Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
If I were to ever believe in magic, it would be this right here.
Eventually, I lower her onto her feet and pull back to find her lips swollen and eyes clouded with desire. It’s an image I sear into memory, keeping it locked away forever.
“Does this mean you’re not mad at me?” she asks, confused. “Because if you are, and this is the reaction I am going to get, then I’m going to piss you off more often, Cross,” she teases.
I smother a smirk, despite how cute I think she is. “This means you’re going to let me pay you for the dress and then you’re going to make it up to me later when I have you underneath me screaming my name.”
She doesn’t take the bait as I hoped. “I don’t want your money, Mike.”
“And I don’t want you to pay for things that are my responsibility,” I counter firmly. “You know this.”
“I didn’t buy her this dress because you failed at responsibility. I bought it because I love her too, and I wanted to give it to her as a gift. Please don’t take that away from me.”
Well, fuck. How am I supposed to deny that request? Especially when she looks up at me all soft and sweet, innocent and hot…
“You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”
Her smile returns, making those pretty green eyes sparkle. “I’ll make it up to you later when I’m screaming your name,” she says, echoing my own words back at me.
Just as I consider hauling her into the bathroom for a quickie, my sister’s voice rings out from upstairs, thwarting that plan. “I need help with my zipper, please.”
“Coming!” Hollis calls back before flashing me one last smile. “Schedule me in for later, Cross.”
She’s already penciled in. Every night, all night, for as long as she will have me.
As she disappears up the stairs, I snag a beer from the fridge and steal a cookie, making sure to take the broken one.
It doesn’t take long before Hollis returns at the bottom of the stairs, holding Poppy’s pink hairbrush like a microphone. “Please welcome our next model, the fabulous and incomparable, Poppy Cross!”
My sister descends the stairs in a flurry of rose gold sparkle. She pauses at the last step, striking a pose before strutting into the kitchen.
“Poppy dazzles in a one-of-a-kind rose gold ensemble from The Bay,” Hollis continues, eliciting a smirk from me. “The stunning headpiece and matching handbag create an unforgettable look, while the dove white strappy heels add an extra touch of elegance, making this the perfect Christmas dinner outfit.”
Poppy finishes the show with a lift of her foot, showing off the heel of her shoe before taking a bow. “So, what do you think?”
I gaze down at my little sister’s smile that radiates pure happiness and know she deserves every bit of it. “I think you look beautiful.”
She twirls at the compliment. “Thank you. And look, I got matching lip gloss too,” she adds, pulling a sparkly tube from her purse.
I shoot Hollis a dark look, liking how she left that little detail out.
She shrugs unapologetically. “What can I say? Accessories are important.”
I grunt at that response, but before I can argue, her cell phone rings from the table.
She uses the opportunity for escape, a cheeky smile taking over her face. “Saved by the bell.” Grabbing her phone, she checks the screen before answering. “Shane, hey. What’s up?”
I recognize the name of her cousin who owns the store.
“Hold on, I can’t hear you.” Covering her ear, she heads into the living room for privacy.
“Are you upset about the dress?” Poppy asks, a hint of concern lacing her small voice.
“No, I’m not upset,” I answer truthfully. “I take it you thanked her?”
“Of course, many times,” she assures me.
I figured she did because one thing my sister is not is ungrateful. She appreciates everything, even things kids her age shouldn’t have to—like having a roof over her head and a safe place to sleep.
“It really does look good on you,” I tell her again, chucking her under the chin. “You’ll be the prettiest one on Christmas Eve.”
Next to Hollis, of course, but I figure that goes without saying.
“Thanks, Mike.” Smiling, she gives me an affectionate punch in the arm. “Wait until you see the dress we bought for Hollis.” She fans her face, indicating just how hot the dress is.
“Yeah?” I muse, intrigued. “What does it look like?”
Not that it matters. She could wear a garbage bag and still be a fucking knockout, but I still find myself curious, hoping it’s something easy to remove.
Before any details can be shared, Hollis walks back into the kitchen, her face ashen and eyes vacant, as if she’s just seen a ghost.
It instantly puts me on alert. Setting my beer down, I straighten, concern gripping my chest like an iron fist. “What’s wrong?”