Total pages in book: 224
Estimated words: 215705 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1079(@200wpm)___ 863(@250wpm)___ 719(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 215705 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1079(@200wpm)___ 863(@250wpm)___ 719(@300wpm)
Come back here after Paris? “How can we get a cat and a dog? We might not ever be home. Grayson wants us to open more locations for him. This is just the beginning of much more.”
“We’ll get a nanny,” he says, and winks.
“A nanny,” I laugh. “That’s funny. Or not. Can we?”
“Of course we can. We’ll work it out.” He refills my glass and we chat about what he has set-up for our Paris trip, and I’m pleased that he wants my approval and asks if I want to change anything he’s set up.
We arrive at the Ritz Carlton Tokyo and soon we are in our giant, gorgeous suite. Reid is taking care of the bellman when my cellphone rings in my purse where I’ve set it on the desk in the living area. Concerned it could be Grayson checking on the status of his big investment, I hurry to retrieve my phone from my bag to find my father’s number on the caller ID. My gut knots and I quickly decline the call. He must know about the engagement. Anthony works fast. Why can’t I have a family that will just be happy for me? Reid’s family will be elated. At least his siblings will be, and for that, I’m happy. He needs the family he’s denied needing. I like feeling as if I’ve helped him find them again.
I grab the menu from the desk and walk to the sitting area with high-end brown leather boxy-style furnishings and sit on the couch, saving the stunning city view now at my back to share with Reid. To share with my future husband. I’m not alone and neither is he, not now, and not ever again.
I scan the menu and I’m about done making my choices when Reid joins me. “See anything you want?” he asks kissing me. “Aside from a bed with me in it and lots of sleep and sex?”
“French fries,” I say. “And about every dessert on the menu. They look scrumptious. A soufflé that has Grand Marnier and ice cream? Yes, please.”
“That’s it?”
“I’m not a sushi girl, which seems to be the main offerings.”
“French fries,” he says, accepting the menu from me. “And dessert. Why don’t we go out?”
“I like French fries and dessert. We need to rest.” My phone rings again where I’ve left it on the desk.
“I’ll grab it,” Reid says, but when he tries to stand, I catch his arm.
“No,” I say a bit too sharply.
He casts me an equally sharp look. “What just happened?”
“It’s my father.”
Understanding touches his expression. “He knows,” he says as my phone stops ringing.
“Obviously, or he wouldn’t be calling,” I say.
“You have to talk to him sooner or later.”
“I know,” I say. “But right now, I just want to be with my future husband.”
Reid’s phone starts ringing and he fishes it from his pocket, glances at the number and doesn’t even hesitate. “It’s your father and yes, I’m taking it.” He stands up and answers the call.
Chapter seventy-three
Reid
“Did you call to congratulate us?” I ask, answering Mr. West’s call and crossing to the connecting dining room off the living area where I stand at the window, the Tokyo night lights dotting the otherwise dark night.
“You will not marry my daughter.”
“I am, in fact, marrying your daughter,” I say, tension radiating down my spine. Why can this man not just be happy for his daughter?
“You told her about our deal,” he accuses, trying to set me up. “You broke our agreement.”
“I didn’t tell Carrie anything and I did so with the risk of losing her, the woman I love. My understanding is your new woman told her.”
“We both know you told her. I’m going to sue you. I’m going to take everything you own.”
“Do you really want to travel this path, because if you do—”
“You’ll ruin your future wife’s father? That’s going to go over well, now isn’t it? I might lose, but you’ll lose her.”
“You’ll lose her,” I say. “And isn’t that what all your secrets were about? Not losing her? Or was it simply about your pride?”
“You’re a real prick, Reid Maxwell.”
“I am,” I say. “Remember that because if you come at me, you’re coming at Carrie, and you will not like the results.” I disconnect, anger churning in my gut.
“What was that?” Carrie demands, stepping between me and the glass. “Did he just threaten you?”
My hands come down on Carrie’s arms. “Relax, baby. I’ll handle this.”
“He’s my father. You’re the man I love. I don’t know what to do next. Did he threaten to come after your company? Your assets?”
“Yes.”
“Oh my God.” She tries to move away.
I grab her arms. “Carrie, easy, baby.”
“No,” she says. “No ‘easy, baby.’ Don’t do that to me. And he’s not doing this to us. This has to end.” She pulls away from me and I know her well enough not to push her right now, let alone try to control her, which I’d prefer. There’s a monster in the room and it’s bigger than she thinks.