Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
She’d been pushing away that truth because it hurt to think about her mother missing out on being a grandmother, especially when Juliana had been such a wonderful parent.
“I’m sorry you lost her and that she won’t be around for the baby,” he said, compassion in his gaze.
“Thank you.” There was still more that Harrison needed to know about her in order to understand her gut reaction to push people away.
“When I realized I was pregnant, I knew I could do what my mom did with me.” She stirred her straw in her drink, pulling her thoughts together. “I’m lucky enough to have the financial means to take care of myself and the baby. All I knew was you’d told me you didn’t want a family—”
He held up one hand, and she paused to let him speak.
“Did it ever dawn on you that I have a canned answer ready to go when a reporter asks that question about marriage and family? If I said, yes, I want kids, I’d open myself up to the crazy women out there.”
She frowned but realized he had a point, and as a reporter, she should have known better than to jump to conclusions. A journalist should always take an independent perspective. But this was such a personal situation, and she’d blown it. “I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“Neither was I,” he said wryly. “And you aren’t alone. Not anymore. You have Nikki,” he reminded her. “And Derek, and once you get to know them, my crazy crew.”
She wasn’t ready to discuss being overwhelmed by his family, strangers who pulled people into their inner circle easily. Unlike her.
“Nikki and Derek are new to me.” But they’d become close quickly because once Winter discovered she had siblings, a need she’d never acknowledged took hold inside her.
“But you took her with you to the doctor’s today.”
“I needed her to hold my hand,” she admitted.
A grin lifted his sexy lips. “I would have held your hand.”
She couldn’t fight the smile that tugged at her own mouth. “I’m just not used to relying on anyone, and I’m not sure I know how.”
Her sister was somehow different. Maybe because she was a part of her. Bound by blood and all that.
“I think we can figure it out. Together.”
She managed a nod, surprised at the relief she felt. She didn’t feel like she’d lost the fight, more like she’d gained a partner. Just maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have help. He was here. Not for her but for the baby, and she needed to remember the distinction when that traitorous warmth rose inside her chest around Harrison.
They finished their meal. After Raven boxed their leftovers, the car ride uptown was quick, and when they reached Winter’s building, Harrison climbed out and extended a hand to help her out of the back seat.
“Thank you,” she said, expecting him to leave her at the entrance where the doorman held the door open, waiting for her to walk into the lobby.
To her surprise, Harrison shut the car door, and the Uber drove away without him. She looked up at him, and he shrugged. “I’m walking you to the door. My stepmom raised me to be a gentleman.”
She knew from her interview with him that he’d been raised by his father and the woman Michael Dare had married, who happened to be his kids’ nanny. There’d been no cheating or naughty business. The couple hadn’t gotten together until long after Harrison’s biological mom had passed. She’d died by suicide when he was a young boy, and by then, Serenity might as well have been the Dare children’s mom.
“Let’s go inside.” Harrison placed a hand on Winter’s back.
Doing her best to ignore the warmth he caused and the tingling between her thighs, she walked into the building. They stepped past the front desk, through the lobby and into the elevators.
A few minutes later, they were at her door, and he propped one shoulder against the wall, his gaze steady on hers. “Will you check in with me? Let me know how you’re feeling?”
Surprise flared inside her. That wasn’t about the baby. Or was it? “If something’s ever wrong, I promise I’ll let you know.”
His eyes narrowed, and he shook his head. “I don’t just mean check in about the baby.” He reached out, brushing his knuckles down her cheek. “I want to know you’re okay.”
That warmth blazed to life inside her again. Then he leaned in and kissed her cheek, his lips cool against her skin. If she turned her face an inch, their mouths would meld, and she was oh so tempted to give in. But nothing had changed. Neither of them wanted a relationship, and she had someone more important to consider now. Harrison was only here with her now because she was carrying his baby.