Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Before I can reply, Nova hurries closer and wraps an arm around Lainey’s shoulders. “I haven’t seen you in such a long time and was hoping it could be just the two of us today. Would you mind?”
She glances at Rachel, who quickly says, “I think that’s a good idea. You can show Nova all your favorite places.”
“Okay,” Lainey agrees. “I’ll go get dressed.”
We all watch my niece head back up the stairs before Nova brings the toast and a glass of juice to the island.
“Eat so you can take your medication,” I tell Rachel. I glance at Nova. “Thanks for stepping in with Lainey.”
“Of course. I’m just going to go grab my handbag.”
I pull my phone out and dial the number for my driver, who’s on standby during the day. When Izak answers the call, I say, “I need you to drive Lainey and a close family friend around today. Be ready in ten minutes and tell Tyler.”
“Yes, sir.”
With that taken care of, I let out a sigh while I pick up my half-empty mug. I’m not a big coffee drinker, but seeing as I can’t have alcohol so early in the morning, caffeine will have to do.
While I’m sipping on the lukewarm beverage, Nova comes back into the kitchen and asks Rachel, “Where do you keep your medicine?”
“In my bathroom cabinet,” she answers. “I’ll go up and take it as soon as I’m done with my toast and juice.”
Nova seems to think about something before she asks, “Does Lainey have money? In case she wants to go shopping.”
When Rachel starts to get up from her stool, I say, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
I pull my wallet out of my pocket and take one of the credit cards from it. I place the card down in front of Nova and say, “There’s no limit. Lainey can get whatever she wants.”
“Okay,” Nova murmurs as she carefully picks up the card, as if she’s scared she’ll break it.
“Get something for yourself as well,” Rachel adds, and it has me agreeing, “Yes. Have fun today.”
Nova quickly shakes her head, an awkward expression flitting over her features. “Oh no, I couldn’t.”
“Lainey is going to shop until you’re dead on your feet, so you might as well get something out of it,” Rachel chuckles.
“No, really, I’m fine,” Nova declines again. “I’m just going to enjoy spending time with her.”
Any other woman in LA would jump at the chance of a free shopping day with my credit card, but the offer makes Nova look very uncomfortable.
Before I can look too deeply at Nova’s response, Lainey comes barreling down the stairs again. “I’m ready!”
I glance at my niece and tell her, “Nova has one of my credit cards. Get anything you want and buy a few things for your aunt.”
“Yay!” she shrieks. “There’s a new fashion line out that all the girls at school are talking about.”
Rachel pulls her daughter in for a hug and plants a kiss on her cheek. “Enjoy the day with Nova.”
“I will.”
Seeing Lainey’s excitement has a smile forming around Nova’s lips, and it makes my eyes lock on her breathtakingly beautiful face.
She’s definitely going to draw attention while she’s visiting.
Getting up from the stool, I walk out of the house with Nova and Lainey.
Tyler, the head of my security team, is having a cigarette while he’s talking to Izak.
“Tyler, keep a close eye on Lainey and Nova,” I order.
He nods before asking, “Are you planning to go anywhere else today?”
I shake my head. “I’m staying in with Rachel.”
They all climb into the black SUV, and after I watch them drive away, I suck in a fortifying breath before heading back into the house.
Chapter 6
Nova
“Oh my gosh!” Lainey exclaims, bouncing on the seat from all her excitement. “What should we do first? A tour? Breakfast at All That Jazz? It’s Mom’s favorite place because they make the fluffiest pancakes. Oooh, or shopping, then lunch, then more shopping? And there’s this place, The Sweet Spot, that makes the best milkshakes. We have to stop there so you can try one. Or we can take it to go and drink it at the beach?”
I let out a burst of laughter. “We can do anything you want to do.”
Just being in the car with my goddaughter for five minutes makes me feel better. She’s like a dose of sunshine.
I take in her sparkling, gray eyes, wide with innocence and happiness.
Dang, she’s pretty. She got all the good genes from Rachel’s side of the family.
“I missed you so much,” she says while cuddling up against my side. She wraps her arms tightly around me, and when she squeezes, I have to suppress a groan from the ache in my bruised ribs. But because it feels incredibly good to be loved, I try to ignore the pain.
I hug her back and press a kiss on her soft hair. “I missed you, too, my sweet girl.”