Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
“I love that idea,” Asher said. “Need an investor?”
“I’m pretty sure most of us would invest in anything you needed,” Harrison added. “Except I don’t think you need us, do you?”
Zach tipped his head. “Need and want are two different things. I am grateful for the offer. Let me think about it and get back to you.”
“In the meantime, tell us what you have planned.” Asher stretched an arm out and happened to reach around Nikki and hold her at the same time.
Harrison grinned, and they both listened to Zach’s ideas for another establishment, this one in a luxurious summer vacation spot.
During the conversation, he glanced over and saw Winter watching him, the same way he’d been keeping an eye on her.
He met her gaze and winked.
She blushed, and he couldn’t wait to get her back home and into his bed.
Chapter Twelve
One week passed since Winter and Harrison had arrived at the Hamptons and she was going stir-crazy. Oh, she enjoyed his house, walking the gated property in the cool fall air, and the ability to let Panda out alone in the yard. She also appreciated the time she and Harrison spent together. They worked side by side or in nearby rooms, her on her laptop on FaceTime or Zoom interviews, and writing, and him reading scripts or meeting with Sasha, Xander, and Cassidy in person or also via video chat.
And she loved the evenings spent cooking—well, reheating meals in his kitchen—and getting to know one another better, followed by nights in his arms. A girl could get spoiled by the amount of time and attention he was giving her, and she couldn’t complain. She was no longer thinking he was with her for the baby’s sake. That would make no sense, given all he was doing to keep her safe and the way he looked at her. Like she belonged in this house and in his life.
She’d liked what she’d seen of the town, too—the only time she’d been allowed to visit, which was the night of the family dinner one week ago. She desperately needed a change of scenery and some time out of the house.
She knew Harrison was tied up with lawyers this morning and had taken the call in his office, so she waited until he opened the door, just before lunchtime. He stepped out and practically ran into her.
He grasped her arms. “What’s wrong that you’re stalking the door?” he asked. “You could have just come in.”
“I didn’t want to interrupt, but I was waiting for you to finish your calls. I’m going stir-crazy, Harrison. I need to get out of here for a little while. Can we go into town for lunch? Please?”
He groaned and she saw the hesitancy in his gaze.
“Pretty please? It’s been quiet. Even Zach said he can’t find any evidence pointing to who this person is and they haven’t sent anything else to my apartment in the city. We’ll take Morgan but I really need fresh air and a change of scenery.” She clasped her hands together in a praying gesture.
He shook his head, placing his hands on her shoulders. “I just want to keep you safe.”
“I know, and I’m grateful. But if you’re with me and Morgan comes, I’ll be protected. Just a quick lunch and we can walk around town for a little while. That’s it.”
“Fine. If Morgan’s comfortable with going out, then we can go.”
She squealed her excitement and wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. “Thank you.” She breathed in his heady, masculine scent and forced herself to release her hold and step back or she wouldn’t be leaving this house today.
Since she had no intention of letting Morgan talk them out of going, she rushed to the bedroom to freshen up, then walked to the kitchen to retrieve Panda’s leash. She hooked her collar into the lead and met up with Harrison outside, talking to her ever-present bodyguard.
“Hello, Ms.—”
She held up a hand.
“Hello, Winter.” He was a big, burly man she estimated to be around thirty years old with a full beard and a perpetual scowl that no doubt helped keep people away.
“Hi, Morgan. I’m ready.”
Harrison frowned at her. “It never dawned on you that he’d say no?”
She clasped her hands in front of her. “I can be very persuasive when I want to be.”
“I’m sorry, but no dog,” Morgan said. “I don’t want to be distracted on the off chance something happens.”
“Okay.” She sighed but knew if she argued, she’d lose her opportunity.
“While you take her back inside, I’ll call into the office and we’ll be on our way,” Morgan said, taking a few steps away.
“Sorry, buddy.” She took Panda inside and checked her water before meeting Harrison back on the front porch.
He stood, arms crossed, a glare on his handsome face.
Winter rose onto her tiptoes and kissed Harrison’s cheek. “Thank you,” she said in an attempt to soften him up. “I’m used to the city and walking everywhere. It will feel good to have even an hour outside at a restaurant and inside some shops.” She didn’t even want to buy anything. She just wanted to feel free.