Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Now I decipher that look.
“Why did I have to hear about someone crashing your window from Jack?” Ian Dare asks, in a combination of a paternal and pissed-off voice.
“And here we go,” she says under her breath just as her father walks into the room, her mother beside him.
“Well?” Ian asks.
“Baby, calm down,” Riley Dare insists, putting a hand on her husband’s shoulder before turning to her daughter. “Answer your father’s question,” she says. “You know you should have called us!”
“Pot, kettle.” Ian glances at his wife with an amused look.
Rainey sighs. “Because I knew how upset you’d both be. I didn’t even tell Jack!”
“That would be me,” I say with a wince. “He called this morning, and I told him.”
Rainey shoots me a glare, while Ian glances at me for the first time.
“And it’s a damn good thing you did tell him. My daughter should have let me know.”
“Okay, enough! Mom, Dad, I’m fine. There was damage to the window, but it’s being fixed. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
I notice she doesn’t discuss the odd notes she’s received, and I’m glad I never mentioned them to Jack. I’m seeing the independent side of Rainey that must drive her overprotective father crazy. If I were a parent, I know I’d be the same way. My brain screeches to a halt. I’m stunned. That was a thought I’d never had before in my life. If asked, I’d say kids were a hard no for me. After the way I grew up, I’m not sure I can bring one into this world and not worry twenty-four seven about both their safety and my ability to be a good father. It’s not like I had a decent example early on.
My gaze slides to Rainey and a weird sensation rushes through me, but I put it aside.
“I’m having a better security system installed here,” Ian says. “I’m hiring a bodyguard to watch over you and you’re working from home from now on. Our home.”
“Dad!”
“Ian!” Riley and Rainey shout at the same time.
“Although I agree about the security system,” Rainey’s mom adds.
“The rest is overkill,” the women tell him simultaneously.
I’m watching the family dynamic, and I can’t help but smile at the warm, caring feeling I get, even with Ian’s domineering demands, and experience a pang for what I missed being raised by shitty parents who didn’t care if I came home at night, let alone if I had something to eat. But along with that painful reminder comes gratitude for the fact that I finally received all those things when the Carrases brought me into their home.
Knowing I won’t score any points with Rainey’s father, I join the conversation. “I agree. On the security system, anyway.”
“Fine.” Ian holds up two hands in surrender. “But you’re coming for dinner one night soon,” he says, pointing to Rainey. “Your mother wants a family meal.”
Beside him, Riley coughs. “He does,” she mutters, and her comment breaks the ice.
Rainey relaxes and everyone laughs. “We’ll do it when Jack returns.”
“Sounds good,” her mother says.
A little while later, after Ian inspects the windows and talks to the workers, her parents leave.
Rainey turns to face me. “Well, now you see the overprotective side of my father.”
I can’t help but grin. “I’ve seen my dad act similarly.” And by dad, I mean Matthew.
“Do you want me at dinner?” I ask, brushing my knuckles over her cheek and hoping she reads into my words and tone. I want to be more than a buffer between her and her overbearing but loving family.
I want what I have no right to ask for. And maybe, if Jack were home, I wouldn’t push for answers. I’m walking further into trouble, and I can’t seem to stop myself.
“Yeah, Lucas. I want you there with me.”
I let her words settle inside me.
“Now, I have a favor to ask, and I know I’m pushing it. You didn’t sign up for all this with me. I’m turning working on an event into a full-time job for you and—”
I cut her off with my finger, placing it over her lips. “What do you need?”
She releases a long breath. “Would you go with me to my apartment to pick up clothes for staying with Kaylee? I’m sure it’s safe and there is a doorman, but the police scared me a little. I’d feel better if someone was with me.”
“You got it,” I tell her, not mentioning there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for her.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rainey
Last night and this morning have been a whirlwind. Between the brick, the kiss—or should I say kisses?—being caught by Ashlynn, then the visit from my parents, I’m ready to call it a day and it’s not even noon. As Lucas and I step out of the elevator and turn right to my apartment, my stomach is in knots despite the doorman’s reassurance nobody has come looking for me.