Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
With that, she relaxes against my chest, and I hold the curvy girl for a moment before sweeping her into my arms, bridal style. “Come on baby, let’s get some sleep. It’s been a trying night, and the best thing we can do right now is to get some shut-eye.”
Then, I stride to the master suite, cuddling this woman close. After all, Addy means the world to me, and I’m not going to let some rat bastard scare her and ruin her career no matter what he claims. This is my seminal fluid, and what Addy and I want to do with it is our business, and not his.
9
Addy
* * *
Usually when I’m lying in bed next to Caleb, I have no problem falling asleep because I feel safe, warm, and most of all, loved in his strong arms. But last night, it was impossible because all I could think about was John Foley and his nasty words. Why did he say that to me? Why did he treat me like a second-class citizen? Even crazier, why is he trying to sue us now? Of course, it’s wrong to have sex in the collection room, but I don’t think it’s against any kind of law. Caleb’s sperm belongs to him, right? Even if we were on Valley Cryo’s property while doing it.
But now, the day’s started with a vengeance. Caleb was up early this morning to get on the phone with his lawyer and I can hear their words through the office door as I put together a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. Anything else would be too complex.
Caleb strides into the kitchen then and kisses my cheek, his phone in hand. To my man’s credit, he doesn’t look stressed at all and actually appears quite calm and handsome, with his black hair smoothed back and blue eyes glinting.
“How are you so unruffled?”
He shoots me a wry grin.
“Because I know how this is going to turn out and my attorney agrees. He got Foley’s lawyer on the line, and we’re meeting everyone downtown in about an hour. Does that work for you?”
My hands still.
“I don’t want to see that asshole. He was so rude last night, and god knows what else he’s going to say today.”
Caleb nods in understanding.
“I get it sweetheart, but sometimes the best way to deal with a bully is to confront them. Look them in the eye and show them how tough you are. I know you can do it too because you’re my brave girl, and absolutely the most courageous woman I know.”
I look down.
“I’m not really, but I guess I can go,” I say in a faint voice.
Caleb pulls me into his arms, nuzzling my throat. “We’ll figure it out, baby. Don’t stress about Valley Cryo because you’ll find a new job. You didn’t even like it there anyways, so try not to worry too much.”
Now it’s my turn to shoot him a lopsided smile.
“Easier said than done.”
He grins before pinching my bottom and making me jump.
“I know, sweetheart. Now, let’s eat breakfast, and then we’ll head over.”
With that, we dig into the food (although I have no appetite) and then I put on some decent clothes for our meeting. But when I step out of our walk-in, I see that Caleb’s in jeans and a t-shirt.
“Are you wearing that?” I ask, amazed. “Shouldn’t you put on a suit or something?”
My handsome man grins, flashing that white smile.
“Naw. When you’re the boss, it really doesn’t matter what you wear. Look at Mark Zuckerberg and his black hoodies. No one says anything because he’s the one paying the bills, and I’m that guy in this situation. So it’s fine,” he winks.
I marvel at the power and confidence of my boyfriend. If only I had even one iota of his elan! But I suppose that’s why I’m glad I’m with this man, and together, we get into his car and head downtown.
The lawyer’s office is in a corporate building that’s completely nondescript. Literally, it could be any building in Pennsylvania, but I still shift restlessly in the elevator up to the fourteenth floor.
“It’s going to be fine, baby,” my boyfriend whispers in my ear. “You’ll see.”
Then, Caleb holds the heavy wooden door open for me and I step inside, my low heels clacking against the tile floor. Immediately, a graying man in an expensive suit approaches us.
“You must be Adelaide,” he greets. “I’m Luke Hayes, Mr. Select’s attorney. Caleb, great to see you.”
“Thanks,” my boyfriend responds easily while shaking his hand. “So where do we go?”
Luke leads us into a conference room. There are swivel chairs arranged around a heavy wooden table, and water bottles and notebooks arranged neatly at each place setting.
“We’ll begin the talks here, although of course, I believe that there’s no merit to Mr. Foley’s claims. But sometimes, people just need an opportunity to sound off, and it seems like he’s very angry.”