Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 143779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 719(@200wpm)___ 575(@250wpm)___ 479(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 143779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 719(@200wpm)___ 575(@250wpm)___ 479(@300wpm)
Lisa sat up. “Well, given that it’s supposed to be a secret process, yes.”
Lila’s eyes rolled. “Like anything is really secret at Sanctum. They like to say they’re all covert and mysterious, but when it comes to family…well, Will views Noelle like a niece and he wants to avoid her at all costs. Be nice to your uncle and don’t do anything pervy around him. His club night is Friday. Maybe you could go on Saturdays.”
She knew? Noelle felt her cheeks flame, but she straightened her shoulders anyway. This was her life. “I’m an adult…”
Lila put a hand on her head, smoothing her hair back. “Nope. No need to fight that fight with me. I meant what I said. You are smart and funny and beautiful, and you deserve everything you’re brave enough to go after. I don’t understand the whole submissive thing. I’m not wired that way, but if you are then there is no place I would trust more than Sanctum. After all, it’s where my sisters and my brother found their loves. But do not tell your father. Not now. Maybe in ten years or so.”
Maybe never. “Sorry I didn’t talk to you about it.”
Lila shook her head. “You talked to the best person you possibly could have, and when you get there, don’t hesitate to talk to Laurel, too. I love you. I know we don’t share blood and that you still miss your mom, but you’re my daughter, too. I want the world for you. You are strong and smart. If this Hutch guy is hot and seems like he’d be good for you, go for it. Even if it’s only for a little while. Sex is good for you if you make smart choices about it. Never tell your father I said that.”
She got to her feet and hugged her stepmom. Her mother had died so many years ago, but this woman had eased the blow. Lila had been everything she could have wanted in a mom, and she was grateful to be part of her family. “Thank you.”
“Be safe out there.” Her stepmom hugged her tight and then let go as something whizzed by her head. “I’m never going to survive those boys.”
Noelle leaned over and grabbed the Frisbee. “I’ll handle my brothers for a while if you want to have a glass of wine. That cake has to come out of the oven in about twenty minutes, but I can watch the boys until then.”
“Cake. I’m up for cake,” Lisa said with a grin.
Lila sighed and stepped back. “I’m going to miss you, Noelle. Remember we’re always here for you.”
Her stepmom walked back in the house, and despite the fact that she had some stress at work, she was hopeful for the future.
“That went better than I thought it would,” Lisa said. “I’ll be honest. I figured she would know sooner or later. Lila knows everything. Should Kevin be climbing the shed? God, please be a girl.”
“Kevin! Get down from there.” She picked up her cane and started for the stairs because her brother was trying to kill himself. Her stepmom’s dog Peanut was whining as though he knew disaster was about to happen but couldn’t figure out how to fix the problem.
Jason ran by her, grinning. “Throw it to me, Noelle. Throw it to me.”
“I know Hutch,” Lisa was saying behind her. “He’s actually pretty cute, and I’ve heard he’s good in bed.”
Oh, that did not matter. She tossed him the Frisbee while she started to drag her other brother out of harm’s way.
She kind of hoped Lisa had a girl, too.
And it didn’t matter if Hutch was cute because she wasn’t about to get caught in a trap. No way. No how.
* * * *
Dallas, TX
Greg Hutchins watched as his friends started to shuffle toward the door of Michael Malone’s gorgeous high-rise condo that overlooked Victory Park. It was a far cry from the home Hutch had recently purchased, but in many ways he preferred his three-bedroom ranch in Chapel Downs. He never thought he would live in what was basically the suburbs, but when he’d gotten the chance to buy it from a friend, he’d taken it.
He’d moved in the month before, and the whole place pretty much consisted of a massive TV, a couple of gaming chairs, a folding table in the “dining” room, and his bed. He hadn’t counted on how empty the place would feel.
Which was precisely why he’d been happy to get the invite from Michael to come to his place and watch an afternoon of college football. It had been good to hang with the guys instead of spending the entire weekend on his computer.
But now the game was over, and tonight was a play night at Sanctum. Most of his friends played on Saturday nights. He hadn’t been in a few months. The club had lost something for him.