Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 103413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
“Good. So, they’re doing it on the ground?”
“Wouldn’t be much of a tree house on the ground,” Nico pointed out, sitting down on the blanket, just inside the open double doors. “But Keir has chosen a tree with a good spot that’s only a few feet up.”
“Oh, good. I’m still not sure this is a good idea, though. What are they using for building materials?”
“Just what they can find. You never built a tree house as a kid?”
“Me? No.”
“Your brothers?”
“No, not that I can remember, anyway. Regent was always with my father, even from an early age. Jardin was more into his studies. Victor loved sports. And Maxim, well, he was usually getting into some mischief, but I don’t remember a tree house. Did you?”
“I tried. But I did a pretty poor job of it. I did have fun throwing water balloons from it at anyone who walked past, though. Our neighbors were not happy with me.”
“I bet.”
“I’m shocked it lasted as long as it did. It wasn’t exactly high construction. I think some of it was held together with masking tape.”
“That doesn’t sound safe.” She glanced off toward where the boys were. They couldn’t see them from here, but occasionally, they could hear them call out to each other.
“They’ll be fine,” he reassured her.
“Sorry. I guess I worry too much.”
“I get it. They’re not yours. You want to return them in one-piece.”
“Preferably,” she joked. “It’s some weird rule Thea has. They must come back with all their limbs.”
“Sheesh, that’s tough. I hope you get a bonus when you return them each day safe and sound.”
“Hazard pay, maybe.”
“Definitely hazard pay. It’s good of you to look after them for her.” He poured her some more of the fizzy orange juice, noting with satisfaction that she’d drunk it all. It might not be as good as actually eating something, but it was something.
“You do for family,” she murmured. “Besides, it’s not like I’ve got anything better to do.”
He frowned at the self-deprecation in her voice.
“You have your painting,” he pointed out.
She let out a delicate snort, a noise he’d never imagined would come from her. “That’s not important. Thea is helping Jardin with his work, that has far more importance than spreading paint on a canvas.”
“Hey, that’s not true.” Reaching out slowly, he placed his hand on hers. She jolted but didn’t pull away. Satisfaction filled him. Maybe she needed touch. He wondered if anyone hugged her when she was down or upset, or if her brothers offered comfort when she was scared or unsure.
“If it’s something special to you, then it has importance.”
“Jardin is a lawyer. You can’t compare the two things.”
“People need lawyers. But people also need art. What do you think the world would be like without music? Could you imagine it? When I’m feeling down, I pick up my guitar and play, it instantly makes me feel better.”
She tilted her head to the side and studied him. He kept his hand on hers. Yeah, getting her used to his touch was definitely one of his main goals.
Touch and trust.
“I can’t imagine you feeling down.”
“Everyone feels down at some stage, Lottie.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“And there are people who need art to lift them up. To make them smile. What you do has importance. Just in a different way from your brother.”
“But I don’t share my art.”
“Perhaps you should.” He rubbed his thumb over hers. Felt her shudder. But still, she didn’t push him away.
Fuck. He was good at this wooing shit.
“Maybe it’s crap.”
“Could be,” he agreed. “But then, so is half the stuff I’ve seen in art galleries.”
Her lips twitched. “You go to art galleries?”
“Hey, are you implying I’m not cultured?”
“Of course not. My apologies.”
“Accepted. At least I have better taste than the step-monster. Do you remember that ugly ass painting she has of herself in the living room?”
“Oh, man, I forgot about that.” Lottie grinned. “It was awful. It made her seem like she was looking down on all of us.”
“That was the point.”
“Wait, you call her a step-monster?”
“You met her. You don’t think it’s appropriate?”
“She was, um, a little difficult.”
He snorted. “Difficult? That’s a very diplomatic way to put it. She’s a complete bitch.”
“Nico!”
“She is. She made Liam’s life hell when he was a kid. Part of the reason he decided to use his mom’s maiden name. He couldn’t even stand sharing a last name with her.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, she’s always hated him. She dotes on her precious Michael and acts like Liam is a dirty secret.”
“That’s terrible. Poor Liam.”
Wow. He really was good. He already had her feeling sorry for Liam. Of course, Liam would kick his ass if he found out Nico was telling her this stuff.
“What do you paint?” he asked her. He lay back on his side but kept his hand on hers. His T-shirt rode up as he moved, revealing his abs. He watched as her gaze moved down his stomach.