Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
“Oh no,” I murmur empathetically. “What happened?”
Flora shrugs, rolling her eyes.
“Basically, Lonnie was wasted for our entire date. When I showed up, he’d already been drinking with his buddies for hours. They’d been at it since ten a.m., and Lonnie saw no reason to stop even though I was there. He’s a retarded drunk too. He couldn’t read the take-out menu because his eyes were crossing, and when I suggested some sexy time in the bedroom, Lonnie was totally limp. Like not even a twitch down there because of the alcohol.”
“Oh no!” I say with a sad smile, even though I’m trying not to giggle with hilarity. “That’s awful. I’m sorry, Flora.”
My friend merely lets out a gusty sigh and shrugs.
“Well, at least the matter’s settled now. No more unrequited crushes on gorgeous football players because they’re dumb as logs with mush for brains. I’m wiping my hands of that guy. But what about you, Cindy? I can’t believe you’re dating my uncle. Like dating, dating right?”
I smile happily and nod.
“Yes, we’re dating seriously. I know you didn’t expect it, but Blake and I hit it off when we met at the theater, and one thing just led to another. I hung out with him again while he was in town, and it was really amazing. Even after he went back to New York, we kept emailing and talking on the phone, and pretty soon, we were exclusive. So yes, we’re really dating.”
Flora stares at me, her mouth dropping open.
“Oh my god, are you in love? Holy hell!”
I smile at her primly.
“Blake may be your uncle, but he’s still a very eligible bachelor. A lot of women would give their right arms to date him, and I can’t believe he chose me. So yes, I am in love. We’re long-distance right now, with him in New York and me here, but we’ll figure it out after I graduate.”
Flora leaps up excitedly.
“This is super bonkers. I have to tell my mom. I have to tell my entire family in fact because they’re never going to believe it.”
I put a quick hand on her arm, stopping her.
“No need to act so fast,” is my reply. “It’ll all come out in time.”
Flora sat down and winked at me.
“Yep, and my family will love you, Cindy. My uncle couldn’t have done better. Holy cow, if you guys get married we’ll be sisters-in-law sort of! Although he’s my uncle and not my brother,” she giggles.
I nod, smiling happily.
“I know Flo, but we’ll get to that bridge when we come to it. Blake and I want to take our time with this relationship. Let me talk about it with him first, and we’ll let your family know little by little.”
My friend merely giggles again, practically shaking with glee, but fortunately, she didn’t say any more on the subject, to my relief.
But when I relayed our conversation to my lover, the handsome man merely shrugged and grinned.
“Let Flora tell them. Why not, sweetheart? I adore you, and it doesn’t matter that we met through my niece. We’re both adults and it’s not like we met on a ridiculous dating site.”
I stared at him, mouth agape.
“You’re not embarrassed?” I ask.
“No, not at all,” he says with a knowing smile. “Why, are you?”
I shake my head, too shocked for words. I’m not embarrassed to be dating Blake. In fact, I’m the opposite – I’m proud to be seen on his arm, and to proclaim that this handsome man is with me. But I never thought he’d be so open about our relationship because he’s a powerful CEO whereas I’m basically a nobody who’s half his age. Won’t his business associates condemn him for dating someone so young and naïve?
Reading my mind, he leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips.
“I love you Cindy, and I want the world to know. Screw the business world. Besides, I’ve always done what I’ve want and it generally works out. Heck, I’d shout our relationship from the rooftops if I could.”
Happiness overfilled my soul then and I smiled tremulously at him.
“If you’re okay with it, then I’m okay with it too,” I said softly. He merely cupped my face in his hands, staring intently into my eyes.
“I’m more than okay with it, sweetheart. I love you, and want everyone to know that you’re mine.”
Contentment and peace filled me then, as well as passion for this gorgeous man. I feel absolutely safe with Blake, as if he’ll solve all my problems. In fact, that wasn’t far from the truth. After graduation, I moved to live with him in his penthouse in New York, and have never been happier. During the day, I go to auditions for various Broadway shows, and then at night, I cook my man dinner and we talk and snuggle before engaging in another round of hot times.