Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Asshole.
“So, Vegas?” I ask, letting my gaze rip slowly from Foxx as I turn to my brother. “Or Gannon has that place in Aspen. I could go there.”
“Actually, I think Foxx might be right,” he says.
“What?” I laugh in disbelief. “May I remind both of you that Foxx doesn’t even want to work with me? Yet you’re suggesting I stay with him for how long? A few days? A week?” I laugh again. “What’s wrong with you, Jason?”
He shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “You’re already here. And if something does pop off, I want you with Foxx. I trust him more than anyone in the world.”
“Nothing is going to pop off. I assure you that you’re overreacting.”
“Great. Then enjoy the beach vacation, Bianca. But don’t fight me on this. This is the right thing to do, and you know it.”
I sit again and hold my head in my hands. How in the world did I get into this mess?
I want to argue my point—inform Jason that I am going home with him and there’s nothing he can do about it. But Jason doesn’t overreact. If he’s insisting I stay put, it’s for a reason.
But staying with Foxx? Spending a few days with him, alone, in his house, I presume, sounds like heaven … or hell.
Probably hell.
“Please do this for me,” Jason says, touching my shoulder. “I really need to get to the airport, and we need you to be safe—just until we have a better handle on Dad’s intentions.”
I suck in a long, deep breath. “Okay. I guess. I … Jason …”
He gives me a quick hug, shakes Foxx’s hand, and then bolts for the door.
I steady my breath and try to gather my wits.
The community center is empty, save for a few people picking up trash and sweeping the floor. I look around the building, letting the events of the past few minutes soak in. When I finally find the strength to look up at my new roommate, he’s standing behind me with a twinkle in his eye.
“What?” I ask, deadpan.
“Looks like you’re my official business now.”
With that, he turns for the exit.
Great. Just great.
CHAPTER 3
Bianca
The streets of Kismet Beach are adorable. Sidewalks are dusted with white sand. Buildings are painted the prettiest pastels, and windsocks dangle from many of the porches that face the main drag through town. It’s all a compliment to the main attraction—the Atlantic Ocean just a street away.
I rest the side of my head against the window as Foxx pulls the truck to a stop. A woman and small child pass in front of us, waving from the walkway. Foxx raises his fingers off the steering wheel in the most basic form of a wave possible. Once they’re safely on the other side of the street, the truck roars to life once again.
It’s been ten minutes since I followed him out of the community center. He’s not said a single word. I haven’t said anything either—mostly out of defiance.
My phone buzzes in my lap, breaking the silence in the cab.
I look at the screen to find our family group chat alive and well.
Jason: Leaving the airport shortly.
Renn: Be safe.
Gannon: Security has been increased at all Brewer properties.
Ripley: I’m with Mom. Walking into meetings with attorneys.
Tate: Where’s Bianca?
Jason: Florida.
Tate:
Jason: She’s staying with Foxx.
Tate: Bet she hates that.
I fight a grin and tap out my reply.
Me: I’m on this thread, you know.
Gannon: We’ll keep in contact. If I need anything here, I’ll call, Bianca.
Tate: Have fun, you little rascal.
Jason: Treat it like a vacation.
Tate: Oh, I’m sure she’s going to get a little … rest.
Jason: Can you just … not?
I snort. Damn you, Tate.
My youngest brother and I have had more than a couple of conversations about Foxx. He’s the only one out of my siblings who I can truly be open with about things like men. That’s probably because he’s done so many debauched things that he can’t possibly judge me. On the same note, you can’t get anything past him when it comes to things even remotely involving sex.
Tate and I can walk into a full room. Within two seconds, I can find the single person wearing Oud Wood cologne. In the same amount of time, Tate can determine who’s fucking and who wants to hook up.
Me: Feel free to come down and hang out with me, Tate. I’m sure I’ll be tired of talking to myself by morning.
Tate: I’m sure you’ll manage.
I laugh softly at my brother’s reply.
“Everything okay?” Foxx asks, side-eyeing me.
I win.
Me: Love you guys.
I set my phone on my lap. It dings five times in quick succession. That sound makes me smile.
“Yeah, everything is fine,” I say. “Jason is leaving the airport soon. He was letting us know.”
Foxx regrips the steering wheel.