Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
I'm in the middle of cooking dinner for me and my wife when the phone rings. The sound pierces through the sizzle of onions in the pan, and I wipe my hand on my apron before grabbing it. "Hello?"
"Hey, bro. What's up?" I ask, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice as I stir the pot.
The line crackles with static for a moment before my brother's voice booms through the receiver. "Hey, I hope you're sitting down for this one," he says, a hint of excitement in his tone. "Neya's got a college interview in the city next weekend and she's going to need a place to crash." My heart skips a beat at the mention of my 18-year-old, blonde bombshell of a niece. I've only seen her a handful of times since she started growing into the alluring young woman she is today. "Of course, she can stay with us," I reply without missing a beat. In my mind, I can't help but envision the mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "It'll be great to have some youthful energy around the place." The words come out smoother than the gravy simmering on the stove. I don't dare let on to my brother that I might have an ulterior motive for agreeing so quickly. My thoughts are already racing with memories of her flirty glances and teasing comments from past family gatherings. I wonder if she's still the same Neya, eager to push boundaries.
After ending the call, I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself before breaking the news to my wife. She's in the living room, engrossed in a book, her reading glasses perched on the end of her nose. The aroma of the roast beef and vegetables fills the air. I clear my throat, making her look up. "Honey," I begin, setting the phone down gently. "We're going to have a little house guest next weekend." I watch her eyes widen slightly as she marks her page and sets her book aside. "Neya's coming to stay with us. She has a college interview in the city."
My wife, Rachel, practically jumps out of her chair, her eyes lighting up. "Neya? Oh my goodness, she's growing up so fast!" she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine warmth. Rachel has always had a soft spot for our niece. She's seen Neya grow from a rambunctious child to a stunning young adult, and she's always been eager to show her the same love and support she does for our own children. Rachel rushes over, wrapping her arms around me in excitement. "This will be wonderful! We can show her the city, take her shopping, and maybe even throw a little dinner party for her," she says, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. I smile, nodding in agreement, and feel the tension in my chest ease a little. It seems like Rachel's excitement is purely innocent and maternal, which is a relief. "Yes, it'll be great," I murmur, my mind still racing with the memories of Neya's teasing. I push them aside and focus on Rachel's happiness. "We'll make sure she feels welcome."