Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
She glanced out the window as the car made its way downtown. “I don’t like to talk about him,” she murmured. “But so you know, because we’re sharing a baby, my father won’t be in our child’s life.”
“Okay. Do you speak to him at all?”
“No,” she said, turning back to face him. “He wasn’t there when I needed him after Mom died. I was sixteen and had lost my mother. I needed an adult, someone to turn to, to share my pain.”
His chest hurt as she revealed her past trauma and he regretted asking. On the other hand, he was glad she’d shared this with him, that she’d let him in.
“I’m sorry. I know how hard it was for Fallon losing our mom when she was ten.”
Her eyes grew soft. “I’m sorry I’ve been so selfish about my own past when yours—”
“Don’t say, ‘was so much worse’. There is no comparison when it comes to pain. You feel what you feel.” He assumed she knew details about his mother from Fallon or Noah, but he intended to share his version of his childhood with her one day.
She nodded. “Can you tell me what happened?” Her big brown eyes pulled him in but it wasn’t his time to unburden himself. It was still hers.
“I will. But not tonight. Let’s finish the conversation about you. Your dad wasn’t there for you how?”
“Let’s just say his best friend was alcohol and still is.”
Jared slid his hand into hers. “I’m sorry he didn’t step up and do his job as your parent. You deserved better.”
She treated him to a half smile. One that was sad. “You’re damn right I did. And this little one is going to have everything they need.” She cupped her stomach protectively and he placed his hand over hers.
“From both of us,” he assured her, and hoped she believed him.
The vehicle came to a stop and Jared knocked on the divider, signaling he needed a minute.
“I know you’ll be a good father,” she said. “But there’s something else I need you to know.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”
“Though the baby and I are a package deal, you don’t owe me anything. You especially don’t owe me all this.” She waved around the limousine.
He fought back the anger that rose inside him at the mere thought that she’d even believe he was dating her for the baby’s sake. But he reminded himself she’d just told him she’d never been put first after her mother passed away. The man in her life who should have taken care of her had ignored her when she needed him most. Was it any wonder she didn’t trust most guys to live up to their word?
“Charlotte, I’m not playing games with you. I’m not trying to get close to you for the sake of the baby. I already trust you to allow me the privilege of being our child’s father in every sense of the word.”
She looked up at him with those big eyes. “Then why?”
“Because you interest me. I’m attracted to everything about you. Your face, your body, and your mind. And I want you to give me a chance to prove it.”
Chapter Ten
Once inside, the maître d’ led them past the crowded restaurant to the back. The chairs and tables were made of mahogany wood, which also lined the walls, and deep leather cushioned the seats. The lighting cast an amber glow, giving the room a yellow tint.
They stopped at a closed door, which when opened, led to a private room.
Jared surprised her at every turn.
She waited until they were seated and alone in the room before speaking. “Thank you but this is over-the-top! We could have had a table for two outside with everyone else.”
He tapped her nose with his finger. “But then I wouldn’t have you all to myself.”
His comment affected her, warming her inside. After their deep conversation about her past during the ride to the restaurant, she was grateful when their dinner conversation remained light. She told him about her upcoming interview and he was thrilled for her.
The meal was delicious. They each started with an iceberg wedge, smothered in Roquefort dressing and bacon sprinkled on top, minus the blue cheese for Charlie. She followed the salad with filet mignon while Jared had a dry-aged porterhouse. It didn’t surprise her there were no prices on her menu. Was she uncomfortable? Yes, but the amazing food overrode her discomfort that she couldn’t afford this place on her own. Instead, she devoured everything she could, with gratitude.
She even ate an entire loaded baked potato and Jared grinned. “Eating for two, huh?”
“I’m proud to admit I’d do the same thing if I weren’t pregnant. I am not, nor will I ever be, one of those women who eats salads for dinner and says it’s her favorite meal.”