Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Sinclair isn’t showing yet.” He sighs. “That didn’t stop me from ordering them a crib, a car seat, and about a hundred other baby gifts last night.”
I laugh. “That sounds about right. Uncle Holden is going to spoil that baby rotten.”
“I manage to keep it under control with Kirby,” he points out. “Or I try.”
“I try too,” I admit. “That kid owns my heart, though.”
Holden pats his chest. “Mine too. The new Sheppard baby will when it arrives, and when you have a baby, I’ll love that kid, Declan.”
I nod. “That works both ways, Holden. When you’re a father, I’ll be right there helping whenever I can.”
“I know it.” He looks around. “It’s just us here, so let’s talk about this mystery woman in your life. I know you’re playing it off like she’s just a fun fuck, but I don’t buy that, Declan. You’re different lately.”
“Different how?”
“Happier.” He circles a finger in front of my face. “It’s like you’re carrying less of the weight of the world around, and I have to say, if it’s because you’re in love, I may need to consider it an option for me because damn, I could use some of that in my life.”
“You deserve to fall in love again,” I bypass what he just said about me to focus on him. “Don’t let your divorce taint your future, Holden.”
He leans back in the wooden chair he’s sitting in. “Don’t steer this off-topic. Are you in love, Wells?”
I toss my head back and let out a heavy exhale. “Yeah, I am.”
I feel his fist connect with my shoulder. It’s hard enough to lure my attention back to his face. “What the fuck?”
“With who?” he questions.
I shake my head. “We’re not going there yet.”
“Why not?”
I trust Holden with my life, but this is different. This involves Rook, and I have no idea if Abby is ready for her boss to know about our relationship.
I toss him a look. It’s the same look I’ve used for years when I want him to back off. I’ve witnessed that same look from him countless times since we met. “Drop it, Holden.”
“What the fuck is going on?” he presses. “Who is this woman, and why are you being so goddamn secretive?”
“Because of Rook,” I spit out without thinking it through.
“Rook?” He straightens in his chair. “Jesus, Wells. Are you fucking Chesca? Tell me you’re not in love with Rook’s ex?”
I bark out a laugh. “Hell no. It’s not Chesca.”
His shoulders relax. “Good, because I was about to tell you that you lost your mind.”
My lingering laughter fades. “Let’s order breakfast. I need to get to work.”
His hand rises to stop the waitress, who is on the approach. “Give us another minute.”
She nods and turns to walk away.
“Why the hell did you do that?” I shake my head. “Let’s eat and get this day moving.”
“Tell me who this woman is and why Rook would care that you’re with her.”
“Swear you won’t tell him.” I hold out my hand because we made a vow years ago that our handshake was a symbol of our loyalty.
He takes my hand and shakes it hard. “You have my word, Declan.”
I take a deep breath. “I’m in love with Abby Duvall. She works for Rook and is representing me in the deal with Llura.”
His gaze runs over my face. “I’m happy for you. I’m so damn happy for you. For the record, I don’t think Rook would give a shit that you’re involved with one of his employees.”
Glancing at the waitress, I sigh. “Abigail isn’t ready for Rook to know, so I’m honoring her wish.”
“I’ll honor it, too,” he assures me. “Do you see a future here? Is she the one?”
“She is,” I say with no hesitation. “I’m in love with her, Holden. I see forever on the horizon, and I think there’s a damn good chance she does too.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Abby
If at first you don’t succeed, go to the office of the person you need to talk to.
My dad bestowed that advice on me years ago when he was waiting impatiently for payment for a big plumbing job. The client was an expert at avoiding my dad’s persistent phone calls and emails, so he finally did what any small business owner would do, he went to the client’s office and politely demanded payment. It worked.
Although I’m not currently on the hunt for money from a client, I am trying to reach the one person who will make or break my first assignment as the lead lawyer on a case.
I’ve tried calling Kalina Ash twice today, but her assistant told me that she’s busy and will get back to me when she can. I followed that up with an email suggesting a lunch meeting.
Again, Kalina’s assistant ran interference on that. She wrote me back and repeated almost word-for-word what she said on the second of our calls. “Kalina isn’t available right now, Miss Duvall. When she is, you’ll hear from her.”