Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
She nodded. “I think so. That and stress,” she admitted.
Given her life lately, he understood. “How have you been, really?”
She drew in a deep breath and exhaled, then propped her sunglasses on top of her head.
Harrison studied her more closely, seeing now that her porcelain skin was pale.
She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the lack of dark lenses. “That’s so much better than staring into darkness.” She tipped her head toward an empty corner of the room. “Let’s move over there to talk.”
Understanding she wanted privacy for this conversation, he grasped her elbow and led her to where she’d indicated.
“Anyway,” she said once no one was walking past them. “I’m okay. It helped that the DNA test came back quickly, and Nikki and Derek were understanding.” She pulled her lower lip between her teeth, and he withheld a groan, wanting to taste those plump lips himself.
“I’m glad they took it well,” he said.
She nodded. “They did. Mostly. Derek was upset I didn’t come clean as soon as I grew closer with Nikki, but I’m learning he’s protective of his sister.” She stepped back and leaned against the wall.
“Understandable.” Nikki had been through a lot, and that was before the sister revelation.
“But they both get why I waited. I was looking out for Nikki. First the scandal, then the engagement. It never seemed like the right time. And I didn’t want to burst her bubble with life-altering news.”
The reminder of the engagement party had her blushing because that was when they’d indulged in a repeat of the summer. Something he couldn’t regret, and he hoped she didn’t either.
He and Winter hadn’t spoken for a couple of weeks, but the minute she’d walked into the party, he’d sensed something was bothering her. Knowing how independent and capable she usually was, he’d sensed a vulnerability underneath that typically strong journalistic exterior.
He’d asked her what was bothering her, but she hadn’t been in a talking mood that night. Since he’d volunteered his Hamptons home for the party, they’d wound up naked in his bed. He’d intended to find out what was wrong in the morning, but when he’d woken up, Winter was gone.
Harrison had taken the hint and left her alone. Until the bombshell news broke.
She drew a deep breath and let it out again. “I’m just grateful I have family now.”
Her soft smile did something weird to his insides. Jesus. She got to him on so many levels, Harrison thought. Sex was easy. Emotions… just fucking weren’t. He’d shut his down after Sharon had hurt him, but Winter had dug in deep. Though he’d tried to get her out of his head, hitting the bar his brother, Zach, owned and going out with the guys in search of fun and women like he had in the past, his dick hadn’t been interested.
Because other women weren’t Winter.
“I’m happy for you,” he said.
Coming from a large family—four adult siblings from his father and mother, and another four with his father and Serenity, his former nanny—he knew the importance of having people in his corner.
He hadn’t appreciated what he had when he was younger. After he’d graduated high school and before leaving for college, he’d been discovered by a talent agent while hanging out on a movie set courtesy of a friend’s father. Going across the country had appealed to him because home was chaotic. He had four young siblings, and he needed space and quiet to figure out who he wanted to be. He wasn’t shallow, but the Hollywood lights had beckoned. He’d loved the life… until it grew old, and he missed his family.
“Thanks. That means a lot that you’re happy for me.” Winter smiled but she appeared tired. There were dark circles under her eyes that she’d tried to hide, and it was obvious the wall she was leaning against held her up. He hoped Nikki and Asher returned quickly with food.
“What about the senator?” he asked, keeping the conversation flowing. “Have you heard from him since you told him who you were?”
She winced. “And trashed his marriage and chances for the presidency?”
Harrison touched Winter’s shoulder, offering comfort. “You didn’t cause any of that. He had the affair, and his wife did the rest. You just told your truth.”
She nodded. “I appreciate you thinking that way. And Harrison, thank you for checking in… you know, after it all happened.”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” In fact, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her and wondering how she was holding up under the strain.
“We’re back!” Nikki and Asher strode up to them. Nikki had appetizer plates in her hands while Asher held the drinks.
“Oh, good. Winter, here.” Nikki held out a plate to her sister. “This is tea-smoked duck, whatever that is.”
Winter’s eyes opened wide, and she shook her head. “No thanks.” Her pale face turned even whiter. “I’m really not feeling well. I need to go home.”