Kindle Notes & Highlights
Poor kid. The woman must be truly neglectful to lose in court. You hardly ever see cases go that way.” “Or the judge is a big baseball fan,” I replied, taking a sip of coffee.
your social life is like a cat lady’s, minus the cats. You might be missing out on the man of your dreams because you’re living like a hobbit.
I am starting to think that you’ve forgotten how to be single.” “Believe me, that’s definitely not the case,” I said dryly. I was reminded of it every day when I woke up and found myself alone in bed.
The camera, on the other hand, brought me a different kind of joy. It captured moments in time that you’d never get back, but could still reflect on fondly.
“Get yourself some homeruns before you forget how to score.” “Get back into the game? Were you on a team?” Michael asked, missing Ridley’s jab. “When I was in grade school I played softball,” I replied, giving Ridley a warning look. “So, you lost interest?” Michael asked. “Not really. I just stopped playing,” I said. “You have a habit of doing that,” said Ridley with a glint in her eye. “I bet Damian Stryker knows his way around the field and plays a mean game of baseball.” I groaned. “Would you please stop?” “At least check out the size of his bat,” she said.
“Obviously. You’re a beautiful woman and if you wanted a romp in the hay, I’m sure guys would jump in line for a chance. Don’t waste your time with Damian, however. His ex messed him up, big time. He’s now going through women like you go through shoes, Ridley. Mia doesn’t need that in her life.”
Welcome to Café Bianca. Is this your first time here?” “Oh, heavens no,” said Ridley, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Why would you ask that?” “Because I would have remembered someone as beautiful as you,” he replied, winking at her. Ridley blushed. “Nice return. You know, you should be flirting with my brother. He’s the one tipping tonight.”
“I say we make a toast right now.” We all raised our drinks. “What’s the name of your boat?” Michael asked. “Home Run,” he replied. “Big surprise there, right?” Ridley chuckled. “Because that’s what life is all about, right? Going all the way and scoring big?” “Exactly,” said Damian. “Couldn’t agree more. So… here’s to ‘what happens on the Home Run, stays on the Home Run’,” said Michael. “And here’s to Mia making a homerun, on the Home Run,” whispered Ridley. I kicked her foot.
“What if there’s a hurricane or some other kind of natural disaster?” “We’d have a helicopter to whisk us away from the island,” she replied. “Hell, let’s just have a weatherman on speed-dial. That way we’ll have advance warning of impending doom,” I said with a wry smile.
“We use it for our business,” I said. “Other than that, I try to stay away from social media and internet as much as possible.” “It’s handy in many ways but it’s also poisoning our youth,” said Damian. “Kids aren’t outside like they used to be. It’s a shame.”
“Comfortable, huh? My grandfather always said that to live a complete and fulfilling life, you have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone.”
With a look of disapproval, she glanced toward him again. “He’s definitely not alone. He has his arm around some big-boobed bimbo with a dress so short, you can almost see her twat,”
“You have your own yacht?” “He does and you should see it. The thing is massively huge,” said Ridley, thoroughly enjoying herself. “Just like his house. His limo. His truck. Hell, Mia, I bet there’s nothing small about the man. If you know what I mean. By the way, what size shoe do you wear, Damian?” I coughed. “Leave it to my sister to bring cock into the conversation,” said Michael, dryly. “I guess the fascination runs in the family.”
Chuckling, Damian took a sip of his beer and then said, “I’ll just pretend that we’re not having this conversation about what’s hiding in our pants.”
I knew that what I’d said sounded like a line but it was the truth. She was unforgettable. The first time I’d stepped into John’s office, I’d noticed the young, beautiful woman in the photo right away. It just hadn’t clicked until tonight.
I shouldn’t be flirting with her but unable to help myself. Mia was intriguing and seeing her dance with another man had irritated the hell out of me.
I don’t know what surprised me more… the fact that he was kissing me or the fact that he was so damn good at it that I didn’t want it to end. Just when I started really getting into it, however, Damian pulled away and began dancing me toward the other side of the stage, away from John.
“Hey, guys,” she said, a funny smile on her face. “Have fun dancing?” “We had more fun pissing off John,” I said quickly. “I’m sure you did,” she replied.
“Let me guess, you saw us kissing?” “Saw you? I’m pretty sure the entire club noticed you two making out on the dance floor,” she answered, looking amused. “It was an act,” I said. “Obviously.” “Right.” “It was.” “Then you should get into acting because you’re very good. So is he.” I glanced over toward the bar. Damian was already ordering. “I admit it. He’s better than good.”
“Speaking of expressions, you should have seen John’s face when you two were kissing. It was priceless,” said Ridley. Damian smiled. “I’m sure he regrets what he’s lost. You’re too good for the likes of him anyway.”
“Act two. Are you ready?” Before his words sunk in, I was back in Damian’s arms and he was kissing me with an intensity that made me almost reconsider the rest of my night. “Oh my,” I said breathlessly after he released me. “That act was even better than the first.”
“I swear, if you don’t snatch this guy up, you’re crazy,” she whispered. “Look at the way he’s looking at you.” My cheeks burned. Damian was indeed staring at me rather intently, but it didn’t mean he was available to be snatched up. “Stop.”
“By the way, call me Ridley. We’re all working for Damian. I think we can forgo the formalities.” Marshall grinned. “No problem. And feel free to call me whatever you want. Hell, everyone else does,” he joked and then winked at Ridley. “Or whenever you want.” I bit back a smile.
A much more enjoyable place for a woman should always be the bedroom. “That’s only because she hasn’t had anything cooking in the bedroom for so long,” joked Ridley, who must have been reading my mind. Mia gave her a dirty look. “Please ignore her. Apparently, Ridley has forgotten how deep the ocean can get and how easily one could fall overboard.”
We watched in stunned silence as his fingers danced over the keys like it was second-nature; he played with such passion and skill that it literally gave me the chills.
“Too old? Nonsense. Anyone can learn how to play. You just have to have patience and a willingness to keep practicing.”
“Maybe Damian would like to give you swimming lessons, too?” said Ridley with a smirk. He looked at me. “Of course.” “I think one type of lesson will be enough,” I said, giving her a warning look. “I’d hate to monopolize all of Damian’s time.” “Believe me, there will be plenty of time next week,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes. “So, if you’d like lessons on anything that I’m familiar with, just ask.”
“No, thank you for catering this weekend,” said Damian. “I’m looking forward to tasting your wares.” Ridley chuckled. “You’ve already sampled some of Mia’s.” My face turned red. “What was that?” asked Marshall, his eyebrow cocked. “Nothing,” said Damian, smiling. “Private joke.” “Ah,” he replied. “No wonder nobody was laughing.”
“Do you sing?” asked Ridley. He nodded. “Yes. Horribly. Unlike my sister, I’m usually paid to keep my mouth shut.”
“It can wait until later,” I said. “Besides, I doubt I’ll have time to practice.” “Sure you will. Anyway, I’d like to give it to you now. Before I get too busy with the guests.” Ridley snorted. “Oh hell. You may as well let him give it to you.” I shot her a dirty look.
“You’re getting hard again? What are you on, Viagra?” “I’m on Mia,”
