Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
A smile forms on my lips as I watch the birthday girl and her friends on a small inflatable castle, clambering all over Kyler. To his credit he’s taking it like the sportsman he is, without any complaint.
“And he really adores her.” Turning to Ally, I take the opportunity to introduce myself to her. “I’m Thea. It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you too. I’ve been bugging Kyler to introduce us when he couldn’t stop talking about you all those months ago, but he always found a reason not to. It’s good to see him happy.”
Her words stick in my mind. The fact Ky told his sister about me before we started dating is like a comforting hug of reassurance working its way through my body, especially as for those first few months, he was a closed book.
“He makes me happy too,” I admit to her. “This is a great party.”
Ally sighs, “I wish I could take the credit, but this is all Kyler. I don’t know how I’ll be able to keep this up when he’s not here to help.”
“He’ll always be here to help, Ally. You’re his family.”
A sad smile forms on Ally’s lips, as if she’s holding on to a secret she’s not yet ready to share. “I hope you’re right.”
“Right about what?” I feel Ky’s arms around me before I see him, and I wonder if he’s taken a timeout from being a human climbing frame because he’s curious about what we’re talking about. Up to now, the only member of his family I’ve met is Lacey, and part of me can’t help but think he’s kept us at a distance because he’s worried about how his mom and sister would act around me.
“About you being the best uncle in the world,” Ally replies, quickly changing the subject, so as not to alert her brother to her worries. “I can’t believe you managed to hire this place. Lacey was beyond excited when she got here. Thank you, Ky.”
“She deserves to have what we didn’t.” My boyfriend doesn’t mince his words with his reply.
“Yes, she does. And on that note, I think it’s time to cut the cake.”
As Ally leaves us to rally up the kids, I take a hold of Ky’s hand and bring it to my mouth, lightly kissing each of his knuckles. “You know she’s right. You’re the best uncle Lacey could have. You’re definitely going to be rewarded for your efforts in your next life.”
A mischievous smile forms on his face and his other hand cusps my neck, bringing me toward him. “I’m more interested to know how I’ll be rewarded in this life.”
His lips meet mine and with a sweep of his tongue, I grant him access. Our kiss starts off chaste, but quickly turns into something little eyes should not be witnessing in broad daylight. Before we get too carried away, I break off and duck my head into his chest. Ky’s chuckle reverberates through me, and he plants a light kiss on the top of my head. “To be continued,” he whispers.
Before I can answer, something catches Ky’s eye and I feel his body tense as he quickly looks up toward the entrance and curses, causing me to turn around. I immediately see the reason for the change: walking toward us is Adam.
“Adam?” I ask, confusion lacing my voice. There’s no reason for him to be here. “What are you doing here?”
“I told you, I needed your help for our meeting.” His demeanor is a far cry from the one in the coffee shop during the week. This Adam isn’t the nervous, chatty person who was asking favors. No, in his place is a cold, sneering businessman, eyes narrowed with determination and mouth in a tense line.
“That meeting was meant to be this morning, you fucker, but you didn’t show.” The anger rolling off Kyler is palpable, and I place a hand on his chest to try and calm him—or at least stop him from lashing out. His fists are already curled at his sides, ready to take action at a moment’s notice.
To his credit, Adam doesn’t get riled by Ky’s comment and ignores him.
“Ky’s right, I waited for you this morning, but you told me the meeting had been postponed.”
“It has,” Adam tells us, “it’s taking place right now.”
I frown because surely he can’t be right. Adam knew I wasn’t available this afternoon so why would he even ask if I could attend it with him? I reiterate this to him again. “I told you I couldn’t go with you this afternoon.”
Adam laughs, a tinge of malice lacing the sound. “You really are clueless, aren’t you Thea?”
This time Ky pushes against my hand and steps forward, leaning into Adam’s space. “Watch your fucking mouth,” he tells him, lips curled and nostrils flaring. The anger is coursing through his body.