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 couldn’t be upset that he’d taken control because his way would be much more effective than her calling and yelling at whoever answered the phone.
“Winter, I promised to take care of things for you, and I will,” he said in a gruff voice.
She narrowed her gaze. “You mean you’ll take care of things for the baby.”
“I mean, for both of you.”
A part of her, the one who longed for stability and love, wished he meant it in a way that meant she belonged to him and immediately pushed the thought away. Wanting more from him than he could give was dangerous. He’d make certain she was protected and for that, she was grateful.
Her stomach let out a low, unladylike growl, hunger suddenly gnawing at her insides. A blush hit her cheeks. “I didn’t eat breakfast. Come to think of it, neither did Panda.” She glanced down at the pup who’d curled at her feet and gone to sleep after the long walk.
“I can make you something to eat. How about eggs?”
She shook her head hard, the thought making her want to gag. She needed something sweet. “I know of a crepe place that delivers.” She was suddenly craving a Nutella and banana crepe.
After she pulled up the menu on her cell and showed him the menu, they ordered, and she was ready to deal with reality.
“What am I going to do? I want to go home, shower and change, and I can’t.” She glanced down at her black checkered flannels. “I’m wearing pajama pants and I have nothing else to put on. Panda needs to eat, and I need to get her food.” The list of necessities grew, and she hated that she felt stuck here. “What if I go home after we eat, and I’ll ignore the paparazzi as I go inside.”
Harrison shook his head. “More like they will push and shove one another to get to you, and you could get hurt. I won’t let that happen. But I did think ahead. Zach texted after he picked you up and he told me you’d need a change of clothing. Nikki will be here soon with some clothes and toiletries. I’ll just call her and add dog food to the list.” He lifted the phone already in his hand.
“Wait. Toiletries?” she asked, confused.
He met her gaze. “You’re going to have to stay here for a night or two until the news cycle picks up another story.” His thinned lips told her he was serious.
“We can’t go home?”
He reached out and covered her hand with his. “Even if we managed to get you inside your building, you’d be stuck in your apartment until the paps leave.”
She blinked, thinking about what that meant. “But I need to be able to walk Panda.”
“And you’d be alone. Not ideal for dog walking. The bodyguard firm I use said they’d send someone to help us out. I could have them cover you at your place, but to be honest, I’d feel better if you stayed here until the news isn’t as exciting.” He smiled, showing her his dimple. As if he knew the grin would help his cause and she wouldn’t be able to resist his request.
She groaned because she absolutely couldn’t. Not when her, her baby’s, and her beloved dog’s safety and security were at stake.
“I can cook. Added incentive, obviously.” He waggled his eyebrows, and she dipped her head and laughed.
“You’re incorrigible. But you’re right. It was insane outside, both there and here. And I can’t be stuck alone.”
Besides, she couldn’t deny staying here would make her feel safer. Calmer. Oh, screw it. She just wanted to be here until things blew over. No excuses needed. She was sure he had a guest room, or he wouldn’t have made the offer.
“Okay,” she said. “Thank you. I’ll stay.”
His eyes warmed and he nodded. “I’ll call Asher and ask them to pick up dog food.” He turned over his phone, slid his finger over the screen, and made a call. He spoke to Asher and hung up before turning to face her.
“Do you always take control like this? Does Zach?” She already knew Asher was the same way, and she didn’t know what to make of these Dare men who were so in charge.
“I am, and there are reasons.” He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “My mom left when I was six. She couldn’t handle being a mother, but she loved being pregnant.” He shook his head and let out a sigh. “I won’t pretend to understand her psyche, but I know she was mentally ill. I try not to blame her, but the fact is, Serenity was more of a mother to me than my biological parent.”
A lump rose to Winter’s throat and settled there. Unable to listen to his story without touching him, she reached for his hand and curled her fingers around his. “I’m sorry. I know she passed away.”