Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 62620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 313(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 313(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
On paper, Theo looks like a fantastic potential mentor.
He’s been in several long-term relationships, has an easy confidence that makes me think he likely knows what he’s doing in the bedroom, and is clearly interested. He’s barely taken his eyes off me since he joined Nora and me in line, even when Nora got really excited about the glasses of mead the waiters were handing out to sip while we wait, and nearly bounced her boobs out of her dress again.
But Theo’s gaze didn’t stray. If anything, his attention grew even more fixed on my mouth as I sipped my mead and licked the honeyed liquid off my bottom lip.
I would bet my next paycheck that Theo wants to kiss me.
There’s only one problem—Theo McGuire isn’t Christian McGuire and for some stupid reason my body still wants Christian. Even though Christian made it clear that he thinks I’m a ridiculous virgin whose attempts at seduction sound more like a fart joke than quality dirty talk.
He was so repulsed by the thought of sleeping with me that he ran away from me and seems to have vanished from the fair. He’s probably off banging a woman who doesn’t have an ancient hymen and questionable flirting skills without a care in the world.
So really, I’m practically obligated to bang Theo.
Or at least kiss him. Just to see if there might be something there. Sparks don’t always sizzle right away. Sometimes you have to give the flame a little kindling to get the fire started.
In the name of kindling things along with Theo I rest my hand on his arm as I say, “No way, Daddy’s Home 2 is the best Will Ferrell movie. Hands down.”
“What? Are you feeling okay?” Theo reaches up, resting the back of his hand on my forehead. There are zero tingles, but the feel of his cool hand against my forehead isn’t repulsive, either, which I decide to take as a good sign. “You seem to be feverish. It’s clearly a tie for best movie between Elf and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.”
“No way,” I say, laughing as I playfully guide his hand away. “Daddy’s Home 2 is awesome. It’s funny and cringy and heartwarming.”
“And horrible,” he counters. “Elf is heartwarming without the horrible. If you’re going for heartwarming, that’s the obvious choice.”
“Guess we’ll have to agree to disagree,” I say, holding his gaze as he steps closer.
“Or we could do a rewatch at my place.” He glances past me to Nora, who has been pretending to be very absorbed in something on her phone as she sips her mead, giving Theo and I space to chat. “You could come too, Nora. I have a giant couch in my movie room in the basement. Plenty of room for everyone.”
Nora looks up. “Oh, thank you, but I should head home after the banquet. My brother doesn’t know Gram’s pre-bedtime routine as well as I do. I want to make sure he doesn’t forget any of her medications.” She glances my way, giving me a quick wink before she adds, “But you two should go. A movie night sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a day at the fair.”
Theo beams a hopeful grin my way. “What do you think? We could start with Daddy’s Home 2, let you point out the brilliant parts I’ve apparently missed in my viewings thus far?”
“Theo, what’s up, man?” a deep voice booms seconds before Christian stumbles into the small space between us, forcing Theo and I to take a step back to avoid having our toes stomped.
Christian throws his arms around Theo, pulling him in for a hug so tight, the shorter man is lifted completely off his feet. Theo grunts as his face starts to turn red.
“It’s been too long, cousin,” Christian continues. “What the hell have you been up to? We missed you at the last family disco.”
“I had a big project at work,” Theo grunts, his face veering out of the red zone into purple as he wheezes, “Could you put me down, Chris? I need oxygen.”
“Oh sure, sorry,” Christian slurs, setting Theo down with a laugh before turning bleary eyes my way, his grin widening. “I see you met Starling. Isn’t she the b-best?” he asks, ending with a loud hiccup.
“Are you drunk?” I hiss, glancing toward the tent where the rest of the serving staff is hurrying to open the feast in a few minutes. “I thought you were working for your sister tonight?”
Christian waves a loose hand through the air. “I had a few beers after the jousting, but it’s fine. Melissa won’t care. I’m just bartending.” He executes a painfully slow wink. “People like a fun bartender.”
“Do they now?” I ask dryly, imagining all the ways Melissa is going to kill him. Melissa and I aren’t close, but I know her well enough to realize that beneath her fun-loving, bubbly exterior beats the heart of a no-nonsense businesswoman who takes zero shit from her employees—even if those employees happen to be family.