Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
And what were the chances he’d be another Noah and take the news as a shock, but once he wrapped his head around it, in stride? What if he blamed her for saddling him with a kid? She was more than capable of being a single mom without his help but the family connection made things tricky.
Blowing out a breath, she picked up her bag, and the tray of cookies she’d bought at a bakery before leaving the city, then exited the car. She strode up the walkway and let herself into the house, as directed by Fallon. The sheer scale of the place overwhelmed her, as did the wealth she knew they had. Though not ostentatious, the structure was massive, with a gatehouse and pool in the back. It was a far cry from how she’d grown up in a small, run-down house her father rarely kept up.
Noise sounded from the rear of the house and Charlie headed in that direction, walking into a massive family room filled with people. Before she could say hello to anyone, and the entire family appeared to be there, the girls ran up to her.
“Lizzie made pigs in a blanket!” Dylan said. “Want some?”
“Did you know pigs eat humans?” Dakota asked.
At the statement, Dylan’s eyes filled with tears. “Mommy, is that true?”
She glanced at her other daughter. “Dakota, that’s enough,” she said, before turning to Dylan. “Did Wilbur eat Charlotte?” she asked.
Dylan sniffed. “No.”
“Well then. Bring me a hot dog. We can each have one.”
“Okay!”
“Whew. Subject changed,” she said aloud.
Laughter followed that statement and she found herself saying hello to everyone, hugging some she’d met at the wedding, and overall feeling welcome, for which she was grateful.
She turned and bumped into the one person she hadn’t said hi to yet. “Jared.”
“Hello, Charlotte.”
He stood close, his nearness a jolt to her system. He smelled familiar and sexy. It was all she could do not to lean into him, inhale the same arousing, masculine scent he’d had on at the wedding.
Catching herself, she smiled at him. “Hi. How have you been?”
“Busy with work and keeping my father in line. So basically, the usual,” he said, his gaze raking her over, studying her and taking her in, and her body heated with awareness. “I heard you’re back for good.”
“Someone has been talking,” she mused. Or has he been inquiring about me? she wondered but wouldn’t ask. “I came home a couple of weeks ago and I’m staying in a hotel until I can find a place to move. I want to be near Noah so the back-and-forth with the twins is easy on us both.”
“That makes sense,” he said.
“Hi, both of you,” Fallon said, joining them, Noah by her side.
“Hi.” She turned to Fallon. “Thanks for inviting me. The girls were so happy and I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure. So, I couldn’t help but overhear you talking about needing a place to live. I was going to discuss this with you anyway, so here goes. Especially with both of you here,” she said.
Noah put an arm around Fallon’s shoulder. “What are you thinking?” he asked his wife.
“Just that Jared owns three apartment buildings near where you live.” Fallon met her brother’s gaze. “Do you have any open ones? The building where you live is the closest.”
And Charlie was sure it was the most expensive.
Jared raised an eyebrow. “Actually, I think there is. I’ll check with my manager.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I’m sure it’s out of my budget,” she said, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.
Noah stepped over to her. “Can we talk?”
“Umm, sure.” She followed him to a private spot in the hall.
Once they were alone, he began to speak. “Listen, I know you want to be independent and you don’t want to take more from me than I insist for the girls. But the fact is, you being nearby benefits everyone.”
“I know but—”
He shook his head. “No buts. Having a safe place to live will make me feel better, and not just when the twins sleep over. If we’d married and divorced, you’d be entitled to alimony. Just because we co-parent doesn’t mean I can’t help out.”
She closed her eyes, hating that he was right. She’d rather live somewhere safe for the girls’ sake, not to mention her own. The places she’d seen listed were far from ideal. Small space, not comfortable for her daughters. Even the neighborhoods bordered areas where she wouldn’t want the kids playing outside.
“Okay, but I won’t take advantage. I have savings and I know one of my résumés will pan out. I have solid experience.”
He smiled. “I’m not worried about you finding a good job. You’re excellent at what you do.”
“Thank you, Noah. You’ve always been more than generous. I hate feeling like a burden. The girls are your concern, I shouldn’t have to be.”