Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
It was because he wanted to move on from what was holding him back.
With me.
Chapter 10
<>Camila<>
Dr. Pierce was over to me in two strides, spewing, “Put some fuckin’ clothes on,” in my ear.
Before I could even reply, he turned and walked toward the front door.
“Wow, Camila. You guys could set off smoke alarms with what just happened between you two,” Skyler declared, drawing my gaze away from watching Aiden leave the clubhouse.
“What do you mean?”
“Girl, you don’t need to pretend with me. I saw it before it even happened.”
I looked around the room. “Did anyone else—”
“No. Everyone was too caught up with Journey’s performance to notice.” She smiled at her, rubbing Little Miss’s back, who was sporting a proud expression.
“Then how did you see it?”
“Because I’m rooting for you.”
“What?”
She smiled wider. “It’s one of the many reasons I hired you. I knew you’d be great for the Pierce kids, but also for Aiden. You’re the push I was praying for.”
“Skyler, I think you’re reading too much into whatever just happened.”
“Hardly. I saw how you came to his rescue with Journey. The way you two were looking at each other was as explosive as this monkey’s dance moves.”
I chuckled.
“Camila, he hasn’t been to one of these barbeques… God, in years. The last time he was here, I was pregnant with our first baby and that was over two years ago. And let’s just say… that time it was bad. I think it’s the reason why he stopped coming. It hurt too much.”
“Does it have to do with Mrs. Pierce?”
She nodded.
“Is anyone ever going to tell me where she is?”
She sighed, contemplating what she was going to say. “I’ve wanted to tell you so many times, but I’ve stopped myself. I just can’t do it. I’m already too involved in the Pierce’s lives, it just feels wrong. Like it’s not my place to divulge anything. When he’s ready, I want him to be the one who tells you their story.”
“I understand, but now, with me living there, it just… I mean… I just… I don’t want to disrespect anyone. You know what I mean? Especially someone who’s the mother of the children I love.”
“I know. It’s why I liked you instantly. You’re not that woman. Trust me, I interviewed a lot of them. They saw the house, the money, the fact Mrs. Pierce wasn’t around. They were practically salivating at the chance to score a doctor. You’re different, and I’ve known that since you walked through the door for your interview.”
“Thanks, Skyler. I really appreciate you saying that.”
“I’ll tell you this, Camila. All Bailey wanted was for her family to be happy. They went through so much these last few years and… I know in my heart she’d be relieved that you’re making her house a home again.”
“What am I supposed to do about Dr. Pierce?” I shrugged. “I’m so confused. I’ve felt this strong connection to the man since the moment I first saw pictures of him on the walls, and I don’t understand any of it.”
“He came here today, didn’t he? I think that is what was most shocking to all of us. And you know what? He seemed calm when he walked through the door, and all of that changed the second he saw you in the pool.”
“Yeah I figured so. He just told me to put some clothes on before he left.”
She beamed. “I think everything is going to fall into place exactly where it’s supposed to be. With the kids, with you, and with him. Don’t let the guilt you feel inside kill the obvious connection between you two. There is nothing to feel guilty about. Ya feel me?”
I nodded. “I feel ya.”
“Now let’s go eat some lunch.” She grabbed her belly. “This baby is starving.”
We ate lunch and dinner there, and by the time we got back to the house it was after nine at night. Jackson and Jagger both went home with friends from the barbeque to spend the night, so it was just a sleeping Journey and me.
Or so I thought…
Right when I walked into her nursery to lay her down for the night, I was smacked in the face with Dr. Pierce sitting in the rocking chair in the corner of the room.
Waiting.
For me?
Her Ninja Turtle blanket and On the Night You Were Born book were firmly in his grasp.
He didn’t falter, softly speaking, “These used to be mine.”
That explains why they look so old.
“I was told as a child I could take three things. I chose these two,” he nodded to the photo on her dresser, “and that picture.”
I didn’t say a word, I was barely even breathing. Listening intently to what he was saying as if he was telling me his deepest, darkest secrets. And in a way, it felt like he was.