Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 71352 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71352 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
He nods. “I met him when I was living in Indianapolis years ago. Victor waited tables at my favorite bistro. I always told him to come to New York because the restaurant scene here is second to none, but he told me Indianapolis was in his blood and he’d never leave.”
“Maybe he’s here visiting a friend?” I offer even though it’s quite a coincidence that a man he knows from another city would be in Manhattan visiting someone in our building.
The world is a small place, though.
“Or maybe somewhere along the way, he took my advice and he was bitten by the New York bug. Once you’ve lived here for a time, it’s hard to leave this city behind.”
It’s true.
I’ve considered uprooting my life twice. Once was when I was with Aiden. I thought my dream of our Paris love affair would become the reality that would span my lifetime but it turned into a nightmare when he dumped me like a coward.
Going back to the city of lights wasn’t on my radar until recently. The draw to go back this time has nothing to do with a man and everything to do with me, but so much has changed in the past twenty-four hours that I need time to catch my breath and think.
“I wouldn’t say no if you offered me a cup of coffee to have with the bagels.” Mr. Winters winks at me. “We can talk about that book you’re holding onto so tightly. Have I ever mentioned that I’m a fan of that author?”
Laughing, I head toward my kitchen. “In exchange for the bagel, I think I can get you a personalized copy of it.”
“No!” he gasps. “It isn’t even in stores yet.”
I glance over my shoulder to see a shocked expression on his face. “I have connections.”
“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
Nodding, I smile. He has no idea. No one but Donovan knows about my biggest secret and I intend to keep it that way for at least the next few weeks.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Donovan
I don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to keep quiet about the fact that I’m going to be a dad. To top that off, I’m in love.
“Why do you look like you’re about to explode?” Reid questions me. “Did you win the lottery or something?”
I did. I won the life lottery when I boarded the cruise ship weeks ago.
My life hasn’t been the same since. In fact, it’s getting better and better by the day.
“Or something,” I say with a grin. “Let’s just say I’m glad you’re my cousin.”
He doesn’t buy it. Instead, he shakes his head. “Spit it out. What’s got you so happy, Donovan?”
I plan on telling Reid everything after Delia has had a chance to sit her brother down and explain that I’m the father of her baby. I’ll be right beside her if she wants that. We haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet, but when we do, I’ll stress to her again that Matt’s future here at Premier Pet Care is secure.
He’s an excellent veterinarian with a promising future and more importantly, he’s my child’s uncle.
Regardless of how I fit into Delia’s life in the future, I will be a permanent part of my child’s life.
I want it all - the woman and our baby. I hope to hell she’ll want me the same way one day.
“I saved a lizard’s life today,” I tell my cousin. “Isn’t that reason enough for being happy?”
“If you’re the lizard, sure.” He laughs. “Or the lizard’s owner, I suppose.”
“Both are as thrilled as I am,” I say with meaning because it’s true. “It’s been a stellar day.”
“Yet, you don’t want to extend that happiness into the evening by taking your favorite cousin out for a steak dinner?”
I glance over his shoulder and out my open office door. “Melody is in town? Why didn’t you tell me?”
His head falls back in laughter at the mention of his younger sister who is currently in school in Colorado. “Fuck you. You know I’m your favorite.”
He is. My relationship with Melody has always been on solid ground, but my bond with Reid is strong. We’ve shared both good and bad times and have held each other up through some dark days.
“Let me guess.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re going to see Delia.”
I shush him with a stern look and one word that I bite out through clenched teeth, “Quiet.”
He glances over his shoulder. “Matthew still doesn’t know?”
Shaking my head, I punch his bicep. It’s not hard enough to hurt, but solid enough to really grab his attention. “Shut up, Reid. He has no idea.”
Both of his hands dart into the air. “All right. I’ll drop it.”
Footsteps approaching shut us both up.
I wait with bated breath to see who will appear in my doorway and when I spot Matilda’s smiling face, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief.