Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Patrick’s eyes go wide with my insults but then realization dawns on his face.
"You think that my fiancée drives a yellow Lamborghini, is that right?” he asks in a low voice.
“Yes,” I hiss again, still spitting nails. “In fact, I did her hair myself this afternoon when she walked into my beauty salon. And you know what she said? She said in no uncertain terms that she’s getting married to a Patrick Lancaster. Now that wouldn’t be you, would it?”
To my surprise, the handsome man looks relieved and then even smiles a bit, his lips quirking up at the corners.
“Penny, don’t lose your cool because she’s not getting married to me. Marina Alpert is not my fiancée, no matter what she said.”
“Then whose fiancée is she?” I question angrily. “Is there some Patrick Lancaster who just materialized out of nowhere in Gainesville, Ohio? Do you have a secret twin?”
He has the temerity to laugh then, throwing his head back to reveal flashing white teeth and the strong, bronzed column of his throat. I simultaneously love and hate how attractive he is at once. My brain says no, and yet my heart and body are saying yes, pulling me towards this man. But he still has to answer for his deceptive actions because I’m not going to let this man twist me on a string any longer.
“Calm down sweetheart because there’s no need to lose it. Marina is getting married to my father, Patrick Lancaster Senior,” he says with an amused grin. “I bet she didn’t mention that her groom-t0-be is near seventy, did she? Trophy wives usually don’t.”
I stare at him, my mouth dropping open with shock.
“I’m sorry?”
He actually smirks a little.
“Oh yeah. Marina’s going to be my father’s sixth wife. I’m his son from his first marriage, and actually his only child. But yes, Patrick Lancaster Senior is tying the knot again, and Marina is his beautiful bride. She’s sniffed his money, and that’s what she really wants. But it doesn’t really matter because all of our family money is tied up in trusts. Even if they get married, she’s not going to get a red cent.”
I stare at him.
“But does your dad live here, in Gainesville?” I ask, my head spinning with confusion. “When did this happen?”
The handsome man nods calmly.
“Yep. My dad moved here a couple months ago because he still likes keeping a finger in the corporate pie. He hasn’t really worked in more than ten years, and I’m the one running Lancaster now. But there’s no harm in letting Patrick Senior hang out. After all, he worked his fingers to the bone getting this company off the ground, and if he wants to chat with employees and sit at a desk, then why not? He deserves it.”
I gape at my lover, unable to contain my surprise.
“So Marina is actually your stepmom?”
Patrick grins again.
“Soon-to-be-stepmom, yes. She looks like an evil stepmom too, don’t you think? She’s such a scheming bitch and is already spending my dad’s money like it’s hers. But if it makes Pat happy, then it’s fine. At least she keeps him out of my hair.”
I gawk at Patrick, unable to speak. Holy cow, I’ve completely misjudged this situation. But then again, how was I supposed to know that the Patrick Lancaster Marina was referring to is actually this Patrick’s father? It’s such a surprise that no words come to mind and I merely stare at him in shock.
The billionaire grins then, pulling me to sit on his lap once more.
“This is quite a turn of events, isn’t it Penny? But it’s okay,” he says, nuzzling my cheek. “We’ve both had shocks tonight: me with my secret son, and you with the knowledge that my father, and not me, is getting married. So tell me sweetheart: is this what propelled you back into my life tonight? You found out I was getting married and immediately rushed to set the record straight? Were you … ahem, a little jealous maybe?”
I whip around to stare at him, my heart beating furiously.
“I wasn’t jealous, Patrick. I was horrified. Marina was a complete bitch today at the shop. She acted like she was too good for us, and that we had no idea what we were doing. Please. I’ve been doing hair for years now, and I can do a basic blow-out with my eyes closed.”
He lets out a roar of laughter, but then immediately pipes down when I raise my fingers to my mouth in a hush.
“I know,” he rumbles into my ear. “She’s a piece of work, that one. But no more about Marina, because she’s my father’s problem and not mine. Except that I guess I do owe her for bringing you back into my life because I’ve missed you, Penny. I want you, and our son both. I want a life with you as a family. Do you think that’s possible?”