Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“That sounds great,” my father says as if he’s the one Sheldon asked out.
I have to fight not to roll my eyes. How hard is it to read the room? Damn, Daddy.
“Oh, I’m not sure I’m up for that this evening. I’m not feeling so well.”
“Yes, she’s been suffering with nose bleeds,” mom says as she comes to place a hand on my back and rub it.
I sag into her, so grateful she’s trying to help me out of this. Sheldon looks at me in disappointment. My father looks frustrated.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I do hope you feel better. Let me know if there’s anything I can do,” Sheldon says.
“I’ll give you a call,” I murmur.
“Please do. If you’re feeling better after your call, feel free to ring me. I’ll get us reservations for this evening. Maybe dinner with good company will brighten your health.”
“Ah, well, let’s go to my office,” my father says, leading Sheldon away.
“That man, I told him to let that ship sail. He’s too darn stubborn to listen,” my mother huffs as she loops her arm through mine.
“Why don’t you like Sheldon?” I whisper.
“It has nothing to do with me not liking him. He’s a very nice man. He’s just not what you want. Why waste everyone’s time?”
I give a real laugh that loosens some of the stress from my body. “Mom, you’re a trip.”
“I’m a mother, and I know when my daughter is already in love with someone else. You can’t make sound decisions when you have random snakes trying to slither through the garden,” she says.
“Is there really a call with Mrs. Moran?”
“Not for you to attend to unless you want.”
I smile and kiss my mother on the cheek. She cups my face and kisses me back. In this moment I’m happy to have her in my corner.
“Come on, I’ll sit in.”
***
I step out of my mother’s office proud of the work she and Tessa are doing and happy I could give some input. It’s for a great cause. I want to help as much as I can.
“Reminisce,” my father’s voice booms through the corridor.
I freeze and roll my eyes. My good mood has just been snatched. I know that tone.
“Yes, Dad.” I turn to him with a smile.
“I would like to speak with you.”
Oh boy, here we go. Someone save me.
CHAPTER 43
In Love
Reminisce
I sit in my car wondering how did I get here? How is this my life? I shouldn’t have allowed my father to guilt me into this.
My phone rings, and I glance at the name that lights it up. I haven’t returned his calls in the three days that I’ve been at my parents’. I asked Saga to let him know that I’m okay, but I need space.
However, staying with my parents is how I ended up on this date tonight. Sheldon came by to see my father and asked me out. Seriously, this is the last place I want to be.
I can still hear my father’s words in my head, coaching me to go on this date. His words would have made sense if my heart wasn’t already aching for someone else.
“Baby girl, you’re my youngest, and you’re unhappy. Take the man up on his offer. You two hit it off before,” my father said after Sheldon left and Dad cornered me outside mom’s office.
My father can be relentless, so I gave in. No one knows my heart is bleeding. No one knows that I’m already in love with a man who’s child I’m carrying.
“Great, it’s going to pour,” I mumble as I get out of the car.
I go to get my umbrella out of the back seat before I head to the restaurant. When I have the umbrella in hand, I close the door and turn. Standing before me with sad eyes is the one person I’m trying to avoid.
“Knight, what are you doing here?”
“We need to talk,” he says.
“Now isn’t the time.”
He crowds my space, backing me against the door and cups my face. He looks into my eyes. That pull is still there between us. It’s burning as hot as it always does.
Dipping his head, he nips at my bottom lip and groans. He licks at it before he sucks it into his mouth.
“Knight,” I whisper.
“Don’t.”
“We can’t.”
“Not this again,” he murmurs.
He takes my mouth in a searing kiss. He consumes all that I am, sending the butterflies in my belly flying. He takes from my mouth like he’s been craving this kiss for a lifetime. I lock my fingers in his hair, pulling a grin to his lips. When he cups my ass and pulls me into him, I come to my senses.
“Why can’t we? What excuse are you going to feed me this time?” he says against my lips.
“You know why.”
He purses his lips and looks into my eyes. So many emotions pass through those blues. I turn away not able to handle all that I see.