Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34690 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34690 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
We pull into the parking lot of Healing Homes. Dane unclips my seatbelt, pulling me over easily onto his lap as he pushes his seat back.
“You want me to find them? See what’s going on?” My mouth opens in surprise, but no words come out. I think I’m shocked by his question. “All you have to do is say the word.”
“Please.”
“Consider it done.” He finishes brushing the tears off my cheeks before placing a soft kiss on my lips. “Come show me the place that took care of you. Last time I was here I couldn’t get past the door.”
“Don’t take it personally. No men are allowed in unless they work here. Taylor takes that very seriously.” She can be like a Pitbull. I think the reason she hadn’t told me about Dane is because she wanted to check into it before I got my hopes up.
“It’s a good rule, but I was fucking pissed that night. I had this gut feeling you were in there. The woman at the front wouldn't tell me shit. Even when I showed her your picture.”
“I heard you that night. I was so sure I knew you. Your voice was so familiar, but I was scared I was reaching for something that wasn't there,” I say as I lead him inside.
“So you found her,” Taylor says as we enter.
“It was only a matter of time,” Dane says.
“Thank you for the donation. It was quite generous of you, but that still wouldn't have gotten you any information.” Taylor gives him a pointed look.
“Consider it a thank you for taking care of my Kennedy.” He pulls me into his side, wrapping his arm around me.
“Heard you all but kidnapped her.” Taylor keeps pushing.
“As I’ve said before and I’ll keep on saying, I can’t steal what already belongs to me.”
I can tell by the glare Taylor is giving Dane she doesn't much care for his answer. My body however heats, desire pooling deep in my stomach. That possessive demanding man I know he has inside of him comes peeking out when he’s challenged over me.
“It’s my understanding you’re not married.” Dane’s body goes rock solid.
“Merely paperwork.” His words come out growly.
“Faith hasn’t been back?” I ask, cutting into their stare-off and changing the subject. Taylor's face softens.
“No, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”
“Will you give her your number so she can call if she does show up?” I ask Dane. He reaches into his pocket, pulling out his wallet and handing over a card. Taylor takes it.
“We need to get you a phone of your own. I don’t really care for you not having one on you at all times.”
“Why do I need it if you’re not letting me out of your sight ever again?” I tease him.
“You need a phone, Winn—” Taylor corrects herself. “Kennedy. I’m with your brute of a boyfriend.” I snort a laugh. Not at her calling him a brute but saying he’s my boyfriend. There is not one inch of Dane that could ever be considered to be a boy,
“Okay, fine. You can get me a phone. Now can we go in?” Taylor hits the button unlocking the door for us to enter the shelter.
“Did you really make a donation?” I ask Dane.
“Yes.”
“How much?” I ask out of curiosity.
“A million.” I gape at him. “I donate a lot each year. If you want you can take over where it’s allocated in the future.” He says it so casually. As if a million dollars is a drop in the bucket.
“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around a million dollars.”
“I know. Money has always made you uncomfortable. You’ll get used to it over time. I’m sure you could do some good with it. Besides, when we get married it’ll be half yours anyways.”
I stop walking. This man is freaking nuts! “I don’t want your money.”
“I didn’t say that you did,” he responds.
“Winnie!” A few of the kids shout when they see me. They come rushing over toward me, ending my conversation with Dane for now.
I introduce Dane to everyone before showing off the sonogram pictures. My face is starting to hurt from smiling so much. It doesn't help when I see Dane down on one knee helping a group of boys build a bridge for their Lego castle. I want to laugh when he starts to tell them how bridges are made and their use. They all listen as if it’s the coolest thing in the world.
“I guess I like him.” Taylor comes to stand next to me.
“Really?” I give her a smile.
“Yeah. He’s protective of you, and the background check on him is solid.” I’m not surprised in the least that she ran one. “With as rich as he is, I could google him too.”
“I’m happy.” In love too, I think, but I keep that to myself.