Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
“You all done now?” he asks with a smirk. “Get it out of your system?”
“Umm…” I’m not sure what to say to that.
“Are you done?” he repeats.
“Umm… I guess,” I say, confused.
“Good. Now it’s my turn.” He steps closer to the window that’s separating us. “Everything you’ve read about me online isn’t all that I am. It’s who I let the media see. My life is filled with layers, and for years, I only allowed everyone to see what’s on the top layer. But you…” He locks his eyes with mine. “You see what’s underneath. Just like there’s more to you than being a mom and an ex-wife. You’re a sexy as fuck woman. You’re an artist. Once upon a time you were my best fucking friend. And I’ve missed the hell out of you.”
He runs the backs of his knuckles along my cheek. “Let Richie try to make our life hell. He can only fuck with us if we let him.”
He takes a deep breath and runs his thumb across my bottom lip. “We’ve only spent a handful of hours together, but I already know how much you love your children. They’re not baggage. They’re a part of what makes you, you. I’ve met your son. Spent the last couple weeks playing ball with him, and he might be a part of Richie, but that fucking kid is all you, Harp. I know they’re a package deal, and I’m more than okay with that.”
He cups my face in his hands. “I’ll take you however I can get you. Don’t push me away because you think you know who I am based on what you’ve read. Get to know me again and let me show you what I want. Okay?”
I nod in agreement and Landon grins.
“Gotta hear the words, baby.”
“Okay,” I breathe.
“Good.” He steps back. “Get some sleep. We’ll talk soon.”
Wait! He’s leaving? “You don’t want to come in?”
“Of course I do. But your kids are home and if I come inside, things will happen…” He smirks. “And we both know you can’t be quiet.”
A bubble of laughter escapes my lips.
“Next time I text you, respond.” Landon kisses me one last time and then walks away.
Nineteen
Harper
“Good afternoon, Ms. Peters, this is Dan Clarke.”
I take a deep, nervous breath. My interview for the art teacher position at the kids’ school was a few days ago and I was told I would hear back this week if I got the position. “Hello, Mr. Clarke, how are you?”
“I’m good. After meeting with all the applicants, I felt you were the best fit, and I would like to offer you the position.”
Trying to remain professional, I swallow down my excitement and say, “Thank you so much. I would love to accept.”
“Perfect. I’ll have my secretary get in touch with you later this week so you can come in and fill out the paperwork.”
“Thank you. I look forward to working at your school.”
I hang up the phone, shocked and relieved and so freaking excited that I find myself screeching at the top of my lungs. I did it! I graduated and got a job. And not just any job, but a job doing what I love.
“What has you so excited?” a masculine voice says. I spin around and find Richard standing in my foyer.
“Did you just come in without knocking?” I accuse, my mood instantly plummeting.
“I was about to knock and heard you yell. I thought maybe something was wrong.”
“Nothing is wrong. I got a job.” I glance at the time. “I need to go get the kids from camp. What are you doing here?”
“You said we needed to talk, and I need to talk to you about something as well.”
I texted him that Saturday morning. It’s now Monday and instead of texting or calling back, he shows up unannounced. Typical Richard.
“Okay, well, it’ll have to be after I get the kids.” I grab my purse and keys and walk out the door, locking it behind us. “Someone was supposed to help me pick them up but never did.” I shoot him a glare over my shoulder.
“I’ll go with you,” he says, stepping around to the passenger side of my SUV.
“Fine.”
Once we’re both in and I’m backing out, Richard says, “I was offered a job in Hartford.”
“I heard…” When his brows furrow in confusion, I explain. “Hunter overheard you telling Samantha. It’s why he was mad at you. He’s afraid you’re going to move and never see him or Ella again.”
“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve tried to go over it a dozen times, but unless you can drive them there and back, I’m going to have to cut back our weekday visits and only take them every other weekend. There’s no way I’ll be able to leave work and drive ninety minutes each way to pick them up and drop them off.”