Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
She slid her hand under the blanket, stroking my morning wood. “Maybe we have time for you to make your point.”
I groaned at the feeling of her hand on me. “You might be late.”
“My first appointment is at ten.”
“I’m supposed to be at the garage at eight.”
“Oh well.”
I rolled her over. “I’m about to be late, and you’re about to be very noisy.”
“Is that right?”
I grinned down at her. “Guaranteed.”
“Prove it,” she whispered.
And I did.
Twice.
CHAPTER NINE
Dom
Idrove into Toronto Friday afternoon, my stomach in knots, my grip on my steering wheel too tight. Part of me dreaded this meeting, hearing Halton Smithers tell me there was nothing I could do and I needed to move on. I was sure I would never move on from trying to see my son. I hoped Halton would at least give me the name of another lawyer I could use. A way to fight the restraining order and get a chance to see my son.
I parked behind Cherry’s building and walked into the salon. She was cleaning up, and she met my gaze with a soft smile. She walked to me, her dress swirling around her calves. The deep green set off her coloring, and her hair was swept off her face in a loose knot, tendrils dancing around her face and neck.
“You look so handsome,” she whispered, rising up on her toes to press a kiss to my mouth.
I glanced down. I wanted to make a good first impression. I had showered and changed from my usual jeans and T-shirt. I had swapped out dark dress pants and a button-down shirt. Loafers. I didn’t go so far as a tie. I hated those things and only wore one when necessary.
“Thanks,” I replied. “You look beautiful.” I offered her a tight smile, my nerves stretched to the limit.
She cupped my face. “It’s going to be fine,” she assured me. “Halton is going to help. I can feel it.”
I squeezed her hand. “I’m afraid to hope.”
“I know. But I’ll be right beside you.”
I touched her cheek with our clasped hands. “That’s why I can do this, Cherry G.”
“I’ll get my purse.”
“Okay.”
Halton’s law office was large. Impressive. His assistant Rene escorted us to the boardroom. Halton’s wife, Fiona, came in to say hello. She was a pretty woman with startling silver-white hair, considering her age. She shook my hand, her warmth and friendliness evident.
“Cherry G tells me you work here with your husband.”
She laughed, the sound pleasant. “Cherry G. I love that. I help Halton and Rene out. I work for BAM part time and here on occasion.” She rubbed her baby bump. “When I’m not busy baking another baby for Halton to spoil.”
Cherry laughed with her. “Remind me when you’re due?”
“Not for another eight weeks. I swear I get bigger every time.” She smiled at me. “This is number three.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you. Now, can I get you some coffee? Water?” She paused. “Scotch?”
“I’ll take one of each.” Halton Smithers walked in, stopping beside his wife. He pressed a kiss to her head. “But Rene will fetch them. You get off your feet.”
We shook hands, each sizing the other up. Halton Smithers was tall with broad shoulders. I was certain his suit cost more than my rent for six months, and he wore it well. His hair gleamed under the lights, and his dark-blue eyes were intelligent and shrewd. But kind. He greeted Cherry with a kiss on the cheek and indicated for us to sit at the large table.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like Fiona to sit in with us. She’s been helping me investigate. She’s bound by the same confidentiality as I am.”
“I have no problem with that.” Cherry trusted her and Halton, so I did as well.
Rene came in, carrying a tray. Water, coffee, and even the scotch and glasses were on it. He slid it on the table and left, returning right away with a tray of sandwiches. “In case anyone is hungry.” He eyed Fiona with a knowing look. She grinned at him then looked my way.
“I’m always hungry these days.”
Cherry smiled in amusement. “I remember that stage.”
Halton pushed the tray toward his wife. “Eat,” he said, his adoration evident in his voice. “Please help yourself. I know it’s dinnertime, so I think we can all have a sandwich and take a moment to get to know one another.”
I accepted a cup of coffee but refused a sandwich. I eyed the scotch but decided to wait. I needed a clear head. Halton wolfed down two sandwiches quickly, offering a rueful laugh. “I was in court this afternoon. No lunch.”
He poured a cup of coffee, then a finger of scotch into two glasses, pushing one my way. “You look as if you need this, Dominic.”
“Dom.”
He nodded. “Dom, it is.” He tapped the familiar box Rene had carried in a few moments ago. “First off, let me say, I wish all my clients were as meticulous as you are in keeping records. It was easy to go through and gave me exactly what I needed to know and determine the best course of action.”