Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 66233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“He’s not forcing me.”
“I know, but he’s using the fact that he has money to get what he wants, so he kind of is in a billionaire way.”
“I can pay off my mom’s medical bills with the amount of money he’s giving me,” I whisper, closing my eyes. “She doesn’t talk about it, but I know those bills hanging over her head is a stress she doesn’t need.”
“Penny,” she whispers back, “I get why you’re doing it. I totally get it. But I’m worried about you.”
“Don’t be.” I open my eyes, and when I do, I find Jace standing on the deck with his phone to his ear and his eyes on me. “I’m safe, and it’s just one week. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“You could fall in love with him.”
I snort. “That’s never going to be a problem.”
“I’ve known Jace for five years, and I’ve seen firsthand the amount of hearts he’s broken without even trying.”
“I bet he has, but I’m not an idiot. Even if this situation makes it seem like I am.”
“Promise me that you will not let your soft heart get involved. I know you, Penny. I know you are always trying to rescue everyone. But Jace is…. He’s not the kind of man you can save.”
“I don’t try to rescue everyone.”
“When I thought I couldn’t get pregnant, you offered to carry a baby for me and Jack. And when that guy you work with had to get on the donor list for a kidney, you went to see if you’d be a match. And I know she’s your mom, but you were at every appointment, surgery, and treatment with her since the day she was diagnosed.”
“Anyone would do those things.”
“No, they would not. No one would do all those things, but you would. I know if I needed you to carry my sweet girl, you would have done it. And you would have given up a kidney for someone else too. It’s who you are.”
“None of that matters.” I let out a breath as Jace starts down the stairs of the deck. “I know this isn’t real. I’m not really marrying Jace… or even dating him! As soon as this week is over, our deal is done and we will both go back to life as we knew it.”
“Okay, I’m trusting you to not get yourself hurt.”
“I’m not going to get hurt, but I appreciate you looking out for me.”
“Always, I love you.”
“I love you too, and I promise that everything will be okay.”
“Okay, and if it’s not, I’ll just kill Jace.”
“No killing necessary.” I laugh, then whisper, “Jace is coming, so I’m going to get off the phone.”
“Okay, we’ll talk soon.”
“Soon,” I assure and hang up, and Jace raises a brow as I tuck my cell into the back pocket of my jean shorts.
“Who was that?”
“Christy.”
“She finally checked her voicemail?”
“Yeah.” I wrap my arms around my middle. “Is everything okay?”
“The kid and Grandma are down for a nap. Dad’s getting stuff together to go fishing with Brice, and Mom’s in the kitchen with Haylee, trying to figure out what to make for dinner,” he replies, ticking everyone off on his fingers.
“Are you not going fishing with your dad and your brother?’
“No, that’s not really my thing.”
“Is it that, or is it because you don’t want to spend time alone with your brother?” I dig my nails into my palms as penance for my nosiness, because I do not need to know the answer to that question. “Don’t answer that.”
“So who told you about Haylee?”
“She did.” I glance over at him. “You also could have told me that the ex-girlfriend you mentioned was going to be here and that she married your brother and had a kid with him.
“It was in the notes.”
“Of course it was.” I roll my eyes. “Were you going to give food-poisoning girl longer than a plane ride and a fifteen-minute drive to get all her facts straight?”
“She had a month.”
“I guess that’s good. Not very helpful now… but good.” I pull off my hoodie and take a seat on the end of the dock, then look up and watch him hesitate before he walks over and takes a seat next to me. “So where is everyone else?”
“What?”
“The hundred and thirty-six people who are supposed to be here. Where are they?”
“They get in tomorrow. Mom likes to come a day early.”
“Got it.” I lean back on my elbows and close my eyes, letting the sun warm my skin. “So is there anything else I should know about?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. A secret baby? Old feelings still harbored for your ex? A revenge plot you’ve secretly planned to get back at your brother?” I peek one eye open and look over at him and find his on my chest. Ignoring the internal heat I suddenly feel in my cheeks and lower stomach, I sit up. “I’d just like a heads-up if this weekend is going to turn into a game of Clue.”