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)
She smiles, obviously relieved. “Thanks for being here,” she says, kissing my cheek.
“Nowhere else I’d rather be,” I assure her.
The elevator doors open and we step out. Before walking out to the street, I message Carter upstairs. Within seconds, he replies. I text him a thank-you and read the details before turning to Taylor. “Carter’s firm has discount corporate rates at the Hotel Bennett. He’ll take care of making you a reservation. The front desk will ask for some form of ID, so he said he’ll book it under an associate’s name, and we’ll meet the woman who will check in for you and give you the key.”
“This is all so … complex. Underhanded.” She shakes her head and sighs.
I lift one shoulder. “Better underhanded than dealing with the senator,” I mutter.
Her lips twitch. “Amen.”
I let out a laugh. “In the meantime, let’s get you something to eat.”
She recommends an out-of-the-way place where we can relax. Once seated in a corner in the back of the restaurant, she orders a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat toast, lemonade, and a piece of carrot cake. I eat a burger and fries, but spend most of the meal watching her forget her troubles and focus on feeding her hunger. She devours the meal so quickly, I wonder if she ate something before she left for the festival this morning.
“What?” she asks, realizing I’m staring. “I’m eating for two.”
Her cheeks heat and I grin. “I’m not judging. I’m enjoying. It’s good to see you relaxed.”
She sighs. “I was so nervous I only ate a protein bar this morning.”
I frown and nod. “I assumed you hadn’t had much to eat.” Another reason to get Chandler out of her life. Eliminate the stress.
She pushes the dessert plate away from her, leans back in the chair, and breathes out a long stream of air. “I’m full.”
I chuckle. “Me too.” I wipe my mouth with my napkin and place it on the table beside my plate. “How was your time with your family the last couple of days?” I ask.
While I had meetings with workmen in the hopes that we’ll be able to do renovations one day soon, she caught up with her mom, dad, and sister.
She smiles. “It was nice. I wanted to tell them about the baby, but it’s not the right time. I need Chandler’s threats behind me so they have nothing to worry about.”
I nod in agreement. “And like I mentioned, I want to be there when you tell them,” I remind her.
She nods. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Taylor
The next morning, I wake up in Jack’s arms. A glance at the nightstand clock tells me it’s after ten. Beside me, he breathes in and out, snoring lightly. Not wanting to wake him, I slip out of his embrace and climb out of bed.
I slept as well as I could considering all that’s weighing on my mind. Not even the bubble bath I’d taken last night had helped me relax fully. My future is uncertain and no matter how many times Jack or my new lawyer reassures me, I won’t feel better until the federal authorities tell me I’m not in any trouble because of my work for Chandler.
At least I haven’t had to listen to my cell ringing with his calls or texts. At Jack’s suggestion, I tossed my phone into a city trash can on the way to the hotel. Just in case the senator had bugged it or had a tracker installed. It wasn’t something I’d given a thought to before, but once Jack raised the possibility, I agreed I wouldn’t put it past him.
Naked, I make my way to the bathroom to take care of my morning routine before rejoining Jack in bed. He’s sitting up against the pillows, one arm above his head. He’s so sexy with his muscular bare chest and the light sprinkling of hair.
I crashed hard when we climbed into bed last night and sex was the last thing on my mind. But I’d slept wrapped in Jack’s arms all night. He’s the one safe space I have, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’m glad he’s here. I slide back beneath the sheets and against his warm body. His arms enclose me in his embrace, and I rest my head on his chest.
“I still have Chandler’s ring,” I say into the silence. “I forgot about it until now.” I still remember the feel of the gold against my skin and the thought makes me sick.
“Where is it?” Jack runs his fingers along my arm, up and down in a soothing motion.
“It’s in my purse.”
He snorts. “Pretty soon I think where that ring is will be the least of his problems.”
I manage a smile. “I hope so.” We’re just waiting for the attorney to call and say it’s time to meet with the people who hold my fate in their hands.