Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99434 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
“I’m glad you said old and he…considering how you just treated this attorney when you waltzed into her office.”
Gray lifted me from his lap and settled my ass back on my chair. He kissed my lips. “I’m seeing Ella tomorrow afternoon. Picking her up at noon and taking her out for the first time alone. I’d love you to come with me?”
“I don’t know, Gray. Maybe you should do that on your own if it’s the first time.”
He searched my eyes. “I want you to get to know her.”
“I’m…I will. I’m just…not yet.”
He nodded and forced a smile, but I knew I’d hurt him. “Okay. Dinner tomorrow night, then?”
“Sounds good.”
***
Guilt had kept me tossing and turning all night. Saturday morning I’d gotten up extra early to work from home, but I couldn’t concentrate. The memory of Gray’s smile when he’d asked me to spend the afternoon with his daughter—and the way I’d made it fall when I told him I wasn’t ready for that—was haunting me.
I tossed the pen on the dining room table and sat back in my chair. It’s an afternoon with a little girl? I spent time with Quinn’s daughter, Harper, all the time. Why was I making such a big deal out of it?
Because I never wondered if Quinn was going to be in my life forever, that’s why. Growing up the way I did, I’d learned that kids need consistency. Popping in and out of their lives sends a message that you can’t undo with words—you aren’t my priority. So I hesitated to take that step now.
But what if I took a child out of the picture? I was crazy about Gray in a way that I’d never experienced with a man. Something inside of me just knew what we had was something special—and that scared the living crap out of me. So, was it Gray who was moving too fast? Was it getting to know Ella and both of us growing attached? Or was I just avoiding jumping in with both feet, even though I had no doubts about the way I felt, because I was afraid to get hurt again?
Damn it.
I’m such an idiot.
I picked up my phone to call Gray and realized it was already eleven thirty.
While it rang, I ran into my bedroom and stole a glance in the mirror.
Pretty scary.
He answered as I pulled the tie from my hair with my cell cradled between my shoulder and ear.
“Hey, beautiful.” He sounded genuinely happy to hear my voice. It confirmed I’d finally made the right decision.
“Are you on your way to Ella’s?”
“I am.”
“If the invitation is still open, I’d like to come.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Well, I’d love that. We just crossed the bridge to Brooklyn, but I can turn around.”
“No, that’s okay.” I hopped on one foot while taking off my sweatpants. “I’ll meet you there. It’ll be quicker. I’ll just grab a cab. I don’t want you to be late.”
“We can turn around and get you. It won’t make me that late.”
“No, Ella is expecting you. Text me the address. I’ll meet you there as quick as I can.”
He laughed. “Okay, crazy girl. Whatever you say.”
***
My cab pulled up in front of Max’s house at eight minutes after twelve. Gray exited his usual town car as I jumped out. I must’ve looked frantic.
“I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Don’t be.” He cupped my cheeks. “I’m just glad you decided to come.”
I exhaled and held his wrists. “Me too.”
He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips. “It means a lot to me.”
I knew it did. “We’re late.”
“Max kept me waiting around for three full years. I think she can handle a few minutes delay.”
I smiled. “That’s true.”
Gray held out his hand to me, and I put mine in his to walk to the door. “This is a really nice neighborhood. I love old brownstones.”
“She bought it with the money she stole from me.”
“Shit. That sucks. Sorry.”
Gray rang the bell, and a minute later, Max opened the door. Her smile faded as soon as she saw he wasn’t alone. I wasn’t sure what she had against me, but clearly she wasn’t happy I’d come along.
“I didn’t realize you’d be bringing someone for your visit with Ella.”
“Not someone,” he said with a stern tone. “Layla. I’m sure you remember her from when you sandbagged her in her office.”
Max forced a smile and pulled her cardigan sweater closed. “Come on in. Ella is washing up.”
Luckily, we didn’t have to stand around and make nice. Ella came flying down the hall wearing an enormous smile. “Gray!”
She stopped in front of him and signed something.
Her excitement must’ve been contagious—I found myself smiling as wide as she was, even though I had no idea what the heck was going on.
Gray shocked me by signing something back. His performance earned a clap and squeal from Ella. “You ’membered!”