EXCERPT REVEAL
*****
“Is there any chance you’d want to stay?”
I gripped the handle of the door. “Stay?” I said softly without turning.
I heard some shuffling of footsteps and then I felt him standing behind me. He playfully poked me on the shoulder to face him, and I did, finally letting go of the handle.
“Stay,” he urged again.
“You have a show later, Marcus. Shouldn’t you be sleeping by now?”
Marcus shrugged. “I couldn’t even if I tried. I’m too…wired.”
I smirked. “Tea is supposed to relax you, not make you jumpy,” I commented, and he wrinkled his nose. “I don’t think it’s the tea.”
Marcus fixed me a stare. “It’s you.”
“Ha,” I said, shaking my head, struggling to hide my smile.
“I’ll get us room service.”
“You’re bribing me with food. After I had a buffet. Are you kidding me?”
He opened his hands in front of him. “I was hoping the company was enough.”
A tiny, very unsure voice in my head said: Be spontaneous?
And despite the louder voice screaming “no,” I relented, sighing and flopping back down on the couch. “Fine.”
*****
I removed one of my sneakers—which are called trainers on his side of the planet—before looking up at Marcus. “You mean there is an actual gift? Flying here and the party isn’t the gift?” I said, aghast. “You are spoiling me far too much, Wayans.” He placed his hands in his pocket, looking at me sheepishly. “Well, I’ve got the money to spend, so…”
“Not an excuse,” I replied sharply. “Some of us have to work hard to get that kind of money.”
He winced. “I get it that you don’t like me spending my money on you, but you have to understand that this is why I work hard for it,” he said patiently. “To make the people I care about happy.”
I chucked my shoes and my socks to the corner where he was standing and he had to step out of the way, shaking his head. “So my gift,” he said, and I raised an eyebrow. We engaged in a stare-down, with me on the losing end.
“Okay,” I exhaled.
Marcus fished an envelope from the back pocket of his jeans, walking over to me. He handed it to me and then stepped back, as if readying himself for the wrath I’m about to unleash. I opened the envelope, and there were some papers inside, one with Marcus’ scrawl:
You always wanted to travel. You’re 25 now, almost free of your responsibilities from your family. Fly to London. Two weeks. On me.
I reached inside the envelope, and there was a voucher for a plane ticket inside with my name on it. I took a shaky breath before looking at him.
“Oh dear,” I said, and he gave me a nervous smile.
“I want to take you to my home.”
---END REVEAL---
I'm surprised still of the after effects -emotion wise- this book, specifically the storyline, is doing to me. The Real Score is really something! I personally recommend this reading. And if you found yourself hooked already, stay tune as we post our interview with author Kesh Tanglao- the book's last stop on The Belle Of A Boulevard.
But before we get to that, join this exciting
GIVEAWAY
Marcus and Caitlin's mini-care package (This you'd have to read from the book!)
Paperback copy of The Real Score
The Real Score Bookmarks
Charm bracelet.
