Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 46847 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46847 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
My heart whelms as she enthusiastically talks about college, describing her teachers and classes.
“I’m so proud of you,” I tell her.
“Dad….”
“I mean it,” I say. “And I know you hate praise. But it’s the truth. You’re doing so well.”
“Thank you,” she says, with the flitting smile I remember from when she was a kid, completely incapable of taking a compliment. “Do you want to stay for dinner? I was going to make curry. I’m sure there will be enough to go around.”
“Make?” I say, raising my eyebrow.
She laughs again. “Okay, heat up the sauce and throw some cooked chicken in.”
I pat my belly. “Sounds good to me. As long as I won’t be cramping your style?”
She waves a hand. “Faye won’t mind.”
I nod, taking another sip of soda as I take a look around her apartment. It’s not huge, but it’s spacious enough, and Lola uses it well. Everything’s neat and tidy, as is always Lola’s way, even when she was a kid.
“So, how was Europe?” Lola says. “I interrupted you before.”
“It was a good trip. I got hundreds of usable photos.”
“Which you’ll whittle down.”
“And leave only the best,” I say, nodding. “I taught you well. Shame you went and decided to become a doctor.”
My tone is lightly teasing, but just in case, I add, “That was a joke. Or my attempt at one. I couldn’t be prouder.”
“That’s more Faye’s territory than mine, anyway.”
“It is?”
Lola rolls her eyes. “I’ve only told you she’s into photography, oh, I don’t know… maybe a thousand times?”
“I’m sorry,” I tell her.
“Don’t be. I know it’s hard for your photo-photo-photo mind to focus sometimes. She loves your work, by the way.”
“That’s lovely to hear,” I tell her.
“Lovely?” Lola says, and now it’s her turn to have the teasing note. “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you use that word.”
I chuckle. “It’s nice, Lola. What else do you want me to say?”
Lola moves closer, lowering her voice as she glances across the living room at the door to the spare bedroom or Faye’s bedroom since she’s staying here now.
“She’s just dropped out of college. She was studying business, basically, because her stepdad gave her an ultimatum. But she loves photography. I was wondering if there was anything she could do, some way she could maybe help? It doesn’t have to be big.”
I nod. “I’ll find something. Don’t worry.”
“Just like that?”
I give her shoulder a squeeze. “I can tell how much this means to you. I’m not sure what it will be. I haven’t even chosen my next project yet. Maybe she can help me sort through the photos from Europe, then work with me when I make my choice.”
“Really?” Lola says, almost bobbing up and down on the spot.
“You’re such a good person, Lola. A great friend. Yes, really.”
She throws her arms around me, and I hug her in return. It’s not that big of a deal, as far as I’m concerned, and well worth it to see Lola this happy.
And, who knows, perhaps Faye will show some talent, and I’ll be able to help her in her career.
Wins all around.
That’s what I think until the bedroom door opens and Faye steps out.
At least, I assume this is Faye, but it’s difficult to match this woman with the girl I remember from when I left for Europe.
She smiles shakily, the braces no longer on her teeth, taking a few steps into the room. Her hair is long and wavy. Insanely, I think about running my hands through it, grabbing a handful and using it to guide her lips gently to mine.
She’s wearing jeans that show the outline of her thick delicious thighs. And a shirt that shows the outline of her full mouth-watering breasts. Her eyes are captivating, wide, and somewhat innocent, as though this younger woman wants an older man – no, me, only me – to show her the way.
And not just in photography.
My balls feel like they flood suddenly.
Absurd thoughts clash in my mind, but there’s nothing funny about them. They feel deadly serious.
I need her.
Forever.
She belongs to me.
I push it all away, try to, at least.
“Hello, Mr. Fallon,” she says, with a soft smile, making me want to kiss her.
Wins all around.
No, this isn’t a win. I can’t work with this woman.
Where’s the shy eighteen-year-old sitting awkwardly in the back of the car?
Now all I can think about is grabbing her, kissing her, owning her in every steamy way imaginable.
“Hello,” I say, voice gruff.
CHAPTER THREE
Faye
“Dinner won’t be long,” Lola calls over the kitchen partition.
“Thanks,” I reply, shifting uncomfortably in my seat.
Felix sits on the other side of the coffee table in the armchair, filling it with his massive form. He’s wearing faded blue jeans and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing me his taut, corded forearms. His jaw is covered in stubble, his hair neatly combed, his pale green eyes seeming to stare through me and into me all at once.