“Sorry,” I say, blinking at him and blushing again. “Um, can you repeat that?” “Don’t worry about it,” he says, laughing a little and holding up a hand to help me dismount. “Come on, let’s let Heathcliff get his rest.” I nod and take Jerome’s hand, swinging my right leg over Heathcliff’s withers a
“A…beach party?” I say, cocking my head to the side as I study the note. “It’s about an hour away,” Kent says, watching me closely as I read. “Friends and family, apparently.” I look up at Kent my eyebrow raised. “Did you…read my mail?” He stares at me impassively, not needing to confirm. I study
They had nodded their confirmation and then we had left. Now, we’re forty-five minutes out of the city, heading away from the stables and towards the beach. I can already smell the salt on the air. I love the beach – I always have, despite my lily-white skin and my tendency to burn as red as a lobs
My father settles me into a comfortable chair at the center of the group and Tristin, to my right, shoots me a cold smile. Baby Estrella, in her lap, coos a happy greeting to me, so I give them both a warm smile in return. It’s a happy affair, really – everyone seems eager to greet me, to bring me
He smirks at me and, predictably, I blush. I scowl, really wishing I didn’t do that all the time. “So,” he says, giving me a friendly smile. “Apparently you’re the lady of the hour.” “Am I?” I say eagerly, leaning in, hoping this guy can give me a clue about what’s going on. “Do you know anythin
Ivan laughs at me then, at my speechlessness, and I can’t help myself – I laugh too, putting my head in my hands. “Yes,” I say, blushing terribly. “I have heard of you. And I have to say, it has not all been good things.” “Oh, come on,” he says, still laughing a little. “It can’t have been all b
“Nah,” he says, smiling at me indulgently and leaning a little closer as well. Then, to my surprise and pleasure, he begins to tell me his life story. I find myself paying rapt attention to Ivan’s story for the next half hour, sipping on the glass of tequila that the waiter again delivers, savor
Daniel won’t let go of my hand once we’re back in the house. “Daniel,” I say, exasperated, trying to yank my hand free while he pulls me down the hall. “Let go – are you seriously going to tattle on me?” He just shoots me a look over his shoulder, saying nothing as we arrive at the doors to his da