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 glance at Jack, who grins, relaxed and obviously unaffected, and I’m relieved. “I think it’s time for us to get going.”
We say our goodbyes and are about to head out when a phone rings.
Mom pulls her cell out of her front pocket, swipes her finger, and answers the call. “Holls? What’s up?” She listens, then, “Your sister is right here. Hang on.” She extends her arm toward me, phone in hand. “Holly wants to talk to you.”
Since Chandler will be arrested and out of the picture we replaced my phone on the way to my parents, but I didn’t have a chance to let Holly know that. I put Mom’s phone to my ear. “Hi, Holly. What’s going on?”
“I left my ring at your house when I brought you clothes.”
I roll my eyes. “You took it off to wash your hands? You always forget to put it back on.” I shake my head and smile at how predictable she is with her habits.
“I had Starbucks and my hands got sticky.” She ignores my comment. “Any chance you can meet me there and we can hang out for a while? You were gone for three weeks and now you’re in hiding.”
“I’m not in hiding. I’ve been keeping a low profile.”
“Well, I saw on the news Chandler is turning himself in to the police about now, so can you meet me at your house? We can spend some time together, just us,” she asks.
I miss her, too. “Hang on.” I turn to Jack, who is talking to my parents. “Jack? Holly left a ring at my house. She wants to know if I can hang with her there for a while. It’s safe now that Chandler is turning himself in.”
He nods and glances at his watch. “I need to get on a video call with Lucas and Tristan. My laptop and paperwork are back at the hotel. How about I drop you off, handle the call, and come back for you later?”
I nod. “Sounds good.” I shift the phone at my ear. “We’re leaving now. See you there?” I ask my sister.
“Yes! See you soon.”
“Oh, I have my phone again so give a call if you need me.”
She says okay and disconnects the call.
I return the cell to Mom. After another quick round of goodbyes, Jack and I walk out the door.
We’re sitting in the car, ignition on, AC blowing, and I turn to face him. What I have to say is anxiety-invoking for me, and I bite down on my lower lip.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, reading me well.
I swallow hard. Talking to my sister, realizing we can meet up at my house, gave me an unwanted realization. “I can go home,” I tell him, the fact making me sad. I love staying at Jack’s hotel, being with him, things between us being so right.
He turns to me with that sexy grin. “How about one more night with me at the hotel? Tomorrow, we can talk about what happens next.” Reaching out, he clasps my hand.
And I take it for the reassurance it is.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
I like Taylor’s dad. Eric Monroe is a protective father, and I love that for her, even if he did grill me with questions. I can imagine doing the same thing should I ever have a daughter. I don’t blame the man at all.
After dropping Taylor off at her house, walking in, and talking to her sister, I leave them alone. Just as a precaution, I tell her to lock up when I leave. I do wish she had a burglar alarm, but I trust the police to make sure Cross turns himself in, and he’s got more important issues now than a wayward ex-girlfriend.
I sit down, laptop open, and video-call my partners. First, Tristan, then Lucas’s face appears on the screen.
“It’s about fucking time,” Lucas says. “I haven’t seen your face in too long. What’s going on?”
Guilt rides me because I haven’t been in touch with the guys since before leaving for Charleston. I’ve kept my focus on Taylor, though I have gotten work done while I’ve been here.
“Work-wise, I’ve done a walk-in trip to the departments that denied our permits. I tried some schmoozing, trying to get in to see the people in charge. No luck.” It’s aggravating knowing that asshole was able to tank our project, but I have hope things will sort themselves out soon.
“Once the senator goes down, our lawyers suggest we reapply,” Tristan says.
“But I was actually asking what’s up with you.” Lucas raises an eyebrow.
I laugh because I deliberately started with work to deprive Lucas of assuaging his curiosity. “Taylor’s feeling good. Anxiety is gone thanks to no charges being brought against her. And with the asshole turning himself in, everyone can breathe easier.”
“I bet.” Tristan leans back in his seat, folding his arms across his chest.