country club.
Whatever the reason, I took the win. And right on its heels came another since Eli pulled into his driveway right behind me in a Mercedes my father would appreciate. He shot me a sexy smile when he climbed out of the driver’s side and flung his suit coat over his shoulder. “Hey, baby girl. Thought for sure you’d beat me here. Seems I forgot to account for how long it’d take you to drive over.”
“Considering the little show you’re putting on for me.” I gestured down the length of his tall body. “I think my timing was perfect.”