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)
When I walked into the kitchen to set the takeout on the counter, I didn’t see the small brown bag that was there and I accidently knocked it over. Several packets of pills fell out. Wondering why Harper would be given all those different drugs, I read the labels, only to find out they were samples of prenatal vitamins. As I placed the pills back into the bag, I spotted a few pamphlets about pregnancy.
To say I was excited about the possibility of Harper being pregnant with my baby would be putting it mildly. Forgetting the food, I went in search of her to confirm. With Bridget being pregnant, I didn’t want to get my hopes up, only to be told the bag of vitamins and info isn’t in fact Harper’s.
The minute we locked eyes, I could tell something was off. Her face was pale and her eyes were a bit bloodshot. My first instinct was to comfort her. Was something wrong? Did something happen with the baby? But then Harper backed away and asked me to leave. I wanted to argue but didn’t want to upset her further. So, even though it just about killed me inside to do so, I walked out the door. I drove around for a while and then returned to her house to check on her. She was passed out in her bed, snuggled up in her sheets, when I arrived, so I watched her sleep for a little while. Watched the way she tossed and turned. I wanted to climb onto the bed and pull her into my arms. Play with her hair and tickle her back the way I always do when she’s restless. But instead I left, not wanting her to know I went against her wishes.
I should probably give her more time, but I can’t stay away any longer. I need to talk to her. Find out what’s going through her beautiful head. Whatever it is, we can figure it out together.
I pull into her driveway and notice Dick’s car is here. I park and grab her McFlurry, hoping it will help make her feel better. I consider knocking since she has company, but I haven’t knocked in a long ass time. She gave me my own key and told me I could use it anytime.
When I open the door, I’m stunned as fuck by the picture in front of me. Richie is sitting on the living room sofa, and in his arms is Harper. He’s speaking softly to her, and she’s nodding at whatever it is he’s saying.
Unable to control the hurt and anger I’m suddenly overcome with, I slam the door behind me. Richie’s and Harper’s gazes swing over to me. Richie’s eyes form small slits as he glares my way, while Harper’s widen as she scrambles off Richie’s lap. Yes, she was in his fucking lap.
“Landon,” she breathes, scampering onto her feet. She stumbles slightly and Richie stands, catching her around the waist.
“Well, isn’t this a sight,” I say, my eyes glued to the way his fingers are digging into her sides to hold her up. “I was worried about you, so I thought I would come by so we could talk. I brought you an Oreo McFlurry.” I drop it onto the end table. “But it looks like you’ve already found someone to talk to.”
At my words, Harper moves out of Richie’s grip, her hand going to her stomach. And then it hits me… Is the baby his? No fucking way. I’m a fucking dumbass to even think that for a second. I don’t know what the hell is going on right now, but I know damn well Harper wouldn’t cheat on me, especially not with Richie.
“I can explain,” Harper says, stepping toward me. She only takes one step before Richie wraps his arm around her bicep and pulls her back.
“You don’t have to explain shit to him,” Richie spits.
My eyes land on how tight he’s gripping her arm, and I see red. Stalking toward him, I cock my fist back and land a punch straight to his jaw. He stumbles back, letting go of Harper.
“Don’t you ever fucking touch her again,” I warn, as he grabs the arm of the couch to catch his fall. He rights himself then comes after me. He swings, but I duck and lay another punch to his face. This time there’s nothing to catch his fall and he hits the ground.
“Landon, stop!” Harper yells. I glance over at her and see her eyes are filled with unshed tears. “Please.”
Not wanting to upset her any more than she already is, I raise my hands, indicating I’m done.
Richie stands and wipes the blood from his mouth. “Hope you enjoyed that.” He smirks. “Because you’re done,” he spits. “Now get the hell out. You’re not welcome in this home or around my family.”