Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
I noticed Cade watching me the entire day. Keeping security on me when I stepped even a few feet away. Growing up as a famous actress’s daughter has its pros and cons. My mom did try her best to keep me on the down low, so to speak, at least until she married Cade. Then, I was on display like I was playing a part in some production decided without my permission.
But, that day, the crowds were big, it was Spring and the sun was out. It was hot. I do not do well in the heat. I’m not the sturdiest of humans. Something to do with genetics with my light hair and skin. I’m not designated as having albinism, because I have gray eyes, but still, heat and sun are not my friends. Mom wanted a drink, so Cade went into the little saloon and soon after the crowds started pushing in. Pictures were snapped on phones, autographs requested and the throng closed in, pushing me out of the circle as the bodyguards focused on Mom.
Two men with pro cameras took note of me standing alone and started snapping photos, cat calling, name calling, trying to get a reaction. My head throbbed from the glaring sun, I looked to my mom but she was enveloped in fans and loving the attention. The photographers’ shouts attracted more attention and before I knew it, I was backed up against a stone wall with a deep pond on the other side.
Everything blurred. I reached out but there was nothing solid for me to hold and backwards I went, slamming against the ground then rolling into the pond as pictures were taken, video rolling and no one helped.
Except Cade.
It was his arms that looped around as I sat in the cold, unnaturally blue water of the pond, pulling me out and making sure I was okay before pummeling the two photographers and any other people that were within arm’s reach.
He got us a permanent ban from Disneyland.
Thank. God.
There were a couple similar incidents over the years where I was in danger of some kind, and he lost his mind. The oddest part is, once I was safe he went back to his usual cool indifference toward me, leaving me more in love but more confused than ever.
Like right now.
I swear, he’s better looking than ever right now. His beard hides his jaw but I know he’s gritting his teeth. That’s a habit he has when he’s trying to maintain his composure. I hate that I’ve again put him in a position to have to save me from myself.
But, I never thought he looked at me as anything other than the obligation left behind by his deceased wife. He’s my stepfather, my only family really besides his mother. I’ve met her a handful of times and I love her, and it seems she loves me, but if she knew my secret they both would expel me from their lives as fast as they could.
The silence in the limo feels like it’s pulsing around me. I tap my fingers on my knees. Drumming them back and forth, never missing a finger, and if I do, I wipe my palms together three times, splay my fingers, then start over.
I let my eyes fall low, staring at the flawless shine on Cade’s shoes. Then I see the flash of lime green. How I didn’t notice his socks before right now I’m not sure.
My heart flutters and my belly topples over on itself. He’s wearing the cartoon avocado socks I gave him for Father’s Day last year. It was dumb, but he’s always making me avocado toast in the mornings, so I ordered him a set of these crazy avocado socks, because what do you get the man that has everything?
Avocado socks, that’s what.
Only, I’ve never seen him wear them until now.
“You’re wearing the socks.” I whisper, the silence too heavy for another second. “You wore avocado socks to the Oscars.”
I’m not sure anything has meant more to me in my life. Except, well, that little incident in the restroom where I’m pretty sure he dry humped me to orgasm and yeah, I French kissed my stepfather.
That felt pretty significant.
He nods but stares straight ahead. My heart is breaking into a thousand tiny pieces as I bite the inside of my cheek to hold back the tears. I’m sure he’s about to say that was a horrible mistake, the heat of the moment, the women throwing themselves at him earlier got him charged up and I…I was just there for pressure release.
Only, as I watch, his body seems to soften like the anger from before is leaving him somehow. He turns toward me and that intensity in his blue eyes remains but there’s something new. A lightness I’ve never noticed as though he’s seeing something for the first time.