Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Fernsby truly hated doing it, but it was imperative that he puncture their balloons. “Dear ladies, as instrumental as you both were, it was I—” He splayed his hand against his chest. “—who brought them together the moment I overheard their bet.”
They gaped at him in unison. He didn’t have it in him to compare these two lovely ladies to fish with their mouths open.
Susan said, “How on earth did you bring them together back then?”
Florence added, “They didn’t even know each other.”
Fernsby allowed his lips to curve in the slightest of smiles. “I’m Fernsby. And I simply knew.”
He would never admit that he hadn’t thought of it until he saw them together at Gareth Tate’s art show. Then the idea had solidified at the book signing. No, it wasn’t within him to admit all that. Because he was Fernsby. And it still galled him that he had not been the one to bring the billionaire matchmaker into Troy’s sights.
As the book signing came to mind, for a moment he thought of Mathilda Sullivan. And his heart raced. But now was not the time. Later, when he was alone, he would take out the book she’d signed and reread the exquisite words she’d written just for him.
At the moment, he had other things to take care of. Because his dear Gabrielle was taunting her brother out on the dance floor, even as Troy taunted right back. Only seconds later, Noble Braedon danced Gabrielle within arm’s reach. And within reach of Fernsby’s voice.
Now was the perfect time to put the fear of Fernsby into her.
The party was winding down, the DJ had called the last dance, and Noble Braedon held Gabby stiffly as they moved around the dance floor. She couldn’t say they whirled, or even twirled. They merely shuffled.
Then she stepped on his foot. Okay, maybe she wasn’t a very good dancer either. “Sorry.” Time to bring up the reason she’d asked him to dance. “You know, we really need to talk about your definition of plant-based fare.”
He pulled back. “I had plenty of vegetarian salads available.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’ve got so much to learn,” she drawled.
As they made an awkward turn and she almost tripped, she caught sight of Troy in Michaela’s arms. Or maybe it was the other way around. Or maybe they were both hanging on each other. She couldn’t resist guiding Noble closer.
Smirking, she said to her brother, “Looks like you lost that bet. I want my winnings to go to Gideon’s Lean on Us foundation.”
He didn’t seem perturbed at all. In fact, he pulled Michaela even closer. “Happy to do it. And I’ll donate two million instead of one.” Then, with a smile that stretched across his face, he added, “You are so screwed, sis. Trust me, if I couldn’t fight Fernsby’s matchmaking, you don’t stand a chance.”
She couldn’t help the shiver creeping up her spine. But she was a strong woman, and she said heartily, “We’ll just see about that.”
Then Troy danced away with Michaela in his arms, laughing the entire time.
Noble arched an eyebrow. “What was that all about?”
She would have laughed it off, but then she caught sight of Fernsby over Noble’s shoulder like a bad omen. How had they danced this close to the edge of the floor?
Just when she hoped Fernsby was engrossed in conversation with Susan and Michaela’s mother, he turned and stared her down. Then he said in that staid, know-it-all tone of his, “Yes, mademoiselle, we shall see about that.”
As terror struck her heart, she stepped on Noble’s foot a second time.