Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31741 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31741 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
I smile tightly.
“Great! I’m happy for him. But are you sure about the relationship, Mom? He’s half your age. He seems ... uh, well, like someone who likes to pose.”
Oh my god, how do I tell her about the bisexual porn? We verified that it is Brandon in the clip, and Joelle has a right to know that her boytoy has a raunchy history before they get more serious. But my mom ignores the hint.
“Oh, I’m just having fun,” she says in a careless voice while flapping a hand at me. “Besides, I’m coming into some money soon, so everything will work out.”
“You mean, money from the divorce,” I say in a rigid tone.
“Yes, exactly!” Joelle chirps, her smile sly once more. “You’ll see,” she winks. “I’ll get that pre-nup struck down.”
Then, before I can reply, my mom logs off. I’m motionless in the conference room for a moment, the silence ringing in my ears. What in the world just happened? I had a call with my mother as she enjoyed a bubble bath with her boytoy in the tub, both of them naked as the day they were born. Not only that, but Joelle keeps intimating that she’s going to destroy Brad at their next court date. But how? Yet even Brad stated that they had some unfinished business together. But what could it be?
I return to my desk, and there’s a sense of foreboding in the air. It’s a heavy thickness that makes me swallow hard because I know my mom, and Joelle’s canny. She’s always been clever, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this time, there’s a touch of malice as well. I need to warn my boyfriend, and immediately tap a message to Brad on my phone.
We need to talk, I text. Asap.
Three dots appear, and then his reply flashes on-screen.
Of course, sweetheart. Is tonight soon enough? I’m in Denver, but should be home by 6 p.m.
I thumbs up his message, and then put my cell away with shaking hands. Something feels very wrong ... and only my man can solve the problem.
10
MINNIE
I hear the front door close, and sure enough, Brad’s huge form strides into the kitchen moments later. He’s back from his work trip, and I’m glad, even if I’m on edge. Immediately, the gorgeous man presses a kiss to my lips before rubbing my back.
“What’s wrong?” he asks in a low voice. “Everything okay, sweetheart?”
I nod before gesturing at the spaghetti I’ve set out.
“I sent Hildy home early, but the food is still warm. You must be hungry.”
He grins and drops another kiss on my mouth before heading for the bedroom.
“Just let me take a quick shower and we’ll have dinner together,” he calls over one broad shoulder. My gorgeous stepfather disappears down the hall, and our bedroom suite is so far away that I don’t hear the shower come on. But I can imagine the hot spray pounding onto his muscled body, and within minutes, Brad reappears, still toweling his dark hair while wearing nothing but grey sweatpants draped over his hips. Damn, my man looks good. He’s older, but works out like a fiend, and his six pack is prominent. Not only that, but his chest is wide, shoulders broad, and he has a deep v-cut at his hips, leading down to the waistband of his sweats.
“See something you like?” he growls with a grin before giving me another kiss. Then, Brad sits down and attacks the spaghetti. “Damn, this is delicious. I’ll need to give Hildy a raise.” But he pauses mid-bite and looks at me. “You okay, honey? Why aren’t you eating tonight? Did you already eat?”
I pause, my cheeks slightly flushed. Here, in the privacy of our kitchen, I feel so safe. Being with Brad is comforting, and I know it’s his large presence that provides the reassuring calm. But I need to look out for him the way he looks out for me, and take a deep breath.
“It’s about my mom,” I say in a low tone. “I talked to Joelle today.”
One black brow raises.
“Oh really?” he asks. “When?”
“This morning,” I say. “She called.”
Brad nods, putting his fork down.
“And?”
Dread fills me.
“She was in a good mood,” I say, my heart heavy. “And Brad, it’s because she had some news. She didn’t tell me exactly, but she said that she has information that’s going to destroy the pre-nup you guys signed. She was practically chortling about it and rubbing her hands with glee.” I turn to him with panic in my eyes. “What could it be?” I ask, my voice rising with hysteria. “It sounds awful, and she and her boyfriend were practically celebrating, like they’d hit the jackpot.”
Brad nods slowly before taking my hand.
“It’s okay, Minnie,” he says in a low tone. “You know that you’re the most important person in the world to me.”