Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 60131 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60131 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“Do you need to bring anything else from here with you?” he asked.
“No.”
“Good.” He grabbed my hand and led me outside.
One of his newer drivers was holding the back door of a town car open for us.
“Thank you, Charlie,” he said, letting me inside the car first.
The driver pulled onto the street; Pierce pulled me into his lap and kissed the back of my neck.
“Charlie?” Pierce pushed down the top of my jeans.
“Yes, sir?”
"Roll up the partition, please."
TWENTY-NINE
HARLOW
We need to work on your stamina...
Take the next day off.
—Pierce
The note on the pillow said everything my aching muscles couldn’t.
After Pierce made me ride him in the back of the town car, we stood under his shower streams, and he worshipped my body with kisses and long looks and touches.
He insisted I join him in bed, and he fucked me to sleep.
Today had been a pre-planned off day for weeks, thanks to Olivia’s mother having a scheduled live TV interview, but I didn’t dare mention it.
“I couldn’t work today if I wanted to…” I muttered.
Forcing myself out of bed, I slipped into Pierce’s bathroom and slid under a waiting bubble bath.
When I was finished, I returned to my room and pulled on the gift Olivia bought me during our last shopping trip: a light grey sweatshirt with the words “I’m the Nanny” sewn in bright pink.
She’d bought Pierce a blue one that read “Best Dad Ever” and said it was a gift from the twins. The Best Uncle Ever” shirts were in reach, but she didn’t buy one.
Pulling my hair into a bun, I headed to the kitchen for a day of bread making.
“Miss Hawthorne?” Olivia called out from the living room. “Is that you?”
“Nope.”
“Yes it is!” She laughed as I rounded the corner. Then she patted the couch cushion between her and Pierce. “Come in here and watch my mom’s big interview with us.”
“I wish I could, but…” I looked at Pierce, unsure if he wanted me to be a part of moments like this.
Nights of passionate sex or not, I wasn’t sure that meant I could join their tightest family moments.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea right now,” I said.
“Please?” She pleaded. “For me?”
“Okay.” I smiled. “For you.” I slid off my shoes and sat next to her.
“What exactly are we watching?” I pretended not to know.
“My mom’s first high-profile interview.” She beamed. “She’s officially a season regular on The Best of Us, and she also landed a role in a movie next year. She’s coming to get me after they finish filming the next season, and I’ll be living with her.”
“Don’t fly away without telling me goodbye.”
“I would never.” She jumped up and made sure the popcorn and candy bowls were leveled.
Charlotte crawled over my feet, and I placed her next to me.
“Shhh!” Olivia turned up the volume. “It’s starting!”
Her mother, a beautiful redhead with the same stunning green eyes, smiled as she sat across from a morning show host.
Her stage name, Magnolia Blake, flashed onscreen before dissolving into flower petals.
“It’s exciting to watch your star rise, Magnolia,” the interviewer said. “I can’t help but believe we’re all witnessing the making of a true Hollywood powerhouse.”
“Thank you very much. I can only dream of becoming one someday.”
“I know your biggest projects are ahead of you, but how does your family feel about your growing success?”
“They’re all very, very proud. They want me to achieve all my dreams.”
“Do you ever have to shield your children’s eyes from the screen during the steamy moments in The Best of Us?”
“Oh, no.” She laughed. “I wouldn’t even let them watch it if I did. I don’t have any kids yet.”
“Oh my god, sorry!” The interviewer shook her head. “I’m so sorry for assuming!”
“It’s okay.” Magnolia smiled. “Once I’ve achieved a few more things on my career dream list, I would love to start a family.”
“Onto the next question—”
Olivia kicked the sweets bar to the ground and rushed to her room. She slammed the door so hard that two paintings crashed to the floor.
Pierce and I jumped up at the same time.
“I’ll handle it,” he said. Then he kissed my forehead. “Stop second guessing whether you should be around for things like this, Harlow. You’re part of this family, too.”
THIRTY
PIERCE
Olivia cried a river against my chest.
I knew better than to tell her things would be okay or that her mother was coming back for her “soon.”
I stopped believing that lie long ago.
“She’s calling me.” Olivia sniffled, holding up her phone. “Should I answer?”
“No.” I took it. “Allow me. I’ll be back.”
I stepped out of the room and headed to my office. “Hello?”
“Hey Big Brother from another mother! Did you see my live interview?”
“The first part.”
“Was there a signal interruption?” She sounded upset. “Did local news come on with some bullshit storm warning?”
“You denied having a daughter.”