Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“Jesus,” I whisper. “Stop it.” He keeps laughing and grabs my hand, pulling me with him as we climb the steps.
His mom stands waiting, hands on her hips, wearing stylish black slacks, heels, and a deep sapphire top.
“Mother, this is Alexandrea. Alexandrea, this is my mother, Natalie.” His eyes twinkle as she points at him.
“You’re late.” Her blue eyes narrow as she looks at him, then me. I’m startled by how much Brett resembles her.
She swats at him, and he hugs her, planting a kiss on top of her dark bob.
“Your baby boy has arrived.”
She laughs and shakes her head at him, but you can tell she’s crazy about him. Turning to me, she smiles.
Good God, I’m completely underdressed. My outfit screams beach chic, not elegant sophistication. Then again, Brett is wearing jeans and a light blue T-shirt, so maybe it’s just his mom who dresses up.
“Welcome. I’m so delighted to meet you.” She gives Brett a sassy look of approval and my whole body relaxes. Mrs. Powers may look intimidating, but her energy is wonderful.
“So nice to meet you, Mrs. Powers. Your house is gorgeous.” I smile as I hold out my hand to shake hers.
“Oh, call me Natalie.”
She escorts me inside. Briefly, I turn to look back at Brett, then face forward, blinking at the large foyer and the giant crystal chandelier hanging from a ceiling that must be three-stories tall. Dark hardwood floors match the impressively ornate wooden staircase. The walls are a deep yellow, and a beautiful round, ornate table holds an enormous flower arrangement.
“Everyone is in the living room watching the game and having cocktails.” She motions toward the right.
“Perfect.” Brett takes my hand, pulling me into his arms.
His mother looks stunned for a second.
“Well, can I get you something to drink, Alexandrea?” She cocks her head, her large diamond earrings sparkling in the light.
“Um, I’ll just have water.” It’s the safest bet, considering I’m not sure what to do because again, am I being my real age or am I older? I wish Brett had given me a plan instead of telling me to be myself. What does that even mean?
“Flat or sparkling?”
“Sparkling would be lovely.” My nails dig into Brett’s hand as he leads us toward the sound of laughter. We walk through a large room with massive windows looking out over large pool and what looks like a guesthouse.
“Brett, am I supposed to lie or tell the truth?” I whisper.
“Just relax.” His hand squeezes mine.
My eyes dart ahead to the sound of loud cursing and the sight of a huge television with football on.
“Who’s winning?” Brett calls out as all eyes turn toward us.
“Brett,” I hiss, suddenly shy as he drags me into the middle of the room with him.
“Finally.” A man who has to be his brother Jett laughs and takes a sip of his beer, his arm casually draped around the shoulders of what might be one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.
“I’m not that late.” Brett grins and gives the stunning woman a kiss on the cheek. And again, I feel completely underdressed. Not that they’re wearing suits or a ball gown, but they all carry themselves as if they are.
“Raven, Jett, Dad.” He brings me forward, and all I want to do is hide behind him, but I plaster on a smile as he says, “This is Alexandrea.”
“Alexandrea, are you a football fan?” His dad walks over to shake my hand, and I blink. If I thought Brett resembled his mom, he and his brother really favor their dad, save for the salt-and-pepper gray hair.
“I am.” I shake his hand as I purposely stay focused on his curious eyes rather than Jett’s and Raven’s.
“Really? What’s your team?” Jett demands, and I’m forced to turn to them. Dark-blue eyes stare back at me, not like Brett’s turquoise ocean-blue orbs, but rather a deeper blue. And it’s almost like I’m a lab rat, and he’s preparing to dissect me.
“Jett, stop it.” Raven shakes her head and looks up at him, rolling her eyes.
“I’m more of a college football fan,” I respond, feeling Brett’s warmth and strength behind me. His hand casually wraps around my stomach.
“Oh my God.” Raven’s eyes get huge, and she smiles, looking up at Jett as if gloating.
“I’m sorry, where did you two meet?” Jett asks.
“Here you go, Alexandrea,” Natalie interrupts as she walks in carrying two glasses, one with my water, the other filled with wine.
“Thank you,” I murmur. I really don’t care that Brett’s brother is a famous attorney, or that he’s gorgeous, or that he’s trying to intimidate me. That can’t happen.
“Okay, I know you boys would love to eat in here, but dinner is ready. I made spaghetti and meatballs from scratch, so you can finish the game later.” Natalie takes a sip of her wine.