Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
“I saw. You were really high.”
I set him down, and he dashes to the house. “Time for sweet tea,” he announces from the porch like his last name is Season and not Sutton. Seeing him happy always overrules my sensitive ego.
Opening the trunk, I pull our bags from it. Summer says, “They know.”
I look up, not sure what the hell she’s referring to. “Who knows what?”
“My sisters. They know about New York.”
Her eyes stay on her sisters, who haven’t so much as said hi, much less greeted us in any form. I can’t even say I’ve seen a smile out of even one of them. After shutting the trunk, I grab the handles of the luggage. “It’s not a surprise. We told them we were going.”
“Nuh-uh. They know.” She whispers, “Everything. We all have a sixth sense when it comes to each other. You can’t keep secrets in this family.”
I’m learning that, as level-headed as Summer is, her imagination gets away with her sometimes. I’m not sure if I should encourage it, but when in Rome . . . “What secret were we trying to keep?”
We start walking toward the house. Out of the side of her mouth, she whispers, “They know about—”
“That must have been some getaway,” Spring says. All three hold up their phones with a different gossip page on each screen. Oh that . . . Not so much a secret since I knew we’d make headlines, but I can see how it might have come as a surprise to someone not in the loop. Or three specific someones used to being all in their oldest sister’s business all the time.
Winter’s looking at me when she asks, “Want to fill us in?”
Our bags in my hands, I give the firing squad my best paparazzi grin, hoping I live to kiss Summer again. “Did I mention I play hockey?”
“Nope,” Spring replies, sitting down as she shoots Summer a fire-fueled look. “Neither did our sister.”
Summer takes the first step. “I thought you already knew.” Defensively, jabbing her chest, she says, “I was the only one in complete darkness when it came to Daniel.”
Winter shifts, sets her hat on the steps, and moves to stand near Autumn. “We knew because we use this thing called the internet.” Her sarcasm is on point.
I shrug, glancing at Summer. “She has a point. It is odd you didn’t know who I was.”
“Wow.” She’s shaking her head as she ascends the steps. “They turn on you so quickly.” When she reaches the top, she turns back with a big grin on her face. “As fun as this is to tease me, the event was at the last minute. I have to tell you about the princess treatment.”
Autumn sweeps in and takes the garment bag off Summer’s hands. “Can I borrow this dress? It will be perfect for a charity event that the hospital has coming up.” I’m assuming the question is rhetorical since she’s already walking away.
Standing up, Spring dusts her backside off. “I’ll admit,” she starts, looking at her phone again, “you look beautiful, sis.” When she glances between us, her expression morphs into her usually sunnier disposition. “You guys really do make a stunning couple.” Coming down the steps, she shoots me a doe-eyed look as she passes. “And if you have any teammates that like small-town girls, you know where to find me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind next time I see the team.”
She says, “Oh, especially that number twenty-four. He’s hot.”
Twenty-four? “Dave Mackley?” Summer and I look over our shoulders at her. I say, “He’s engaged.”
Spinning, she laughs. “He’s not married yet.”
“Spring Lily!” Summer snaps. “That’s terrible.” Annoyance tugs her brows together, and she rolls her eyes.
“Double-naming me? I really struck a nerve. Anyway, I’m just kidding,” Spring starts laughing again. “I’d be okay with thirty-seven.” Apparently, she’s memorized the entire Breakaways roster. “And I already confirmed he’s single.”
“LeBeaux is an asshole. No way would I do that to you.”
Her arms fly from her sides with car keys in one hand. “Maybe I’ll just stick to guys in the tri-county area. Gotta run.” Walking backward, she smiles. “And welcome back, lovebirds.”
Summer says, “I’m starving, unless you two want to have fun at our expense?” Her tone is light, and I love seeing her so happy.
Autumn says, “I’m good.”
With her hands up in surrender, Winter adds, “I’m good as well. Jealous, but good.” Hooking her arm with Summer, she starts dragging her inside. “Now tell me everything. Do they shout your name on the red carpet? Did you meet any celebrities?”
“Oh my God, I met Brad Pitt . . .” she replies before the screen door closes. The man could be my father, and she’s drooling over him like he’s, well, like he’s me.
The screech of the door opening again has me looking up. “I forgot to tell you something, Daniel.”