Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 129027 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129027 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
“You’ve always been there for me, from the awkward junior high years and being my best friend all throughout high school.”
I can’t tell for sure, but I swear I see Kira flinch a little when he mentions high school. Like something happened between them then. But she quickly covers it as he continues on.
“People always said we’d end up here,” he grins wide, taking her one hand in both of his. “Like two peas in a pod, that’s always been us. And look, here we finally are. You’ve grown from being the little girl chasing me around the playground to an awkward teen and finally to the beautiful woman who stands before me today.”
He laughs and breaks eye contact with her to look around at the breathless crowd. “Maybe one day I’ll even get her out of these glasses, am I right?”
Chuckles greet his shitty joke, and I see pink hit her cheeks. Even though I’m far away, I can feel her embarrassment at the cheap shot. This is coming from the man who’s supposed to love and cherish her for the rest of his days? My hand tightens into a fist behind my back.
He continues on obliviously. “No, but seriously.” His eyes finally come back to rest on Kira. “You were always the only woman I was ever going to marry, babe. Everyone else was just practice for the real thing, and I hope you’ll forgive me for how many years it’s taken me to finally put this ring on your finger.”
Then he gives a lopsided grin, hamming it up for the crowd again. “But you’re stuck now. You’ve already said yes, and it’s a little too late to take back the ring because I bought it four years ago, waiting for just the right moment to give it to you.”
Kira’s eyes widen and I can see she’s genuinely shocked. “Four years ago?” she gasps.
He nods solemnly. “I meant to give it to you then. I wanted to give it to you right after graduation.” He looks earnest enough. Still, it physically pains me when she starts to cry.
“Why did you wait so long, then?” she whispers.
“I knew you were worried about the degree you were about to start. I didn’t want to be like Theo and Hannah. When we really, truly began, I knew I wanted you to be my last first date.”
Kira looks up at him with something like hope but also a healthy dose of mistrust, too. She glances around them, noting the public forum he’s chosen for this confession.
“Last year, the time was finally right.” He grins. “And look at us now. About to become man and wife. I vow, future Mrs. Drew Underwood, to make you the happiest woman on earth.” He pulls her up out of her seat by the hand he’s holding.
She looks surprised and I take half a step forward when he pulls her into his arms and plants his lips on hers. I want to yank the bastard off her because I can’t tell if this is something she wants.
But then she wraps her arm around his neck. I can’t see where they’re kissing from this vantage point. It makes my guts churn that I can’t see to make sure I know she’s all right with it and the fact that I’m seeing it at all.
I barely know this girl.
And you’re just her protection officer. None of this should be affecting me at all.
This is her world. Mine are the dive bars outside of Waco, where I grew up. Or out brawling on some military outpost. I heard what her mom called me. I’m a gorilla, and she’s a princess.
I feel my blood heating, and I reach into my pocket, untwist the wrapping on a peppermint, and pop it in my mouth.
I close my mouth and focus on the spicy sugar candy. By the time I’ve got my eyes open again, Kira’s back in her seat and a line of waiters are bringing out dessert. Thank Christ. Does that mean this nightmare of a dinner is almost over?
I double check the exits and go back to my careful surveying of each face that I was engaged in before the slick fiancé got up for his little speech. No one seems to be paying Kira any special attention, but it’s clear everyone in this room is good at acting a part. They all know the rules of the game.
Each person in this room probably has a whole host of skeletons in their closets. Is one of those secrets a penchant for stalking and terrifying the intelligent, young, beautiful deacon’s daughter?
But while the old men occasionally glance her way, none of them linger too long. I’m getting nothing.
Finally, thank god, it feels like the night is winding down. I look at my watch. Ten-thirty. That feels late for all the white hair in this room. More toasts have been given, but they felt more like political speeches for upcoming midterms than happy wishes for the couple. Apparently, Drew’s father is up for re-election. I get the idea that this is essentially another fundraising opportunity for the guy.