Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 311(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 311(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
“Nope,” I replied, taking it. “I’ve not had enough alcohol yet.”
He chuckled. “All right, but if you don’t drink faster, I’m going to give that hot little redhead who keeps eyeing me a chance.”
I nodded my head in her direction. “Please, go dance with her. I’m just fine. You’re not required to babysit me.”
“You’re why I’m here,” he said with a shrug, then took a drink of his whiskey. “You missed the family Christmas. Finton and I agreed something was up with you, and I volunteered to come check things out.”
Although there was nothing either of them could do to help, it made my throat tighten with emotion.
Growing up without anyone to care about me or be concerned about my well-being had deprived me of the feeling of belonging and family. The day I met Jellie Watts, my world changed. I’d not just gotten a best friend, but her family as well. I knew they cared about me, but hearing Birch say that he and Finton had discussed me and wanted to check on me was special. Something I never imagined I’d have.
Birch set his glass on the table and leaned closer to me as he studied my face. “Are you about to cry?” he asked.
I scowled as I sniffled. “Shut up.”
“Noa,” he said, lowering his voice. “Please tell me you’re not fucking pregnant.”
I let out a startled laugh. “No! Why would you say that?”
He leaned back some, looking relieved. “Because you were tearing up over Fint and me worrying about you.”
I held up my glass. “This is my second whiskey sour. If I was pregnant, I would not be drinking.”
His shoulders relaxed, and he nodded. “Right. I don’t know any pregnant women, so I forget the things to look for. I just thought emotional and pregnancy,” he said, then picked up his glass and took a drink.
I watched as he glanced over at the redhead again. He was right. She was definitely looking over here. I grinned into my glass. I’d never thought of Birch, or Finton for that matter, like that. But that didn’t mean they weren’t handsome. Both were single men with solid careers. The redhead could do worse. Although I knew Birch wasn’t interested in anything more than sex. Hopefully, that was all she had in mind too. That, and a dance partner to ring in the new year with.
The redhead picked up her martini glass and started in our direction. Seemed she wasn’t waiting any longer for him to approach her. I’d never had that kind of confidence. It was admirable. I might use her as inspiration for my next heroine.
“Your hottie is headed this way,” I said under my breath since Birch was now looking out the tall glass windows overlooking Times Square.
His eyes shot back to mine, and I nodded my head slightly in her direction, trying not to be obvious.
“The redhead?” he asked.
“Yep.”
He smirked, looking smug. “It’s the ponytail. You might not love it, but it reels them in.”
I bit back a laugh and relaxed in my chair to watch this play out. It might be something juicy to tuck away for a scene one day. The redhead glanced from Birch to me, then smiled. Up close, she didn’t appear as confident. I was sensing nerves, yet here she came anyway. Damn, I wished I had that kind of courage. He’d better be nice to this one. I liked her.
When she reached us, she flashed a smile at Birch as he turned to fully face her, but her gaze moved back to me.
“Uh, whew, okay,” she said, followed by a shaky giggle. “Sorry. I worked up the courage to come over here, and now I am awestruck, and words aren’t coming.”
I glanced at Birch, waiting for him to say something to make her feel better.
He leaned his head slightly toward her. “It’s hot,” he assured her, then winked.
Her brows drew together, as if she was confused. She looked up at him, then turned to look back at me. Was she making sure we weren’t together? Did I need to make that clear?
“I’m just a really big fan. I’ve read your books so many times that I had to buy new copies because the covers were looking worn,” she blurted.
Oh! OH! She was here for me.
I sat up straighter this time and plastered on my Juliette Romeo smile. The one that hid all my insecurities.
“I have a copy in my purse at the coat check. I … I, uh, carry a book with me when I go places in case I want to go hide and read.”
I could not look at Birch. If I did, I was afraid I would laugh. What this must be doing to his ego.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I told her. “I’m honored.”
She blushed and then scrunched her nose. “Is it bad for me to ask if you’d sign my book? I mean, I know you’re out, having a good time with friends, and if that is—”