Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27565 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27565 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“You’re an amazing paralegal, Marns, so I know you’re going to do great at your new job. But be careful, okay? Law firms are notorious as difficult places to work, and I don’t want you getting trampled somehow.”
“Oh, I won’t get trampled,” Marnie says with a sweet smile. “I’ll be totally fine! I’m happy to work overtime, and you know how lawyers are. They’re so handsome and charismatic in those expensive Armani suits.”
I nod because I’ve seen Mr. Gibson and Mr. Grant in the papers, and absolutely, yes. The two men look jaw-droppingly delicious in their perfectly-cut dark suits with their blazing blue eyes and silver-streaked hair. But still, I’m worried.
“Don’t go crazy,” I warn.
“What are you talking about?” Marnie says rolling her eyes. “I have no idea what you’re thinking, Avalon. Seriously.”
“Okay, okay, sorry,” I say with my hands up in a placating gesture. “It’s the pregnancy,” I fib in a light tone. “I think I already have mommy brain from all the junk food I’m consuming day and night.”
Marnie immediately brightens.
“Sounds like mommy brain could be fun then,” she giggles. “Tell me what you’re eating. Cheetos, right? Also, Doritos, Lay’s, and don’t forget Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels. Mmm, the honey mustard ones are sooo good. I’d also throw in pickles on pizza, an entire carton of ice cream, an entire loaf of sourdough—”
“An entire loaf of sourdough?” I squeal with mirth. “I wish!”
“I would eat it,” Marnie says with a sly grin. “I got hooked on sourdough during the pandemic, and the addiction never let up. I eat at least a loaf a week, but because you’re pregnant, you have the perfect excuse to eat an entire loaf in one day!”
We laugh hilariously then as the conversation switches gears. Still, I’m worried about Marns because something just doesn’t seem right about her new job. Still, I need to focus on me, and my own insane situation. As if in reminder, I feel a flutter on my belly and go stock still. Was that the child kicking? Marnie’s jabbering on about peanut butter now, and I take a moment to quietly slip a hand across my belly, out of view of the camera. It’s far too early for the baby to be kicking, much less for me to feel anything, and yet excitement fills my heart because I want to be a mommy to Liam Carrington’s child … even if the billionaire’s forsaken us already.
10
Liam
Oh shit. I know I’ve fucked up, and my nerves are on edge as a result. It’s been about a week since I got home and discovered the positive pregnancy test next to my dinner plate, and since then, everything’s gone from bad to worse. I’m not sure why, either, except I know that Avalon’s moved back to her old apartment, and I’m here to confront her on her motives.
After all, she was living in the lap of luxury at my mansion. I get that not everyone loves having a huge place because you tend to rattle around like loose change when there’s only two of you. Still, life at the estate is comfortable, and although the curvy girl isn’t materialistic at all, she availed herself of the pool, library, and sauna when she was home. So why re-locate to this sagging apartment complex on the other side of town, and especially when she’s pregnant? Avalon was welcome to stay with me, and to have every luxury at her fingertips.
Now I’m here, and I need answers. Grimly, I trudge up the sidewalk towards the complex before mounting the outdoor stairs to the second level. The place looks like a down-on-its-heels motel, with a sagging roof, crumbling concrete, and grayish lawn outside. But I’m here, and I need answers.
Stopping in front of 2F, I take a deep breath before raising my hand to knock assertively on the door. There’s no answer, and I rap again. Still no answer. Then, I pound on the door with both fists, wondering if she’s home when suddenly, the door opens. Avalon is staring at me, looking a little miffed, and I can see why. She’s dressed in a bathrobe, her skin damp and glowing from a recent shower. Her hair lies in golden tangles, and it’s obvious that I’m disturbing her.
“Sorry,” I apologize immediately. “I should have called first.”
She stares daggers at me.
“Yes, you should have. But now, I’m out of the bath, so what do you want?”
I hesitate before holding out a package.
“I got you some fancy shampoo and conditioner,” I say. “It’s the brand that you use when you’re at my house.”
Avalon stares at the bag in my hand with suspicion, but then grudgingly takes it before stepping back to let me in.
“Thanks,” she says in a curt tone. “Feel free to come in, but make it quick.”
I wince slightly at her words, but Avalon doesn’t see my expression because the gorgeous blonde has already moved further into the apartment. The place isn’t much more than a shabby living room with a stove, sink, and fridge against one wall, as well as a door to a bathroom still wafting warm steam. But I don’t care because I’m not here for the furniture; I’m here for her. Patiently, I fold my massive form onto the couch and then grimace. Damn, I can almost feel the springs through the thin cushioning.