Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“So we’re your only clients,” my stepson growls. “Monday and Wednesday you were with me …”
“And Tuesday and Friday, you were with me,” I finish.
“Yes,” Sarah confirms in a whisper, her hands worrying themselves. “Honestly, I had no idea this was going to happen. No idea at all. Zero.”
I nod.
“It’s fine, honey, because obviously we had no idea either. These are definitely bizarre circumstances, but it’s okay. We understand that you see other men, and while it’s a little strange that the other man you’ve been seeing is my stepson, it’s not totally inconceivable. Nor am I married to his mother anymore,” I add.
But Sarah still looks disturbed.
“But you’re father and son,” she whispers, looking between the two of us.
Braden nods.
“In spirit, but not by blood. I’d say Grant is more of a father figure, than a father. But it’s the sentiment that counts,” he adds.
The beautiful escort still can’t manage any words, just looking at us with those big brown eyes. I decide to take my leave.
“Well, this has been a little awkward, but it’s going to be alright, sweetheart,” I say in a soothing tone. “There are definitely worse things in life, and in fact, I wouldn’t even say this is bad. We’ll figure it out,” I say reassuringly. “Come on, Daisy. Let’s go.”
My dog wags its tail at Sarah and Braden, as my stepson chuckles and pats her head.
“Good girl. I’ll talk to you later, Dad.”
I turn to stride away, but then I spin on my heel.
“Actually, I don’t live far from here. Do you guys want to come over and talk?”
Sarah looks horrified, her cheeks going red and then white in a matter of seconds.
“Oh no,” she says. “Maybe another time—”
But Braden cuts her off.
“Do you still live in that apartment on Central Park West?”
“I do,” I confirm.
My stepson’s blue eyes gleam. “Then we’ll be there in just a few minutes. Give us a sec to clean this up, and we’ll meet you there.”
I nod and grin. Clearly, my stepson and I are on the same wavelength.
“Sure thing. Let me just take Daisy home first so she can get some water. Come on, girl,” I say.
With that, I stride away, my dog trotting along behind me. After strolling halfway down the path, I turn and look back at the couple. Braden appears relaxed, his body language easygoing as he packs up the picnic basket. But Sarah’s another story. I can tell she’s still utterly surprised, and frozen with shock. That’s okay, because believe it or not, I’m not disgusted by these revelations. If anything, I have a plan and I only hope the gorgeous girl will willingly consent to be with both a father and his son.
6
Braden
I’ve been to Grant’s penthouse many times because although he and Mira divorced ages ago, we kept in touch. I haven’t been here in a while, but the building’s still the same. My former stepdad lives in a huge stone palace just steps away from Central Park, and the lobby has polished marble floors as well as lavish bouquets and a smartly-dressed doorman.
Of course, Mom hates that I get along better with Grant than I do with her. The fact is that Mira’s way too overbearing, which is not my thing. I get that she has an alpha female personality from being a successful doctor, but still. She’s driven so many men away that I don’t know why she doesn’t get the picture and change.
Meanwhile, Sarah and I take the elevator up to the penthouse. Grant answers the door, and admits us to the lavish space with its triple-height ceilings, and contemporary, modern décor. Daisy’s lapping noisily at her water bowl in one corner as Sarah looks around, both astonished and awed at the same time.
“Please, have a seat,” Grant says, motioning towards a low-slung leather sofa.
We let Sarah perch on the loveseat while Grant and I sprawl on nearby couches. There’s a sleek glass coffee table in the room, almost too beautiful for words, and Sarah stares at it rather than looking up at my father and me.
But the confrontation can’t be avoided. Finally, the beautiful girl raises her head and meets our eyes.
“I want to apologize again for all this,” she begins quickly. “I didn’t mean to make such a mess…”
I cut her off with a raised hand.
“You haven’t made a mess. This isn’t a big deal, honey. You were only doing your job and this is just what happens when you have multiple clients.”
The buxom brunette chokes a bit, her cheeks going red.
“Yes, but it feels like a big deal when my job involves two people who are related!”
Grant growls. “We are sort-of related, but not by blood, honey. Again, I’m divorced from Braden’s mom, and I was her fourth husband. Your dad was her …?”
“Second,” I say with a rueful smile. “At least, I think he was.”