Total pages in book: 179
Estimated words: 173733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 869(@200wpm)___ 695(@250wpm)___ 579(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 173733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 869(@200wpm)___ 695(@250wpm)___ 579(@300wpm)
I glance over at him, as he shrugs out of his jacket, that perfect chest of his stretching with the action. I wonder if pregnancy makes you want your man more because I’m not lacking in the want my man scenario despite my sickness. “No olives,” I say. “I think it will be a while before I venture down that path again.” I head into the closet via the bathroom and strip off my dress.
Reese appears in the doorway, and he’s now wearing sweats and a snug tee. “No wine, right?” he asks, and he’s looking at my stomach.
I point at my boobs. “They’re right here, in case you didn’t notice.”
His eyes meet mine. “Cat—”
The doorbell rings. “Damn it,” he murmurs, grabbing me and pulling me to him. “I’ll finish that sentence when we’re alone.” He kisses me and heads out of the closet.
Damn it is right. He’s going to make me tell him because if he asks me directly, I won’t lie even if it is to save his surprise.
Reese
My wife is pregnant. I know it. I feel it and my excitement is dashed when I reach for the front door to open it and pause with a thought. She’s been nursing this news, while Debbie was claiming that I cheated on her. I press my hands to the door. “Damn it,” I whisper. No wonder she hasn’t told me. I need to think about this. Where does that put her head right now? Do I push her to tell me?
The doorbell rings again and I grimace but push off the door. “Who is it?”
“Royce,” comes the deep reply.
I open the door. “I hope this is good news.”
“It’s not bad news,” he says.
“What’s happening?” Cat asks from behind me.
I back up and allow Royce to enter, my gaze sweeping over my wife, who’s in baggy sweats and a T-shirt and still looks sexy as hell. Pregnant. With my child. I can’t even get my head around this really happening for us. I really don’t want to get my head around the timing.
“Let’s go to the kitchen,” I say, motioning him forward, and joining Cat, but I don’t let her follow him.
I pull her to me. “Cat,” I whisper.
“What?”
“I’m so fucking sorry about Debbie. I hate you had to go through this.”
“It’s not your fault.” Her hand settles on my face. “Why are you saying this right now?”
“It just hit me walking down the stairs, how shitty this really has to be for you right now.”
“It’s over and it was bad for both of us. This isn’t your fault, Reese.”
I rest my forehead against her. “I know, but that almost makes it worse. I couldn’t protect you from this.” I kiss her temple. “Come on. Let’s talk to Royce.” I take her hand and lead her into the kitchen.
Royce is helping himself to a bottle of water from the fridge. “Thanks,” he says, shutting the door and holding it up. He takes a big swig and sets the bottle on the counter while Cat and I take up the spots at the island across from him. “They’re arresting Martha,” he announces. “They think she not only did the crime, they believe she acted alone, though they aren’t prepared to fully rule out Reginald’s involvement.”
My phone rings in my pocket and I pull it out, glancing at the caller ID and the unknown number. “I have no idea who this is.” I answer, “Reese Summer.”
“It’s Milton. We’re dismissing the case in the morning, but if I find a connection to her, I will recharge her.” He disconnects.
I slip my phone back in my pocket. “They’re dismissing the charges,” I say. “Reserving the right to recharge if they find new evidence.”
“You don’t look pleased,” Royce comments.
“An acquittal means your client can’t be recharged,” I say. “This doesn’t.”
“It’s still a good thing,” Cat says. “They have a weak case that you exposed in court. They really would have to have something big to recharge.”
“My source is good,” Royce says. “Martha did it. They found gun residue and DNA. That said, Dana needs to proceed cautiously with Reginald until he’s officially cleared. He could plant evidence on her.”
“Does that mean that you think he’s involved?” I ask.
“I don’t,” he says. “But we can’t know for sure. Martha linked them. We have to be sure that link is broken before we call him innocent.”
“I need to go talk to Dana,” I say. “Which means I need to change.”
“I’ll give you a ride,” Royce says. “I can share my concerns if you think it helps.”
“Cat’s the one that gets through to her,” I say, eyeing her. “But you have a deadline, right?”
“I really do,” she says, “but if you need me once you’re there, call me and I’ll come over.” She frowns. “I’ll just ride with you. I can sit in the hotel lobby and write, and then if you really need me I’ll be there.”