Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
I nod. Clearly, this man is at the top of his game. He likely sits at the head of a huge empire, whereas I’m a nobody at Metro Media. Less than a nobody. I’m a dust mite who’s being harassed by my boss.
But John doesn’t seem to mind. We laugh and talk more, enjoying each other’s company before he seizes my small hand in his big bronzed one.
“What do you say I take you back to my place for another drink, Megan? Are you ready for that?”
I turn my gaze to him, and he can see just how ready I am.
9
Megan
* * *
We wrap up our picnic and begin to walk out of the park and towards, I assume, the subway. But when we reach the main road, a black SUV pulls over to the curb and its flashers blink on. A man in a suit and hat jumps out of the driver’s seat and runs to meet John.
“Sir, how was your picnic?” he asks, taking the basket and blanket from my date’s arms.
“It was wonderful, Henry. Thank you for asking.”
“Beautiful weather, a great day to spend relaxing in the park,” the driver says with a cheery smile while putting the picnic supplies in the trunk.
“Actually,” John starts, “I think it was the company that made it all the better.” He shoots me a playful wink.
The driver nods discreetly, and then bows a bit.
“Nice to meet you, Miss. I’m Henry, Mr. Miller’s driver.”
“Of course,” laughs John. “Where are my manners? Megan, this is Henry, and Henry this is Megan. You are officially introduced.” I giggle at this and shake the chauffeur’s hand. I’m glad Henry is easy going because I’m already a little nervous to be going to John’s place. What does the handsome man have in store?
We get ourselves seated comfortably in the back. The divider wall is down, but then with a button, John raises the screen and suddenly, we’re alone again. The back of the car is luxurious with cream colored leather seats and bottles of spring water.
“I hope this isn’t too much for you. I do drive, but it’s nice to have Henry sometimes.”
“It’s okay,” I reassure him. But I’m astonished at his wealth because he has a car with a chauffeur, and also a car that he drives himself. What John doesn’t realize is that I can’t even afford to have a car in the city, period. I am subway bound, and that’s part of the reason why I don’t get back to New Jersey as often as I would like.
“It must be nice to have a driver,” I murmur gently. John nods, his eyes intensely blue.
“Yes, but I don’t have one of those respectable ‘pull yourself up from your bootstraps’ stories. I lucked into this by birth. My father was a very successful businessman, and I had the opportunity to step into his shoes when he retired. I hope to do the same for my son too one day, if he ever gets his act together.”
I stare at him.
“You have a son?”
He nods.
“I’m a little older than you, Megan. In fact, if I had to guess, my son’s probably around your age.”
My heart hammers. I guess that makes sense. John’s obviously got a few years on me, but I never thought that he would have kids. It just never occurred to me. Then again, why wouldn’t he? It makes sense. Most men in their forties have full lives, and children are part of that.
“Are you divorced?” I say hesitantly.
He nods, his brow darkening for a moment.
“For more than ten years. It was a bitch of a marriage, and I’m glad I’m out.”
I nod. This doesn’t seem like the time to ask more, although of course, I have questions.
We drive along in silence for quite some time until we come upon a bridge. Are we leaving NYC? I turn to the man beside me, my expression confused.
“Wait, where are we going? I thought we were headed to your place.”
John grins, showing off that movie star smile.
“We are, but I own several properties, sweetheart. I thought it might be nice to take you to my estate in Long Island. What do you think?”
I gasp, my cheeks flushing as I nod. He has an estate? Complete with staff and servants? I can’t wait. I feel like a princess in a fairy tale, exploring new delights gifted to her by the prince.
We roll through Queens and then enter the verdant greenery of Long Island. The car takes a windy road, passing luxurious mansions, and then takes a left onto what appears to be a private lane.
We drive along the path, with huge, towering trees on both sides. Then, at the end of the road is a tall steel gate. Henry scans a keycard at a small box to the left of the gate, and it slowly rolls open. We pass through and begin climbing up the steep hill ahead.