Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85274 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85274 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
She stares at the image closely then barks out a laugh. “He totally does.” She sets the picture down on the island and looks at me. “How are you doing?”
It’s Friday, and I’ve spent the week at Lincoln’s since he insisted that I stay with him so he can keep an eye on me because of my high blood pressure—which has been doing better. While he’s made sure the fridge is stocked and we’ve eaten a few times together, he’s also avoiding me.
“I’m okay.” I shrug. “I need to find somewhere to live.” I sigh, and Sienna quirks her head to the side, picking up on the uneasiness I’m feeling.
“Obviously you can afford a place, so what’s wrong?”
“Being here dredges up old memories I wish to leave in the past,” I admit. “I know one event shouldn’t change the entire course of my life, especially since the people involved are all dead, but I can’t help feeling like this town is tainted. At least in California, I could live in denial. Here, not so much.”
Sienna nods in understanding. “For a few years, I refused to drive on the side of town where the warehouse was. It’s been turned into a shopping plaza, but when I go by it, all I see is that day.”
“I never should’ve gone to see Eleazar.”
“You were trying to protect us,” she says, placing her hand over mine. “We were going to run, and I was going to have to leave Micah behind, and all you wanted was to stop that from happening. We’ve always had each other’s backs, El. You believed in Micah and me before I did, and you couldn’t have possibly known what that crazy psycho woman was going to do. None of us blames you. Hell, I wouldn’t have the family I have, if it weren’t for you.”
I blame me...And I always will. But it’s pointless to argue. Sienna only ever sees the good in me.
“Is everything set for London’s party?” It’s taking place at the indoor water park on Sunday, and despite having to be in the same vicinity as Lincoln, I’m looking forward to spending the day with my nieces in the water, even if I can’t go down the good waterslides.
“Yep. She’s excited.”
A beep sounds through the room, and a second later, the front door opens, and Micah and Lincoln are sauntering inside while they talk business.
“There’s my beautiful wife,” Micah says when he sees Sienna and I are sitting in the kitchen. He palms her cheek and gives her a kiss that borders on inappropriate, and I can’t help but wish, not for the first time, that I was loved and adored the way my sister is.
I look away to give them their privacy, and my eyes land on Lincoln, standing in the corner, staring at me with a mixture of heat and lust in his gaze.
Ever since I returned home and he found out I’m pregnant with his baby, he’s been hot and cold. First, ignoring me for weeks. Then, on my birthday he went from sweet—going to the doctor with me and then taking me for lunch—to taking me on the counter and couch and again in the shower. The next morning, he was cold again, obviously having regretted what went down between us the night before.
Honestly, I was shocked he let it happen at all. But then again, from what Sienna told me, he was very much attracted to his mystery woman, Liz, when he didn’t know she was me. Between Valentine’s Day, my birthday night, and the other day in the bathroom when he almost took me on the counter, it’s clear Lincoln wants me, but he doesn’t want to want me because I’m so much younger than him, and he believes that’s a definitive line he shouldn’t cross.
And since I’m the one who created this awkward as hell situation by getting knocked up, I feel like I don’t have a leg to stand on. But at the same time, I’m not about to become his doormat.
Which is why I need to find my own place, so the temptation will be gone, and we can focus on co-parenting because that’s what’s most important—the little gummy bear in my belly who I’m determined to make sure has two loving parents and a better life than I ever had.
“Micah, stop,” Sienna says through a giggle. “I’m having coffee with Ellie. Go run your empire.”
Micah chuckles. “I’d rather run you straight to bed.”
“Ugh, so cheesy.” Sienna shakes her head. “Go away so we can have our girl time.”
“Actually,” I say, standing and clearing my throat. “I need to get going anyway.” I force a smile on my face. “I’m beginning my house hunting today.” I don’t actually have any appointments scheduled, or a realtor hired, but how hard can it be to find someone to show me some places that are for sale?