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 open the door for her. “Night, Taylor.”
“Night, Jack.” She smiles and her grin nearly knocks me off my feet. This woman. I shake my head. All she has to do is breathe in my direction and I’m sucked into her orbit, willing to do anything she asks.
I wait for her to get into the vehicle before closing the door behind her.
The car pulls away but this time, I know I’m going to see her again.
CHAPTER NINE
Taylor
I’m sitting in a chair at Bean & Brew, the coffee shop where Jack texted and asked me to meet him. It’s a cute place with plants in the corners, light wood tables, and music playing just loud enough to be soothing but not annoying, which helps because I’m already nervous, my stomach churning with nerves about seeing Jack again.
Because it’s almost ninety degrees outside, I order an iced decaffeinated cold brew with four pumps of vanilla and choose a seat inside where there’s air conditioning. Thanks to the baby growing inside me, I’ve had to give up my morning routine of caffeine first thing.
Before leaving Charleston, I made an appointment with an obstetrician and went in for a first confirmation appointment. Holly came with me and yes, I’m pregnant, eight weeks along, and everything is fine so far.
I smile and press my hand to my stomach, something that’s becoming a habit when I’m alone. More than anything, I want to share the news with my parents, but until I rid myself of the albatross that is Chandler, I don’t want to tell anyone other than my sister, just to be safe. Another reason that this trip to Miami for a few weeks will be good for me. I can just relax and not be on guard all the time.
At the tinkling sound of bells, I look up and see Jack stride through the entrance. Wearing a pair of dark jeans and a white T-shirt with the Midnight logo on the left side of his chest, he looks relaxed and sexy as he walks over to where I’m sitting. The muscles in his forearms are visible, and the memory of them wrapped around me is suddenly vivid and real.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” He pulls out a chair and sits down beside me.
I shake my head. “I got here early. It’s a character flaw,” I say with a grin.
He laughs. “I’d call that more of a strength than a flaw.” He glances over to the counter where there’s only one person waiting. “I’m going to grab a drink. Do you want a refill or something to eat?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.” He rises, and I wrap my hands around my cold drink and wait for him to return.
When he does, he has a hot drink in one hand and two croissants in the other. He lowers himself to his seat and slides a pastry to me on a napkin. “Don’t make me eat alone again,” he says with a wink. “Besides, these are delicious.”
I inhale, taking in the buttery scent and sigh. “Fine. I’ll try it.” I take a bite of the flaky pastry and nod. “You’re right. This is delicious.” I take another taste and groan.
His eyes darken and he leans closer, giving me a hint of the earthy scent that surrounded me the night we slept together. I’m suddenly hot and bothered, and I rub my thighs together, hoping he doesn’t realize I’m squirming because he’s so potent.
“That sound does something to me,” he says, reaching over, placing a hand on the edge of my chair and pulling me nearer to him. “Did I mention I’m glad you’re here?”
My breath catches in my throat. Now that I’m this close to Jack, my entire body hums with a need I’ve only experienced once before. When he was undressing me in his hotel room, then deep inside me, taking me against the wall in the outer suite.
“I …” I have no idea what I was going to say.
Lifting a hand, he twirls a piece of my hair between his fingertips. “Your hair is soft,” he murmurs. Before I can gather my thoughts, he slides back. “So, how have you been?” he asks, as if he didn’t just upset my entire equilibrium.
“Good. I’ve been working, fundraising, the usual. How about you?”
“The same. Running Midnight here and dealing with potential issues in Charleston.” He takes a sip of his coffee.
I lean in. “Did you buy the property?” I’m truly interested in the answer. If he and his partners purchased the building, I can expect Jack to be in Charleston for business often. Excitement fills me at the possibility, along with dread at the reminder that Chandler is also there, waiting to cause trouble if he finds me spending time with someone else.
“We’re the proud owners.” His smile is devastating.