Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“Oh, for the guys would be amazing. They’d never expect that,” Remi said excitedly. Carlee quickly echoed her decision.
“Okay. I’ll put my thinking cap on and experiment a bit. Blade mentioned me coming to dinner at the clubhouse. I’ll admit I’m nervous to be around so many new people,” Sapphire confessed.
“You’re going to love everyone. The guys look fierce, but…,” Remi started.
“We promised not to share with anyone that they’re really big softies,” Carlee finished for her. “Now, you’re in on the secret too. You can’t tell.”
“Oh, I’d never,” Sapphire promised. “Do you suppose their women will be okay with me?”
“For sure,” Carlee assured her confidently. “Really, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
“As long as Blade doesn’t dump me after meeting my cousins on Sunday,” Sapphire told them.
“Blade can handle anyone,” Remi said with a grin.
“That sounds dangerous,” Sapphire said.
“Blade never comes unarmed. People are always worried about all those weapons. That’s not the most dangerous thing about Blade though,” Carlee shared.
“We’ll expect a full report when we see you at the clubhouse,” Remi said as she picked up her heavy bag of purchases. “Thank you for your beautiful work. I can’t wait to show Kade.”
“And Atlas,” Carlee added.
As the two women headed for the door, Carlee asked, “I’m trying to figure out what to wear first to flaunt these pieces.”
“Maybe nothing. That would get Atlas’s attention,” Remi suggested.
When the door closed, cutting off their giggles, Sapphire hugged herself. She enjoyed them so much. They were like her, only completely different. Now, she couldn’t wait to meet the others.
You just have to get through the barbecue.
Sapphire sobered at that reminder. She’d need to take something super delicious to distract everyone. Picking up the phone, she called the bakery just a few doors down and ordered a favorite dessert. Maybe an avalanche of whipped cream would smooth over the digs that her cousins constantly seemed to make.
“Relax, Blue Eyes. It’s going to be okay. I promise I won’t chew with my mouth open or double dip.”
“If they’re nasty, we never have to spend time with them again,” Sapphire promised.
“What I don’t understand is why you see them now if they’re this unpleasant?” Blade asked.
“Their mother was my dad’s twin. She was the sweetest woman on the planet. You know, one of those people you can’t believe is actually real because they are so good. She passed away in her twenties when my cousins were young. Everyone always excuses all the bad things they say because they lost their mother so early.”
“Seems to me your aunt is probably spinning in her grave. They’re so awful.”
Sapphire wanted to disagree but had to nod. “I don’t remember her a lot, but I think you’re right. She wouldn’t have approved.” She met his gaze directly and added, “It’s best just to ignore their comments. It’s not worth arguing with them.”
Blade pulled her close in a comforting hug before leaning back to tell her, “Sweetheart, I don’t care what they say about me. I’m a grown-ass man who carves attackers into small pieces. They can’t hurt me. What I won’t stand for is if they speak negatively about you. I will never allow that.”
“It’s okay, Blade. I really don’t want you to stand up for me.”
“It’s not okay. And that won’t happen. I won’t do anything unless they target you. Then, I’ll finish it.”
“You don’t need to do that,” Sapphire assured him. “I have thick skin.”
“Motorcycle or car?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Motorcycle.” She loved feeling the wind over her skin. Getting to the barbecue on the bike might be her only enjoyment during the entire visit. “Oh, but we have the trifle.”
“What’s a trifle?” he asked, appearing confused.
“It’s a layered dessert with cake, fruit, and whipped cream. Completely delicious.”
“That does sound good. Show me the dish. If you have a box the right size, we can strap it on the tail of the bike. Or we can take your car,” Blade reminded her.
In a few minutes, they’d located a hard-sided cooler where the trifle dish wrapped in a soft towel fit perfectly. With a few small ice packs slid underneath the elevated dish, it would travel safely.
“That works great. It will stay cool while it’s out on the table.” Sapphire cheered.
“Go put some jeans on under that dress, Little girl. If there’s an accident, I don’t want you to be unprotected.”
“That will look ridiculous, Blade.”
“Daddy,” he reminded her sternly. “I’ve seen skin ripped off by the gravel on the road. You’re not riding on my bike without coverage. You can shimmy off the jeans when we get there. No one will know.”
“Not happening.” Sapphire didn’t understand why she was choosing this issue to make her stand. Somehow it was important to her that Blade realized he didn’t get to order her around.
“Then we take your car.”