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)
He forced himself to focus on her life. Her needs. “The senator, your father, is also the man who gave up his senate seat after he found out about you and what his wife had done,” he reminded her again. “And he’s committed himself to fixing things with his children. Shouldn’t that mean something?”
She let out a sigh and nodded. “I suppose it does. Do you believe my mother was the love of his life?”
He saw the hope glimmering in her eyes. “I do,” he said truthfully. “I think he has a lot of regrets he has to live with.” Harrison wanted to change the subject so she could fall asleep on a more positive note.
He thought back to their afternoon and the stories he’d heard about the places the senator had met up with Winter’s mom. How they’d kept their affair a secret but enjoyed one another and their time together.
“I liked the stories the senator had about your mother and the ones you told him about your childhood,” Harrison said. He appreciated learning about the inquisitive girl she’d been. He understood how she’d ended up becoming a reporter.
“Me too.” A warm smile lifted her lips. She studied him for a long beat. “My mother would have liked you, Harrison Dare.”
“I’m glad. The question is, do you?” The query came out, taking him by surprise.
“Of course I do,” she said, her voice thick with real emotion, no walls or barriers to be found.
It was enough for tonight.
“Good.” Harrison turned, reached over and flicked off the lamp on the nightstand. “We should get some sleep. Tomorrow we’re going to do our best to get you back into your apartment. Even if you decide there are too many reporters and you want to come back here, you can grab some more of your own things.”
They each settled beneath the covers, and he heard the sweet sound of her breathing and the small sigh that escaped her lips as she flipped the pillow.
He was awake when her breathing evened out and she fell asleep while he lay beside her, aroused by the thought of her in his bed.
After some time passed, he braced one arm behind his head and his thoughts turned to the baby. Would he be a good father? He’d had a solid example in both Michael and Asher, who’d stepped up after their mother walked away. Now that the shock had worn off, he wanted nothing more than to be present and there. For both of them.
Chapter Eight
A wet tongue licked her face and Winter woke to her dog informing her she wanted to go out. She slipped out of bed, went to the bathroom and dressed, then headed out, leaving Harrison asleep. No sooner had she opened the apartment door than the bodyguard, a different one than the night before, greeted her.
“I’m Ava Talbott. I’m on the day shift today.” The attractive woman extended her hand and Winter shook it.
“I’m Winter Capwell, but I’m assuming you know that.” She laughed and Ava nodded.
“Does the dog need a walk?” she asked.
Winter nodded. “I’ll take her down and stay by the building.”
Ava shook her head. “It’s part of the job.” She took the leash from her. “Don’t worry though. I’ll stay close and keep an eye on whoever comes in and out while she does her business. And I have the key, so I’ll let her inside when I get back.”
Okay then. She supposed this was how the other half lived. Bodyguards who walked her dogs. “Thank you. Can I get you something to eat or drink? I have soda, water, juice…”
Ava treated her to a warm smile “No, thank you. I’m good.” She glanced at Panda. “Let’s go,” she said to the pup in an authoritative voice that Winter’s dog responded to.
Winter stepped back into the apartment and shut the door.
Knowing Panda would expect food after her morning walk, she headed to the kitchen, measured out kibble and poured the food into a bowl. After placing it beside the water, she walked back to the bedroom and shut the door behind her. Panda had her dog bed in the family room and though she’d slept in Harrison’s bed, something she was grateful he hadn’t minded, the dog would be fine in the outer area of the apartment after she ate. She was lucky that her pup stuck to a routine.
Once back in the bedroom, her gaze fell to Harrison, asleep in his bed. The covers had dropped low, revealing his tanned chest. He had one arm over his head as he lay on his back, lips slightly parted. The man oozed sex appeal, she thought, as she slid beneath the covers on her chosen side.
Of all the scenarios she’d imagined for her life, getting pregnant by a man she’d agreed to have an affair with hadn’t been on the list.