Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Needless to say, Mackie got all kinds of pets and goodies while Talia was working her back-to-back shifts. I helped Mom with some sewing projects while Dad got on the floor to play with Mackie. Plus, a free dinner came with the visit, and Uncle Todd and Aunt Val made an appearance, which meant we talked shop for a while until Mom and her sister put a stop to it. Thank goodness, because playing it cool when it comes to Crew is impossible. Aunt Val brought over a treasure trove of clothing she had gone through after the incident earlier in the week, the plus side of us being the same size and her shopping addiction that seems to have always worked in my favor from the time I was a teenager.
When it came time to eat, a lot of food was ordered, but not a lot of it was consumed, mainly because we were full after the appetizers, and Mom sent me home with enough food for the next few days. I’m well aware that this is her way of helping me out while not subjecting me to feeling horrible, like I’m loafing off them. One day, when I’m back on my feet, steady as they come, I’ll be sure to repay the favor.
“There is that. Come and talk to me. I see a blush appearing on your chest. I know all too well what that means.” Talia has had her fair share of frogs that have yet to turn into princes, and the same could be said for myself. Except never before has a man ever made me feel the way Crew does.
“The ultimate forbidden fruit of any type of man you could be attracted to.” I plop down on the rattan-style chair beside hers, and she goes about pouring us each a healthy glassful of the red wine we both prefer. It doesn’t have to be pricy, but it can’t be white and overly sweet.
“Hmm, well, honey, there are loads of those types: ex-boyfriend’s father, stepbrother, best friend's brother. That one is out because the only besties you have are me, your mom, and your aunt. Unless there’s something you haven’t told me. Like, say, a new friend?” Talia hands me a glass, and I take a greedy sip before she can do the same.
“No, nope, no to all. But there is my boss whom I have the hots for.” Talia looks at me like I have two heads.
“Your boss as in your uncle?” God, what is it with people trying to make me gag this week? First Crew and now Talia, and with the same person. Am I missing something, or what?
“Absolutely not. Gross, like, eww. He changed my diaper, and Aunt Val is his end-all, be-all. But ick.” I guzzle more of my wine, trying to get the thought out of my mind. I might need bleach to burn my eyes at this point.
“Come on, we listen to the same books. You know it’s possible, and I’ve seen the genes in your family. He’s not bad to look at, either, and the same goes for your dad. Even if you don’t want to admit it.” Talia wiggles her eyebrows, making me wonder what type of man she’s interested in. Though, if she thinks my dad and uncle are hot, then I’d hazard a guess she likes them older. But it’s not like I’ve seen her bring any man around, and any time I’ve brought it up, she says Mackie is all she needs for the time being.
“You’re right, you’re right. It obviously isn’t my uncle, but Crew is my uncle’s partner and is subsequently my boss. So, forbidden maybe? I guess it depends on the reader or, well, me.” I go after a piece of cheese and a grape to pop in my mouth at the same time.
“Ah, well, that’s better than breaking up the family.” Mackie nuzzles into Talia’s hand, lets out a whine for attention, and she obliges.
“No kidding. At least that drama won’t go down. Still, I’m not sure if I should act on the attraction or if it’s all in my head. I mean, the man is hot, he’s smart, and he even has a good personality. You know how some men can be in a male-dominated world, and he’s training me.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. He’s training you, too? Boy, is the plot thickening.” Talia sits upright with a look of shock on her face, so I can tell this has really gotten her attention.
“My uncle’s idea, by the way.” This time, I snag a couple of crackers and a blueberry for Mackie. He notices right away, licks his chops, and sits on his hind legs, puts his front paws together. “You’re such a good boy.” He takes the dark-colored morsel and swallows it without chewing.