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)
Considering the man is using me to keep Taylor in line, she’s right. We can’t put anything past him. The truth is, he already knows who my family is, and there isn’t anything he can do out of the state of South Carolina to hurt them. But I’ve pushed Taylor hard enough. If she wants to fly commercial and thinks it’ll help, I’m not going to argue.
“Understood.” At least she isn’t fighting me on going to Charleston with her. “In the meantime, before you go home, I want to spend one more day alone with you.”
She smiles at that. “A day with you would be wonderful.” She sounds just as happy as I am to squeeze in all the time together that we can.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Taylor
This is heaven. I’m stretched out on a comfortable chaise lounge by the pool at Jack’s house. He brought out cold sparkling water and watermelon for me to snack on, and he lent me a baseball cap to prevent my face from burning. The rest of me is lathered in sunscreen.
Then, he disappeared inside to handle business. He talked to his father and called his college friend, Carter Wellington, a criminal defense attorney in South Carolina, to ask if he’ll take my case, and set up an appointment with the FEC.
Focusing on the present, I glance down. I’m wearing a bikini and for the first time, I can see a hint of my baby belly. I place my hand on my stomach and a flutter of happiness flows through me. Despite the problems, I have no regrets about the baby. I’m self-sufficient, have a good job, and can take care of us with no problem. I’m sure Jack will insist on helping, but I’m aware of how lucky I am that I can do this on my own, too. I’m just glad he wants to be a part of the baby’s life.
“I’m back,” Jack says, walking out of the house in a pair of swim trunks and sitting down beside me. He stretches out his legs and lays on his chair, one arm behind his head. I let my gaze travel over the hard muscles in his arms and chest. He works out early mornings before his day begins and it shows. His skin glistens from sunscreen he applied earlier, and he’s so handsome my heart speeds up just looking at him.
But there are more important things to think about now. “How did the calls go?” I ask, bending one leg at the knee. Nerves kick in at the question.
“My father’s going to talk to some people and see what he can do. But he reminded me that if we bring down Cross, we can request a second look on the permits, anyway.”
I let out a relieved breath. “Oh, good. I didn’t think of that either. Did you reach your lawyer friend?”
He nods. “Carter can’t wait to bury the bastard.” Reaching out, he rubs my shoulder with his hand. “He’s going to do everything he can to get you out of this mess. He’s wrapping up a case, so he needs a few days, but we’ll meet with him soon.”
I swallow hard. “Good. That’s good.” I haven’t let myself think about what Chandler’s threats could mean for my future. If I did, I’d never get out of bed in the morning.
“His hope is that Cross gaslit you and you aren’t in trouble at all.”
“And if I unknowingly did something wrong?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“If you did, you have enough proof of Cross’s corruption to offer evidence in exchange for immunity. But I really don’t think it’s going to come to that, sweetheart. It sounds like he cornered you, convinced you that you were in deep shit, and preyed on the weakness he created.”
My stomach churns at all the possibilities.
After that, we rest in silence, probably because we’re talked out and I’m overwhelmed with what’s coming. First thing tomorrow, I’m going home. Even if I won’t see him, I admit it helps to know that Jack will be nearby. The festival is two days after, and with luck, that’s the only time I’ll need to see Chandler for a while. Other than David skulking around, Chandler has been too quiet during my vacation. Maybe he realized he’s pushed me as far as I can handle and I needed the break.
“Do you want to find out whether we’re having a boy or a girl?” Jack asks, changing the subject to something much more pleasant.
I give it some thought. “I do. Not only will it let me buy what I need without guessing, I think I’ll bond with the baby more. Especially if we name him or her. My mom said when she was pregnant, she felt closer to her kids once she knew the sex and name.” I turn my face toward him.