Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
“Wow. So…this is like soulmate shit?”
I roll my eyes. “Hardly. We were kids back then. I might’ve looked at him like he hung the moon, but to him, I was a little kid. Someone who tagged along, and he allowed it to protect me.”
“It’s so romantic,” she croons, and I snort.
“The process of getting there was anything but,” I admit. “It’s not been easy. He didn’t know who I was. I lied to him and that’s been hard.”
“Sounds like he’s forgiven you.” She shrugs. “I wouldn’t beat myself up over it. Allow him in, Cass. Whatever is going on, it looks good on you. You’re literally glowing.”
I smile at my friend.
“I’m in love with him,” I admit, cheeks heating.
She rolls her eyes. “Obviously. Took you long enough to admit it, though.”
I laugh, and she joins me. This feels good. Well overdue.
“What about you? What’s been going on in your life?”
She waves a hand. “Nothing this hot. I’m still working at the hotel, but I took another job on weekends at an upscale lounge, bartending. It’s something to do, and I make great money.”
“That’s fun. I’m surprised you’d want to put more on your plate.”
She snorts. “This is a lot more play than it is work,” she explains. “The people I meet…” She whistles. “Let’s just say, the opportunities that have already been presented to me have been great. I really think I’ll be moving up the ranks of hospitality management soon.”
“That’s great,” I say, so happy for my friend. “Sounds like the perfect place to network.”
“Don’t you know it.” She waggles her brows. “So many wealthy men.” She sits back on the couch, head tilting toward the ceiling. “So little time.”
I chuckle. “Any love interests I’m unaware of with these wealthy men?”
She snorts. “I’m playing the field. Too many options, not enough nights.”
That’s my girl, always keeping her cards close to her. But I can tell by the way her cheeks turn just a bit pink that maybe there is someone she’s interested in. Someone she’s not ready to tell me about yet. The girl is superstitious. She likely doesn’t want to ruin it before it gets off the ground by spilling her guts.
I won’t press. If she wants to talk about it, she will.
“What do you want to do today?” I ask, and she inhales, looking around.
“I’m good with just hanging out. Maybe order in some food? Watch a movie?” She yawns, falling back against the couch. “I worked last night, and I’m actually a bit wiped out.”
“I think I have an idea,” I say, grabbing my phone and pulling up the number that I saved after getting ready for the gala.
I shoot a quick text, and within ten minutes, we’re booked for facials and massages.
“How about a spa day, and we can grab dinner before you head out?”
She grins. “That sounds divine.”
“You’re in for a treat. This place is magical. You want relaxation, you’re gonna get it.”
She smiles. “I’ve missed you.”
“Same, Em. Same.”
I had the best day yesterday with Emma. I have no clue where Aiden ran off to, but it was fine. A much-needed day with my friend. Now that Aiden and I are dating for real, I feel more comfortable speaking with my friend. I felt like I was lying before, but now Emma knows everything. And since the truth isn’t a distant thought, I can speak freely, candidly.
I can talk about Aiden without worrying that I’ll leak his story. Everything is out in the open, and it feels good.
Well, maybe not everything, but a lot.
I’ll take the win.
I have someone to confide in when things get tough. And they will because that’s what relationships are. Hard work. But so worth it.
Tonight, we have a game, and Aiden is off getting ready. I’m just trying to make his life easier by doing the things I did before.
Money may no longer be exchanged, but I still want to help him as much as I can. It was never about the money, anyway.
I have his game day gear on his bed, ready for him to put on before he heads to the arena. The house is clean. Maybe not to his liking, but it will be easier for him to finish it if I’ve already made an attempt.
I now know that Aiden never really hired me to do these things for him. He hired me because he just wanted me around, so that’s what I’ll keep doing. Spending time with him and calming him the best I know how.
I have his candy in hand to sort for him. He was out, so I had to go grab it. I’m outside, returning home, when I see that damn man.
The stalker reporter.
“Don’t you have anything better to do than harass Aiden?”
He taps his finger to the side of his leg, looking far too haughty for a predator that’s been caught snooping once more.