Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
He’s not even close to sorry.
“Meet you in the back.” Ace knocks on the counter.
The guys file out, leaving me with Talon, who’s much more relaxed.
“Proud of you, Princess.”
“Bex and Lucas passed, too, and declared a weekend off.”
“Fair enough.”
“We have Wyatt’s game tomorrow morning. Do you think…” I trail off, not wanting to give up my time with Talon, but also wanting to give my best friend some time with my brother. “Do you think Wyatt can spend the night tomorrow night?”
“Absolutely.”
“He won’t be a bother, I promise.” He shuts me up with a kiss.
“Beautiful, he’s welcome. I’ll plan it.”
“You don’t plan for a five-year-old. You just hang out.”
He eyes me with mocked horror. “We have a reputation to uphold here. No boring sleepovers.”
A thrill runs down my spine, thinking about our first weekend. “No sex with my nephew in the house!”
“Mmhmm.” He lets me go and rips his shirt over his head. “See you in a while.”
My mouth salivates as he leaves.
Will I ever get over seeing him almost naked?
Nope, the answer is instantaneous. I’ll be ninety years old and still think about his body.
As soon as the security system dings with them leaving, my phone rings.
“Meet me at Harley’s.” Rowan’s voice is hushed.
“Honey, I think you need—”
“I know about Max. Don’t say another word. Get to Harley’s, bring Wolf and Mack… We’ll convene there.” The line goes dead and I do a double-take to my phone.
Convene?
Convene about what?
Was that fear in her voice?
I haven’t known Rowan long, but she’s never been particularly high-maintenance. Not once has she shown any anxiety about her wedding plans.
But finding out one of your groomsmen isn’t able to attend a week before could put anyone on edge.
I shove my phone in my pocket, whistle for the dogs, and head out to the golf cart. They pile in the front with me, panting with excitement at our outing.
When we pass the last remaining empty lot on Holmes Court, I slow to a stop. My heart and stomach flutter with excitement, picturing the home that will take residence soon.
I spent days combing over every detail of the plans Talon had drawn up. After my initial shock, the awe set in. If possible, I fell more in love with my observant, overbearing, bossy, mystical unicorn. He spared no details. Everything I could ever want, and more, were included in the plans.
It was beyond perfect—for me.
But I couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing.
Then, it hit me.
I called the architect the next day and asked for modifications. He agreed to keep them confidential. I won’t be able to hide my little secret for long, but when the new plans are ready, I’ll find a way to surprise Talon.
A horn breaks me out of my blissful daydream. Rowan whizzes past, and Mack goes crazy as I pull out and follow her to Harley’s driveway.
She squats and braces when both dogs circle her with their greeting.
Harley opens the door, and I’m once again questioning if she is superhuman. The woman does not look like she gave birth a few weeks ago.
“What took you guys so long? Jewls is already here.”
“She doesn’t work on Fridays and lives next door,” Rowan points out, shuffling inside.
I peek in the fancy bassinet at Maverick sleeping soundly.
We follow Harley to the kitchen where Jewls is at the stove. The aroma of garlic fills the air, causing my stomach to growl.
“What is that?”
“My famous Bolognese sauce.”
“It’s actually her mom’s recipe.” Harley slips onto a barstool, and grumbles, “Apparently, I’m unable to even cook for myself now.”
“I tweaked the ingredients, which makes it my recipe. And lose the attitude. I’m in the mood to make sauce.”
“How was your practice exam?” Rowan asks casually, without a trace of worry.
“I passed.”
She squeals, clapping softly.
“You have nothing to worry about,” Jewls encourages.
“Like I told Bex and Lucas, we can’t slack off.”
“No, but you can relax a little and have some fun before the real world closes in on you.”
“Some fun? The last four months have been more jam-packed than my whole life. It’s a wonder we are able to function with all the partying we do.”
Harley perks up. “Isn’t it awesome?”
“Yes, but my liver doesn’t agree.”
“She’ll get accustomed to it.”
There’s a lull and I wait on Rowan for a sign she’s ready to talk. But it’s Jewls who opens the conversation.
“What are we dealing with here? More Columbian drug lords? Rescue missions on high-ranking officials?”
“We don’t know much. Ember and Presley are digging,” Rowan answers nonchalantly.
“Raven stopped by this morning, bringing more gifts.” Harley points to the fruit basket. “It was a ploy; she was fishing for information.”
“She could ask her dad,” Rowan suggests.
“She did, but he’s sticking to the same story. It’s a project that has him busy.”
At this, my brain catches up. “Are we talking about Max?”
They all gape at me weirdly.