Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17714 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17714 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
I read off her name, and I don’t catch any sign that he’s surprised by the last name at all. He must be a true professional. “I want to compare her phone calls and to see if this number is in there. And also, if you could get her medical records for the last two years, that would be great.”
“Can do.”
“Thank you,” I say.
“Yes, sir.” We ended the call, and I have a good feeling about it. Now, I have to deal with getting Renee tied to me completely without much of a fuss. I understand that my father’s history, her parents’ tumultuous marriage, and then this whole debacle on top of our hostile first few days gives her pause, but I’m more serious than I’ve ever been on anything.
I need a ring, and to convince her that we’re meant to be. I knew that from the first moment I met her. It’s strange the way that life throws you some curveballs; the key is to know when to swing. Renee may think that this is temporary, but I’m not going to let her run from me.
I sit at my desk ruminating about all the things that made me fall in love with her. I think about the way she made dinner for me even though she had no idea I would eat it. I love the way she smiles and bites her lip. The way she stood up to me, even if it didn’t last long. How is it possible that my heart pounds wildly as if I just went on a ten-mile run from one look in her eyes? I think about her more than I should, and I never plan to stop.
****
I’m about to leave the office and get home to my beauty and little brother when my phone rings. It’s my connection. Damn the man is fast. “I’ve got some interesting stuff for you. What email do you want it sent to?”
I read off a secure email then drag up the file on my computer. As soon as I read the contents, I’m pissed off. He’s been talking to her regularly for six months. I’m sure it’s way longer than that, but the bastard knew she was pregnant. I have a lot to consider. I need to know how far back their relationship goes.
A thought hits me why she never mentioned the baby. What if she thought it was his, then it turned out to be my father’s, so she dumped him off on me? I’m betting that’s what this was about. She got everything my bastard father gave her. I guess Max was more than she wanted to take. She’s going to lose everything, and so is that shady lawyer of mine.
Chapter 10
Renee
I can’t take another day in the house. Max and I are going for a walk. It’s such a wonderful day. One of Liam’s security came along with me. I’ve only seen him in passing a handful of times in the week that I’ve been here, but he offered to escort me.
“Thanks for walking with us. I know that it’s not in your job description.”
“No problem, ma’am.”
“I’m only going to take him to the park. I promise it won’t be long.”
“I’m on the boss’s dime, so it doesn’t matter.” We entered a large park, but it’s not busy. I take him over to the swings and sit him in the ones for babies. He giggles revealing two teeth on the bottom. I have to take a picture. He’s a cutie. As soon as I have a couple adorable shots, I message Liam. I know he’s busy, but I have to share this with someone. He’s all I really have.
A text comes back instantly. Where are you?
At the park, down the street from your condo.
I’m on my way.
I’m not there another two minutes before I feel his arms wrap around me. “I’ve missed you, Renee.”
“I missed you, too.”
“He’s so cute,” Liam whispers. “Soon we’ll have a few babies for him to play with.”
“You’re nuts.”
“About you.” He spins me around to face him and closes in, kissing me briefly. I pull back because we’re in public. And that’s when I see the first flashes of the camera. Damn it, I’m sure we’ll be all over the news.
“Oh no. They’re going to run a story on us.”
“That’s cool. We’re getting married.”
“But everyone thinks you’re marrying your baby mama.”
“I am. One day you’ll have my baby. I’m about to release a statement to the press about Max, but I need all my ducks in a row first.”
“Can we leave now? Liam?” I asked in a hush. I’m not comfortable with all this attention, especially with Max.
“Absolutely.” He places a kiss on my forehead, then steps around me to get Max out of the swing. The baby gives Liam a big smile, hugging onto his big brother.