Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
“What if I’m not looking?”
“You’re my sister, and I know you. I remember what you wanted before.”
I fight back the lump in my throat, and it dawns on me that when Flynn and I pushed away from each other, I’d done the same to my brother in the process. He did know me. We used to be so close.
“Okay,” I relent before I sit back down.
“Okay?” Now my mom is the one that’s shocked.
That makes two of us.
Chapter Four
FLYNN
“You’re looking sparkly, Janet,” I tell Mrs. Prince as I lean forward and let her kiss me on the cheek. “Although I would have pegged you for a wicked witch.”
“I don’t remember seeing your name on my guest list.” She narrows her eyes at me and then at Leo. “I’m guessing this is your fault?”
Leo and Zelly’s mother, Janet Prince, has never warmed to me. Part of me wonders if it’s because she thinks I’m like my father. A long time ago, she was close with my mother, but after she died, that connection was lost. Now she looks at me with a side eye and keeps her warm smiles for everyone else. If she knows anything about my father’s behavior, then I can’t blame her for keeping me at arm's length. It’s just too bad that her son is my best friend and her daughter…well, her daughter is something else entirely.
“Relax, Mom. It’s a party,” Leo tells her as he ushers me inside and leaves her by the front door to greet guests.
“Think she’ll poison my drink later?” I ask only half-jokingly.
“Just keep an eye on your cup.” Leo makes a face and then we laugh.
“Where’s your bride?” I glance around, surprised they’re not attached at the hip.
“She’s getting ready with Zelly.”
At the mention of Zelly’s name, I try to play it cool and grab a drink from a passing waiter. The room is packed, and I’m not sure who half of the people are even though they probably all come to the same parties. Another sweep of the house and I’m surprised to see that the men outweigh the women by a large majority. Weird.
“Who are you supposed to be?” I ask, taking a sip of the cocktail and eyeing his costume.
“I’m a prince,” he says with a grin, and I roll my eyes.
“Of course you are.”
“And this is?” He pokes at the sword on my hip, and I shrug.
“I’m a thief.” I shrug and point to the crowd. “What’s with all the guys in the room? Is your mom looking for a good time?” When I wiggle my eyebrows at Leo, he scowls at me just like his mom did earlier.
“They’re for my sister.”
That shuts me up. My words falter in my throat for a second before I recover.
“You’ve invited suitors to the party?”
He nods and takes a drink from a passing tray. “Mom thought it would be easier for Zelly to meet several at once. Kind of make a gauntlet of it and hopefully weed out a few.”
“Interesting,” I say, trying to keep the anger and possessiveness out of my voice. “Speaking of Zelly, I’ve got something I’ve been meaning to run by you.”
“Oh?” Leo says, only half-listening. There are some people he knows on the other side of the room waving to get his attention.
“I’ve got a project at my house I’d like her to take a look at.”
I came up with this plan a few months ago, and it’s taken me longer than I anticipated to get it into place. Hearing that there are literally dozens of men here to gawk at her and stake a claim, I think it’s time I kick this plan into action. Maybe I don’t have everything exactly the way I want it right now, but I can’t wait any longer.
“For what?” Leo looks back at me before nodding to someone that passes us.
“I’m putting in a garden, and I’d like her opinion on where to set up a few things.” I’m having to think fast, and Leo’s distracted.
“Okay.”
“She’d need to stay with me for a few days.” That gets his attention.
“Why?” His brows furrow as he finally looks back at me.
“My contractor is sporadic at best, so I never know when he’s going to be there. The crews are working nonstop, and I need someone I trust to direct them on what to do.”
“Oh. She does know a lot about gardening.” He purses his lips like he’s thinking it over.
I don’t exactly need permission from him to ask Zelly to stay with me for a few days, but it will go a long way to make things go over smoothly with Janet if he gives his blessing.
“They’ve already screwed up the plans several times, and I know she’s better with what to plant and where. I’d like to have the beds built as soon as possible, and it would really help me out.”