Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30802 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
I make a face.
“Eeew, that’s gross. Does he have white hairs sticking out of his nose?”
Jane shrugs.
“Probably, but Gray’s not like that. Gray Jamison is super hot.”
I feign indifference again.
“Yeah, but he’s my dad’s business partner, and I’ve known him since I was a baby. It’s not going to happen, Jane.”
My friend merely shrugs, unbothered.
“Kombuchaid is very successful, girly. You guys are rolling in dough, which means Gray is rolling in dough too. Plus, Gray doesn’t have a family or alimony to pay like your dad, which means he gets to keep all of his money. I mean, you guys got super rich when he and your dad founded Kombuchaid. Don’t you want a wealthy man? It’s a win-win, if I ever heard of one.”
I roll my eyes.
“Jane, don’t be so materialistic. Oh my god, this is Gray Jamison we’re talking about! Plus, it’s still inappropriate. Gray is like an uncle to me, and that would be so gross.”
But even as I say the words, a shiver runs down my spine because I’ve had a crush on him since what feels like forever. I think it started when I was about sixteen because I was reading a romance novel where the hero looked just like Gray. They had the same black hair, piercing blue eyes, and rugged build. So the hero in my book is a Scottish Highlander wearing a kilt with nothing underneath, but more than once, I’ve dreamed of seeing Gray with nothing but a kilt on. I’d love to run my hands over those huge thighs, and see them clench as I put my mouth on …
“Harlow? Hello, Earth to Harlow?” Jane asks, waving a hand in front of my face.
I snap out of it.
“What? Sorry.”
“Uh huh. I see that look on your face when I bring him up,” she teases me. “You like Gray Jamison, admit it.”
I set my sushi box aside and stick my tongue out at her.
“Stop, Jane. He’s my uncle. That’s really disgusting.”
She shakes her head.
“No, it’s not. You guys aren’t biologically related at all, and I think this summer is a great time to get to know your Uncle Gray. Especially since your dad isn’t going to be around,” she teases mercilessly.
I roll my eyes.
“Oh my god, you’re so bad. Are you done yet? I need some shut eye.”
My friend giggles.
“Trying to change the topic? Did I hit a little too close to home?” But then she yawns. “Guess I am tired,” she sighs. My buddy snuggles under the blankets and says, “Goodnight, Mrs. Jamison” before closing her eyes angelically.
I nail her with my pillow, and we have a good giggle, before we both lay down again. It’s nice to have an old-fashioned sleepover, and before long, I hear my friend’s trademark snores. We always share my king-size bed when she comes over so we can gossip ourselves to sleep. I flop on my back to face the ceiling, wondering what this summer is going to bring, and unbidden, my mind wanders dangerously close to Gray.
I try to keep him out of my mind, but with the marketing internship coming up, I’m sure I’ll see him at work. Oh hell, I hope I don’t make a fool of myself in front of him. I don’t start until next week, so it shouldn’t be bothering me now, but what do I wear? A nice, business-like dress? Or maybe a pantsuit? I don’t even own a pantsuit, come to think of it.
Then, my mind drifts to Gray again. He’s so gorgeous, with his dark hair and intense blue eyes. He must work out like a fiend because his chest is muscular, and he’s got broad shoulders that used to give me piggyback rides.
Piggyback rides? I really have gone off the deep end. I sigh to myself while staring at the ceiling. The sky mural over my bed used to bring me some sense of peace, but now, all I envision is Gray. His hot breath on my neck. His lips on my cheek. His lips down there. I’ve dreamed of him on top of me so many times, and my eyes slip closed in a sensual fantasy.
Before I know it, my hand slides into the waistband of my pajama shorts. Gray is always so in-shape, and it’s utterly delicious. He has the toned form of a volleyball player: tall, with enough muscle to fill out his custom-tailored suits, but not by any means muscularly cartoonish. My fingertips circle downwards but as they drift lower, Jane snorts in her sleep. Oh shit! I forgot my friend was here. The spell is broken, and I give up on my self-care quest, thanks to Miss Cuesta.
Besides, I’m sure Gray still thinks of me as a dorky little nuisance with pigtails and scraped knees. I was never one of those ladylike girls; I loved to play around and get dirty. My mom hated that I was never petite, graceful and lithe, like her. Her scolding always made me feel bad about myself, and to my relief, my parents divorced a long time ago.