Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
I never meant to fall into bed with a stranger.
But the night I meet Jack Dare in Charleston, I stop thinking—and start wanting.
One look, one drink, one kiss—and I forget the rules I’m forced to live by. For one reckless night, I let myself breathe and allow myself to come undone.
But by morning, I’m gone.
Because if Jack knew who I really was—the ex-fiancée of a powerful man who still controls my life—he’d either walk away… or stay and get destroyed right along with me.
Two months later, I’m standing on his Miami doorstep with secrets. I’m pregnant and running from a man who’s bound to catch up with me.
That’s when I discover the kind of man Jack Dare really is.
He’s the man who fights for me. Who protects me. And refuses to let me go.
A sexy, emotional billionaire romance featuring a one-night stand, surprise pregnancy, second-chance love, a fiercely protective hero, and a love strong enough to stand up to power, scandal, and the past.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
CHAPTER ONE
Jack
I’ve found the perfect space for my next nightclub in downtown Charleston. It’s taken two trips out here. The first was a bust. Then, months later, I got a call from the realtor that the perfect building came up for sale and he’s right. Not that I’ll let the realtor know how interested I am in buying the property.
First thing in the morning, I’ll talk to Tristan and Lucas, my partners and co-owners of the original Midnight in Miami, and tell them about the building, including the repurposed industrial district where it’s located. The vibe is perfect. The guys will have to take a trip to check out the area for themselves, but I know in my gut this is it.
“As you can see, this building is located in the Upper King Street Design District.” Scott, the realtor, gestures with a wave of his hand. “The area hosts urban high-end home furnishing stores, eclectic boutiques and showrooms, along with trendy dining and hotels. And the good news is that if you buy or rent this building, and as I mentioned, both options are available, your club would be right in the center hub of the city.” He studies my impassive expression. “So, what do you think?” he asks.
I think if I get overly excited or let him know I’ve already decided I want the space, he’ll push me to bid higher. “It’s definitely a possibility,” I tell him. He’s shown me three other options, but this building is the optimal site.
“Good.” He nods, seemingly satisfied. “I should warn you, it can be a little difficult to get zoning and permits to open a nightclub here, but it’s worth the hassle to be in such a busy area.”
We’ll have to look into the zoning laws here, but that’s what our lawyers are for. “Thank you. I appreciate your time. I need to talk to my partners. I’ll be in touch.”
I follow him out of the building and we shake hands, then part ways with me promising to call him once I have a definite answer.
The realtor couldn’t meet until six p.m. Now it’s past seven and I’m starving. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and eating around here will give me a chance to check out the area at night before I go back to my hotel, which isn’t far from here.
I walk around, stopping at a café with an Open Mic Night sign in the window. I walk into the restaurant. It’s dark with paneled walls and an old bar vibe. A man is sitting near a makeshift stage playing an acoustic guitar. A woman stands beside him, singing into a microphone, her voice sultry and raw, her talent obvious.
I pause in front of a sign that says: Seat Yourself.
Glancing around, I realize all the tables are taken, then I see the back of a dark-haired woman who is sitting alone. It’s either I ask her to share her space, wait for a seat to open up, or head out and walk around until I find another place to eat, but I have a feeling all the restaurants will be as crowded as this one.
I stride over and step up to her table, catching a glimpse of her for the first time. Her chin rests on her hand as she watches the duo perform. Straight shoulder-length jet-black hair frames a beautiful face. Her lips are full, and her hazel eyes are rimmed with gold, standing out against her peaches-and-cream complexion. One look and I feel as if I’ve been sucker punched. I’ve met and dated many women, and none have drawn me in with just one look. She does.
“Can I help you?” she asks, her eyebrows raised as she meets my gaze.
I’m caught staring because I find it impossible to look away. “The restaurant is crowded so I was hoping I could join you.” I point to the empty seat at her round table.
“Oh.” She glances from me to the chair and back again.
“I’m actually starving,” I admit, not ashamed to sound a little pathetic if it gets me food and the company of a beautiful woman. “So if you could take pity on me and let me sit down and order, I’d appreciate it.” I treat her to my most charming grin.
She laughs and gestures for me to take a seat, which I do.
“I’m Jack,” I say.
“Taylor. Nice to meet you, Jack.”
We spend a few minutes in comfortable silence watching and listening to the pair up front until they announce a break. Silence takes over where the throaty sounds of the singer had been, just as a server stops by and I order a hamburger, fries, and a Samuel Adams.
“Do you want to refresh your drink?” I ask Taylor, glancing at her tall glass.
She lifts a delicate shoulder. “Sure. Seltzer and a spritz of cranberry juice please,” she says.