Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“It’s an indie, not one of the big ones,” he explained. “So although there’s a red carpet, it’s not like the whole world is watching.”
But even as he traced a finger down her arm, making her shiver with need, she knew with utter certainty that if she showed up on his arm at an event, regardless of the size, the entire world would definitely take note. She’d bet money on the fact that her picture with him would be plastered across the Internet and in the press. She could already see the headlines: The caregiver and the star. An unexpected love story? Or a disaster waiting to happen?
“It’s no big deal, really,” he went on. “I’d just feel better with you by my side.” His expression softened. “After last night, you surely must know how good being around you makes me feel, Tessa.”
She nodded, unable to argue with that, and replied quietly, “I feel the same.”
“So you’ll come?”
She knew she was walking into the danger zone, but how could she say no to him after all they’d just shared? After he’d just told her how much it would mean to him if she went?
“Okay, I’ll come,” she finally replied, and although every fiber of her being was terrified at the prospect, she could see how happy it made him. But in the next moment, a new worry flashed through her mind. “I have nothing to wear!”
“Tessa, you’ll be the most beautiful woman there even if you show up wearing a painting smock.”
Because it was such a sweet, if untruthful, thing to say, she showered his face with kisses.
When they finally ended the embrace, she decided she’d better visit a thrift store to look for a dress during her break this afternoon. She’d seen plenty of amazing gowns turn up in stores after being worn just once for a special occasion and had often marveled at how inexpensive they were considering their designer labels. She’d never had a place to wear a fancy dress before, but now, for the first time ever, she could let her best thrifting instincts run wild.
Arch’s phone buzzed, and when he looked at it, he groaned. She thought he might have missed a bunch of important business calls or emails, but to her surprise, he said he was going to be late for a meeting with his family. “We have a weekly breakfast date, for whoever’s in town,” he explained. “Otherwise, I’d be making you my scrambled eggs on toast right now.”
“There’s always tomorrow,” she teased. She loved the idea of a weekly family breakfast. It was so cute and cozy. “Besides, I should get myself ready for the day.” She stretched her arms over her head, feeling sore in the best kind of way.
“Do you have plans this morning?”
“Only to take care of you once you’re home and hopefully get some painting done too.”
“Perfect. I can’t wait for you to reconnect with my family and to meet Damien. He’s back from his tour.”
She froze, thinking she’d misunderstood. “Wait, what? You want me to come to breakfast? With your family?”
“Of course. Everyone loves you. And my mom makes a mean French toast.”
Tessa felt panic grip her. Everything was moving so quickly. First, the sexiest night ever in Arch’s arms, then agreeing to attend an awards ceremony with him, then being asked to join an intimate family gathering?
She didn’t even know what they were to each other yet. It was too much. Without thinking, she blurted, “But I don’t want your family to know about us.”
From Arch’s disappointed expression, she realized he’d been thinking the exact opposite.
“Why not?” he asked.
Hating that she’d hurt his feelings, she simply said, “This. You and me and what happened between us last night… It’s all so new.” She inhaled deeply, then blew out a shaky breath. “Can we keep what’s happening between us a secret for now?”
Arch didn’t reply, and she recalled his sisters telling her just how stubborn he was known to be.
Suddenly, a sly look came into his eyes. “Okay,” he said. “We can keep this between us, but will you come to breakfast with me anyway? In a professional capacity?” He lifted his leg as if to remind her the walking boot was on it. “After all, I’m sure they’ll be expecting you to accompany me as my caregiver. And you don’t want to disappoint my mom, do you?”
She laughed even as she said, “That’s emotional blackmail, Archer Davenport.” But looking at his sweet, hopeful expression was enough to melt her resolve. “Okay. But I’d better freshen up and put some clothes on before we head over.”
Arch checked his phone again. “We’ve got a little time first…”
He reached out, and she fell into his arms, kissing him with all the passion she had, just the way he was kissing her too.