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)
“Let’s go upstairs and talk?”
Once we’re in my hotel room, I explain my run-in with David and how he’s the one that’s been watching me in Miami. “I need to be back in time for the Performing Arts Festival where I’m supposed to be by Chandler’s side during his speech.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen,” he mutters.
But I don’t know what’s going to happen before then that will change things for me.
“So, I’m supposed to go to the Bahamas on Rainey’s family trip this weekend. Actually, in two days, and since you’re still here … come with us?”
I immediately shake my head. “It’s a family trip.”
He places his hand over my stomach, then meets my gaze. “You’re family, Taylor.”
A lump rises in my throat because he really means that. “But—”
“No buts. You’re here for another five days, so we can go. If that means your cousin David finds a way to follow us, so be it. But we’re taking my father’s private jet, so I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” He winks at me and a shiver races down my spine. He’s sexy and convincing.
I bite down on my lower lip as I give it thought. And the truth is, he’s right. There’s nothing stopping me from joining him for the weekend.
“Okay. I’ll come.”
He leans in and brushes his lips over mine for a kiss that’s full of heat and longing. Lifting his head, he says, “I’m glad you’re joining me on vacation. Rainey really forced the issue, and I was going to be the odd man out. The only one without a partner.”
I laugh. “We wouldn’t want that.”
“Nope. But the truth is, I want to spend more time with you before you have to go back to Charleston.” He takes my hand in his and rubs his thumb back and forth over my sensitized skin. “I have a proposition.”
“What’s that?” I ask. Taking in his features, I can’t help but wonder who our baby will resemble more. Him? Me? Or a mix of us both.
“I say we don’t discuss the senator unless we have to. We’re going to find a way out of your situation, so let’s just enjoy our time together instead?”
I nod, only too happy to agree. “I’d give anything to stop dwelling on the man.”
“I know just how to help you do that.” Threading his hand through the back of my hair, he cups my head and pulls me in for a kiss.
I wrap my arms around his neck and our tongues tangle. He tastes familiar and sexy and I end up sitting on his lap facing him, resting on my knees on the mattress. His erection is solid beneath my sex and desire washes over me. The kiss turns hotter, harder, and we tumble backward on the bed, forcing me to shift and twist to get more comfortable.
“Oh my God,” I laugh at the position I almost ended up in.
He grins. “I like to see you happy.” His lips cover mine once more and Jack does as he promised.
He takes my mind off anything but him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Jack
Taylor’s hand in mine, we walk through the town on the island, taking in the shops and enjoying the perfect weather. We’ve managed to escape for a few hours alone. For the last day and a half, we’ve been with my family.
The first night, Rainey arranged for a catered lobster dinner to be brought in for us to eat, making sure to have chicken and pasta for Taylor. She seems to be past the constantly nauseous phase of pregnancy, so she was able to enjoy the meal despite the smell of lobster around her.
The next day, we spent the daylight hours on the beach and had another family dinner in town. Today, we already ate lunch in a small restaurant on the water, and now we’re down to our last couple of hours on the island before we head home.
“I like the aura of this place,” she says, pausing by a gift shop. “Oh, look!” She points to island-themed baby clothes in the window. “Let’s go in.” She pulls me inside and when we walk out, we have an adorable baby onesie with a palm tree on the front in a small bag.
“The baby is about the size of a lime, right?” I ask, as we continue to window-shop.
“How do you know that?” she asks.
“I downloaded a book about pregnancy on my phone and I’ve been learning about what you’re going through, along with the growth of the baby each week.”
“You did that?” she asks, pulling me to a stop.
I ease us out of the way of pedestrian traffic and meet her gaze. “Why wouldn’t I want to understand everything happening with our baby?”
“That’s so sweet.” She sniffs and brushes a tear off her cheek. “I’m extra emotional right now, sorry.” She laughs and a cute blush stains her cheeks.