Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
“How can I help?”
“I need you to stay here with Maxwell until I return.” Her words flow faster as she continues, “He’s a good little sleeper and shouldn’t be any trouble. If he cries, you can wait a few minutes, and he’ll usually fall back asleep again.”
I’m still in the pit lane, and she’s crossing the finish line. I need a sec to catch up to the obvious. “You want me to watch your baby?”
“Not really.”
I balk at her honesty. It doesn’t soften the blow, but at least I know she’ll tell me the truth. A slight grin shuffles onto my face. “But I’m all you’ve got?”
“At this time of night? Yes.” She takes a breath and then keeps whispering, “It will take about an hour.”
I glance at the hallway before asking, “And he’s down there sleeping?”
“Yes. Are you up for it? Please be honest with me.”
This is a lot to process. First, Olivia Bancroft has a secret son. Second, she trusts me enough to share this part of her life. Third, she needs me. Despite leaving me that night in the Hamptons with no communication or even a goodbye, tonight healed some of those wounds that were left festering. The past is finally behind me. She needs me now, and there’s no way in hell I’ll let her down. “It will be fine.”
Relief washes through her, and she moves in to give me a hug. Catching herself just inches between us, she stops. Her breathing is heavy as she stares at my chest. But then she stops fighting whatever imaginary obstacle was thrown in her path. Throwing her arms around me, she rests her head on my chest.
It’s tentative at first, though all I’ve wanted to do since seeing her again is rekindle what we left unfinished two years ago. I wrap my arms around her, dipping my nose to her head. The smell of fresh flowers—exotic and warm, if warm had a scent—fragrances her hair.
“I’m ready.” We push apart, and Cassandra shuffles to the door. “I’m sorry,” she says.
Liv runs her hands down the front of her dress. “I can’t wear this. I need to change.” She walks away without looking back at me. It gives me one last opportunity to admire how incredible she looks in red silk. “I’ll be quick. I promise.”
Cassandra and I are left standing across the apartment from each other. I tuck my hands in my pockets and rock back on my heels. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.”
“I’m sorry for ruining your date.”
Liv would hate it if she heard it called a date. And though I wouldn’t mind if it was after spending time with her tonight, I should be somewhat professional. “We work together.”
Glancing down toward the hall and then to me, she says, “Do you have kids?”
First time I’ve been asked that. Welcome to adulthood, I suppose. “No.”
“Kids are great, especially Maxwell.”
“Yeah,” I reply, making casual conversation.
“Liv’s a great mom, too. Tonight was the first time she’s been out in forever. I hate that I caused it to be cut short.”
Although I’m not opposed to the idea, it wasn’t a date. But for some reason, Cassandra seems pretty convinced it was. Now I’m wondering how that conversation played out.
She continues, “She likes to be home in time for the routines—dinner, bath, book, and putting him to bed. It’s so sweet. I know she wishes she could be with him during the day. She’s so dedicated to giving him the best life she can. I’m sure you see how hard she works since you’re also in the office.”
I thought she was falling back on Bancroft money. That she’s working to earn it herself comes as a surprise. I look around the apartment again, seeing it in a new light this time. Does she pay for this herself?
Without using a trust fund to help buy my apartment, I wouldn’t have it. Now I’m curious about Liv’s situation, but it’s not my place to talk to her about her finances. “We don’t see each other at work much since we’re in different departments, but I know she works hard.”
I’m starting to think she’s quizzing me for reasons other than passing the time. I think we’re both wishing Liv would return. She asks, “Have you ever held a baby?”
I want to laugh, but I restrain myself. “My little sister.”
I slip off my jacket and drape it on the back of a dining chair. It was a good momentary distraction, but then we’re left in the quiet room again.
“Oh.” Her face gains some color back when she smiles. “How old is she?”
“Twenty-three.” I chuckle while rolling up my shirtsleeves.
She moves to rest against the counter. “I’m too weak to laugh, but that’s funny.”
Seems laughter is good medicine. I’m out of jokes, but I share something personal to my family, “One of my brothers and his wife are pregnant with their first. First grandkid for my parents.”