Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 116231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
He looks like he’s about to pass out. I think about fucking with him and asking him if he wants a blowjob but, instead, I smile and hold out my hand to him. That’s right, motherfucker, I’m his sister. “Hi,” I say, sugary-sweet, and he slowly extends his hand. I’m sure he’s in shock as much as I am. “Nice to meet you.” He blinks a couple of times before he swallows.
“Nice to meet you too,” he replies as he shakes my hand. I let it go before going over to bend and kiss Lexi on the cheek and then walk around the table to his side. I stop behind the douchebag’s chair, and I can smell his cologne as Jaxon gets up to give me a hug and then so does Ariella. Ugh, why does he have to smell good?
I walk around and pull out the chair beside Kirby, right in front of Knox. “Did you guys eat?” I ask the four of them, trying to ignore the eyes that can’t seem to stop staring at me. “I’m starving.”
“We just ordered a whole bunch of things,” Lexi answers. “I’ll share with you.”
“Sounds great,” I say, trying my best to make him see that his words didn’t sting. But sadly, they did. I was one-thousand-percent shocked when he said those words. I’ve never, ever had anyone say something so crass to me, and I’ve been with a slew of assholes over the years. I’ve had a type, and asshole was always at the top of the list.
“I want to hear all about the trip,” Ariella says, leaning into the table. “It feels like we haven’t seen you in forever.”
“It wasn’t forever,” I counter. “It was just the summer, and it was fabulous.” I try to make it sound like I had the best time, when in fact it was mediocre to say the least. I thought going back to Phoenix would be good to catch up with some of my old friends, but it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be. I spent a good chunk of it alone once Kirby and Lexi came back to LA. “I will tell you that working for the foundation and then going to work with Lexi’s shelter, it was busy.” I laugh. “It’s good to be back home, and dare I say, relaxing.” After Lexi got divorced from her husband, she took everything that she made from the divorce, which was a lot since she and her lawyer, Ryleigh, took him to the cleaners. She bought an old church to set it up as temporary shelter for people who leave their abusive relationship. It was supposed to be just a little safe haven, but it’s gotten so much attention that she now has a staff of twenty and donations just roll in.
“What do you do?” Knox asks and I think even he’s shocked those words came out of his mouth.
“I work for my brother,” I motion with my head toward Kirby, “building the foundation.”
“She does not work for me,” Kirby quickly refutes. “She’s half-owner or whatever you call it.”
I look at Knox, who motions with his head up and down as the food starts arriving at our table. “She is full of shit,” Lexi says, pointing to me. “She is the one who has been handling all the appointments and meeting with all these shelters and organizations that help aid and assist domestic abuse survivors and compiling a database on them and their needs.”
I grab a mini burger from the plate and put it on mine before I look up at the waitress. “Can I get a glass of Pinot Grigio?” She nods at me as she places the plates of grilled chicken and then grilled vegetables down.
“Ugh,” I groan, looking at it, “that plate looks so sad.” I look at Jaxon. “That must be for you.” He chuckles.
“Eating healthy isn’t sad,” Knox says, grabbing a piece of the grilled chicken, “it’s a lifestyle.”
I literally snort out loud and roll my eyes, thinking he has got to be the most obnoxious guy I think I’ve ever met. Unfortunately, he is also one of the hottest. His biceps are straining his sleeves and with the way he’s leaning in his chair now, his shirt’s even pulling at his chest. The ink on his arms makes my mouth water, and I suddenly glare at him.
“Thanks for the TED talk,” I snark, biting into my burger, making everyone at the table laugh. “Don’t worry though, I watch what I put into my mouth.” I can see the color drain again in his face and then smile at him before turning and changing the subject. “My body is a temple.” I almost wink at him, but the last thing I want is for him to think I’m flirting with him.