Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
But this is where the pedal hits the metal because the truth is that I adore wealthy, older men and the security they represent. I dream of losing myself in the arms of a powerful alpha male who isn’t two years my senior, or even ten. He’s two decades older than me, and established with a successful career and bulging bank account. With his help, I’ll be able to put this pre-med stuff behind me, and potentially even leave it forever because I want to be cared for by my man ... but only in my heart of hearts, can I admit that.
2
Emma
The SUV pulls up to the curb of an elegant granite building on the outskirts of the city. To be honest, this isn’t the best neighborhood in Minneapolis, but it’s a discreet one that hasn’t been “discovered” by Instagrammers and tourists yet. Which is important, because black cars pull up to the building at all hours, dropping off gorgeous young women dressed in scandalously revealing outfits.
Now, it’s my turn to make an appearance, but right when the car pulls to a halt, my phone buzzes. I look down and see that it’s my dad, Rick.
“Give me just one second,” I say apologetically to the driver. “I’m so sorry, but I have to take this.”
“Sure thing, Miss,” he says before turning away and pressing a button. The partition within the SUV goes up with a buzz, and I’m left in the privacy of the backseat. I press the green ‘answer’ button.
“Hi Dad,” I say into the screen. “Sorry, I only have a few minutes because this isn’t the best time.”
My dad’s face flashes on-screen, and to be honest, Rick looks worse for the wear. My dad is generally a handsome guy with dark hair and flashing blue eyes, but the new baby has put him through the wringer. His hair stands on end, and the crow’s feet at the corner of his eyes have developed into deep grooves. Not only that, but there’s a splotch of unidentifiable liquid on his t-shirt, and oh my god, but is he getting jowls? Holy shit!
But Rick merely chuckles.
“You don’t have to hide it, sweetheart. I know I look bad.”
My mouth pulls into a sympathetic smile.
“Did you get any sleep last night?”
Rick exhales and shakes his head.
“Maybe about two hours because Katie was colicky. Oh man, it was rough, but you know Jenna needs her sleep because she’s still trying to recover from labor and delivery. So I’ve been getting up with the baby at night, and it’s a riot.”
I smile.
“But this is what you wanted, Dad. You wanted to be a father again at the ripe old age of forty-five.”
“Yeah, and look what it got me,” Rick says in a rueful tone. “I’ve aged twenty years in the past two months.”
I merely laugh because I know Rick isn’t sad about it at all. In fact, my father’s over the moon about the new baby, and went to great lengths to impregnate Jenna. It’s kind of a crazy story, actually. Evidently, he started sleeping with my friend, and convinced her to use the shot for contraception. But instead of administering Depo Provera, he was giving her a placebo! Of course, Jenna got pregnant, and was furious with him when she found out. What woman wouldn’t be? But somehow, everything worked out and now, little Katie is the light of their lives. Even better, my dad’s dreams have come true – he has a beautiful girlfriend, and a darling baby girl to dote on too.
But Rick’s intent on being a good father to me too, which is why I get a lot of calls from him even though I’m a grown woman.
“So what’s up?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. “Is Katie okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” my dad hums, his expression a bit conflicted. “Your sister is sleeping like a babe right now – wait a minute, what are you wearing, Ems?”
I glance down and flush because my dress is strapless and it almost looks like I’m naked. But I shake my head.
“I have a tube top on, that’s all,” I say quickly. “It’s the fashion these days! I’ve paired it with jean shorts and sneakers for a fun and casual look. It was unseasonably hot today.”
My dad doesn’t look totally convinced, but he nods.
“Okay, but you’re wearing a lot of make-up, too,” he says in a slow tone. “Is there a reason?”
Oh my god, where is this going? Does my dad know about Club Z? But it can’t be because Club Z is for billionaires, while my dad is only a doctor. Rick makes good money, don’t get me wrong, but not enough to afford Z-level entry fees.
“No, no, it’s just the phone screen doing it,” I lie glibly. “I have a filter on so it makes me look like I’m a drag queen, but trust me, it’s just special effects.” Then I smile brightly. “So what’s up?” I repeat.