Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
No, the best thing for her was to forget about that kiss, forget about that long-ago night, forget about him with the kids at the barbecue, with a baby in his arms. She might want all that, and she might want it with Dane, but it was never going to happen. At least it wouldn’t happen the way she wanted it.
And her beautiful, comfortable, secure life could turn into a hot mess.
* * *
While they waited in Martinique for his pilot to ready the jet, Dane set up the Maverick meeting in San Francisco for the next morning. “Are you sure we’re ready?” he’d asked Cammie as she busied herself on her laptop.
“I’m sure we will be,” she’d said without looking up.
He had nothing else to do. Because Cammie wasn’t speaking to him. Not in an angry, I never want to speak to you again way. Cammie wasn’t like that. This was more of an I can’t believe I kissed you and I don’t know what to do about it way.
He was just as shell-shocked.
That kiss reminded him of every single moment they’d spent in his condo on the golf course that night. Not that he’d ever forgotten a single moment. But now the memories were fresh with the taste of her, the scent of her, his need for her.
He just wasn’t sure what to do that wouldn’t ruin the good thing they already had.
But he had the hours of the flight to think about it.
And to think about her.
* * *
They flew home overnight, working some of the time, sleeping some of the time. After preparing a special treat for the morning’s Maverick meeting—the plane had a sufficient galley kitchen—Fernsby watched Dane’s and Camille’s every waking moment with a hawk’s eyes.
Of course they didn’t notice his scrutiny; they were too busy ignoring each other. What’s up with that? he thought, just like an American.
But he wasn’t American. He was British. The British were always more reserved, especially when they were being devious. And he was totally (another Americanism) devious.
Something had happened on that island. SOMETHING BIG. He thought the words in huge capital letters.
He could have clapped with glee, but of course he didn’t. Things were finally moving in the right direction. FINALLY. Again in huge capital letters.
He’d brought food to the island, much of it already prepared, so they’d have all the meals they needed and could just forget he was there.
But something hadn’t worked the way he’d planned.
“Just get on with it, you two,” he muttered under his breath. He wanted to rail at them. But he’d just have to work harder. A good butler’s work was never done.
Then a brilliant plan came to him, which was not unusual. Quite often, he was filled with brilliant plans. He was a mastermind, if he did say so himself.
He almost wanted to buff his fingernails on his lapel. Because this was one of his most brilliant ideas yet. And it would work.
* * *
It was almost the end of April, and the Mavericks were eager to hear Dane and Cammie’s plans for the resort. They all wanted to get a move on. So the following morning, Will and his best friends and brothers sat around the big conference table for the meeting. All of them except Evan. Will knew Evan would never last three months, never mind six, but at least he was taking the time now to bond with his children.
Matt was telling the story, with wide gestures and a resounding voice, of how he’d taken Ari and Noah to see the babies. “I swear, Mom and Dad made an edict that Evan and Paige needed a date night.” He dropped his voice as if they were in a conspiracy. “Secretly, I think Paige was horrified at leaving the babies alone for one evening. After all, they’re only a month old.” He laughed. “But you know Mom. She told them they needed to reconnect over more than being peed on and changing dirty diapers.”
Of course that’s how Mom and Dad would be, the ultimate grandma and grandpa. They were in seventh heaven over the twins, as well as the three new babies on the way.
Will had a sudden vision of Harper, hands on her belly that was huge with his child. He wanted it. Badly. He just wasn’t sure the time was right for her. But when it was, he’d be overjoyed.
“And I swear,” Matt went on, unusually long-winded, “Paige was all, ‘But-but-but…’” He smiled. “And Mom simply held up her hands, saying, ‘It’s nonnegotiable, and I don’t want to hear any excuses.’ You should’ve seen Mom. And you can’t argue with her, because she’s always right!” Every Maverick at the table chuckled. They knew their mother well.
So true. Mom had known Harper was right for him, and she hadn’t allowed him to make a mistake that would scare away the love of his life. Will would be forever grateful for that.