Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
I giggle with her. “There’s no comparing Northwestern’s friendly rivalry with Illinois to the epic battle between good and evil that divides Luca’s family and mine. It’s the difference between angels and demons. Right and wrong. And that’s before you add in my family members’ personal involvement.”
Daisy rolls her eyes. “Okay, well, while you’re fixating on imaginary forces of good and evil, I’m going to enjoy every second of this party, so don’t you dare ruin it for me by being a pouty, frowny, intense little twat.”
I crack up. Daisy’s called me all manner of horrible things whenever I’ve been too intense or bossy for her liking. But never once has she called me a twat. “I’ll be on my best behavior.” I don’t think I’m lying to her. True, I was raised to hate the Wolverines with every fiber of my being—but like every good Midwestern girl, I was also raised to be an extremely polite party guest. Considering how fleetingly I’m planning to stay at this shindig from hell today, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to keep my pouty, frowny, intense, and otherwise “twatty” impulses hidden throughout.
“You made it!” Luca booms brightly after opening the door to Daisy and me on Roman’s doorstep. And just like that, at my first glimpse of Luca’s gorgeous, wide smile and sparkling brown eyes, my mouth can’t even remember how to pout or frown.
We step inside Roman’s massive living room—and instantly, my smile turns into a grimace when I spot a framed Wolverines jersey hanging over a distant fireplace. But when Luca wraps me in an enthusiastic hug, I forget to scowl, once again, the second his strong arms and yummy aftershave envelop me.
As I melt into Luca’s embrace, memories and sensations from last night’s supposedly one-time, delectable, and very naughty tryst slam into me. Good lord, I’ve never had sex that scorching in my life. It was so damned delicious, I dreamed about it last night and woke up soaking wet and still pulsing between my legs with the aftershock of an orgasm.
“Sorry we’re so late,” I choke out. But it’s a brazen lie. I’ve come late by design. If Luca’s theory about the true reason for this gathering is accurate, then I wanted Roman’s new girlfriend to have a chance to settle in and meet everyone before my possibly distracting arrival. Plus, and even more importantly, I wanted to give Luca the chance to catch up with his family and friends before worrying about me bursting into flames after stepping foot inside his brother’s lair.
“I’m just glad you made it,” Luca replies enthusiastically. “I was beginning to worry.” He looks around before leaning in and whispering, “You missed some fireworks. Remember my hunch about why my brother wanted to throw this party in such a rush?” Luca briefly looks around. “If a bunch of us hadn’t staged an intervention with my brother earlier, he would have given his new girlfriend the world’s least thought-through proposal in the history of time at this party.”
I gasp. “No. Seriously?”
He nods and rolls his eyes. “I swear to God, Roman’s lost his mind over this woman. And rightly so. She’s awesome. Can’t wait to introduce you.” He grins broadly before addressing Daisy and me as duo. “How about we get you two some drinks and snacks, and then I’ll introduce you around.”
Oh, God. This is a disaster. Worst-case scenario.
I’ve now chatted, if only briefly, with pretty much everyone in Luca’s inner circle other than our host, who’s still making the rounds, and every single person thus far has been nothing but welcoming, warm, and lovely. Even with that horrendous framed Wolverines jersey hanging on that far wall, I’ve felt increasingly relaxed and right at home as I’ve chatted with these wonderful people. They’re so fun and funny, they remind me of my own family and loved ones; so much so, it’s kind of freaking me out. Luca’s mother, Ava, for example, is my mother’s doppelganger. Not physically, but in terms of their personalities: Both women are a similar and striking blend of warmth, kindness, and steel.
Even Luca’s supposedly evil twin, Levi, has turned out to be an absolute doll. Evil Levi is more laid back and taciturn than his ebullient twin. But who on this planet isn’t more subdued than Luca “Mr. Personality” Maguire? Even so, Levi’s definitely charming in his own right—enough to make it obvious the two men share a whole lot of DNA.
I’m now deeply worried about meeting our host. If it turns out he’s anything like his family members, it’s distinctly possible I might reflexively say or do something I could get blackmailed over if anyone from my world were to find out about it. Like, God forbid, I might involuntarily laugh at one of Roman’s jokes or maybe even compliment him. Shudder.